Earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Professional Writing at GCU – Online & On-Campus

GCU’s Bachelor of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Professional Writing degree program prepares students for successful writing careers in the 21st century. In addition to professional writing, students will study the core competencies of literature and informational texts, as well as rhetoric and composition. Exploration in these areas will allow students to develop advanced writing skills, enrich their critical thinking and analysis skills and enhance their understanding of the English language as a whole.

The BA program is designed to help graduates reflect on ethical dilemmas in professional and non-professional situations, relating to human dignity and value. Students will see the the power and ramifications of language choice and communication styles, as well as explore how artistic and literary expression influences and reflects society. Additionally, students will apply principles and perspectives of the Christian worldview within professional and creative writing, in order to express a personal worldview within their writing. A bachelor’s degree in professional writing allows students to develop the array of skills necessary to be successful in the professional world.

Gain Hands-On Experience with a BA in Professional Writing Degree

While completing their degree, students explore multicultural literature and creative writing in the professional world, while enhancing foundational knowledge in the study of English. Courses cover writing in both business and media contexts. Students also have out-of-class opportunities such as creative writing and other workshops. The student-driven journal StartleBloom allow students to practice what is being taught in classes and get their own work published.

Students in the professional writing BA program learn to adapt to a multitude of writing contexts and audiences within different genres and will learn how to improve communication among people of diverse backgrounds. Students in the program will gain experience in communicating abstract ideas, such as science writing, to the general public. Collaborative work within classes allow students to evaluate and provide constructive criticism of other’s work, giving them hands-on experience with both editing and adjusting their own work in response to feedback.

This writing-intensive program leads students to proficiency in diverse styles of writing and course topics cover a wide range of themes. These include analyzing both American and multicultural texts from various genres, emphasizing narratives of cultural encounter. Other course topics include:

• The Art and Craft of Creative Writing
• Writing for Advertising and PR
• Multi-Media Journalism in the 21st century
• Argumentation and Advocacy
• Technical Writing

Pursue Your Purpose in Professional Writing

A bachelor of arts degree in English with an emphasis in professional writing will equip students to move their career forward. Coursework prepares students to write for specific business and organizational settings in the modern workplace. The program culminates in an overarching capstone class during which students will develop a diverse portfolio showcasing their writing to use as a tool for entering the job marketplace. Portfolios and skills allow graduates to move into the fields of communication and writing. Students will go through the process of text composition and preparation for professional publication, becoming prepared to do the same in the professional world. Students will be able to pursue careers in:

• Journalism
• Publishing and editing
• Technical writing
• Nonprofit and grant writing
• Social media
• Broadcast (for TV, radio and podcast)
• Science writing for the general public
• Public relations
• Advertisement and marketing