Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media

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Overview

Embrace the Art of Professional Writing for New Media Platforms

The term “new media” encompasses a vast landscape, referring to interactive forms of communication that are reliant on digital technologies. New media platforms include online video, digital newspapers, email, social media, websites, blogs and multimedia.1 As media platforms continue to evolve, the art of writing for these new media outlets must also change.

The growth of new media can present exciting opportunities to those who are passionate about pursuing a career involving professional writing. Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media offers a comprehensive survey of new media technologies and best practices in writing for these digital, potentially interactive platforms. 

This professional writing degree teaches technical skills and strives to nurture creativity so graduates can be prepared to make their own mark on the world. In the professional writing courses, you will not only examine professional writing techniques and publication technologies but also have opportunities to produce your own work in our multimedia lab.

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Why GCU

Earn Your Professional Writing Degree From GCU

Many students have exceptional writing talent but may be unsure of how to turn this talent into a viable career. The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media was developed to serve as a foundation upon which writers may build a writing career in a constantly changing media landscape.

In the professional writing degree online or on campus, new media majors are taught to: 

  • Balance engagement with concision in social media
  • Create multimedia works using creative applications to tell meaningful stories
  • Evaluate why videos are important tools in storytelling
  • Produce and post their own work
Male professional writer working on laptop and jotting down notes

Complete Your Professional Writing Degree Online or on Campus

At GCU, you can earn your professional writing degree online using our interactive digital learning platform, which allows you to access course materials from virtually anywhere. You’ll be able to engage in discussions with your peers and instructors online and benefit from the same quality of curriculum and instruction as our on-campus students. 

We also offer a vibrant campus culture that encourages student participation in our many clubs and activities for an ideal school-life balance. You’ll have opportunities to forge friendships and build the beginnings of a professional network while you complete your professional writing degree on our campus in Phoenix. In addition, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded Christians and have opportunities to participate in our on-campus worship activities.

Coursework

Study Professional Writing Techniques and New Media Marketing Concepts

As a new media major, you will have opportunities to practice writing skills that may be applicable to a range of careers. In particular, you’ll examine curriculum pertaining to content marketing, with a look at best practices in advertising campaigns. As you progress in the program, you will be taught to combine persuasive messaging with area-specific tactics to compose effective communications for any writing platform.

New Media Strategies and Skills

The goal of this professional writing degree is to teach core competencies across multiple domains. You will examine new media strategies and skills in areas such as public relations and communications, journalism and technical, scientific and creative writing.

Public Relations and Communications

Public relations and communications courses give hands-on practice in public communications strategy, striving to instill competencies in advertising copywriting, integrated communication tools and client relations.

Journalism

Journalism teaches you the fundamentals of writing breaking news and feature stories. Concentration on adapting to integrated media platforms may help position you for certain jobs in the current marketplace.

Technical, Scientific and Creative Writing

Technical, scientific and creative writing courses teach the use of different voices and styles with the aim of empowering graduates to make an impact on their field through the power of language.

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a Professional Writing Degree for New Media

Pursuing a career in professional writing may open the door to a variety of positions. Language has the power to communicate messages that inspire, inform, enlighten or ask thought-provoking questions. For those who are passionate about language, there are an array of career possibilities. With a firm foundation of competencies in professional writing and new media technologies, individuals may choose to pursue positions such as: 

  • Journalist
  • Grant writer
  • Social media specialist
  • Copywriter
  • Public relations specialist
  • Content strategist

All types of industries rely on communications specialists. Some industries in which professional writers may pursue employment may include:2,3 

  • Healthcare
  • Tourism/travel
  • Higher education
  • Human resources
  • News and entertainment
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Corporate business
  • Nonprofit organizations

New media majors are required to develop a personal portfolio comprised of writing work completed in and out of class. Graduating with a refined portfolio may prepare you to pursue employment, as it displays your distinct talents to potential employers.

Accreditation

Professional Writing Courses at an Institutionally Accredited University

At GCU, we strive toward academic excellence so that our students can graduate fully equipped to make a positive difference in their communities. We are proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media Degree FAQs

Before choosing a professional writing degree, take some time to research the field and what you can expect from your academic journey. The following FAQs and answers can provide a starting point.

Female writing on laptop with the bible beside them

Start Your Journey Today

Pursue your passion for writing as you forge your purpose for the future. Apply for GCU’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media program today.

Apply Now

1 Drew, C., PhD. (2023, Oct. 1). 13 Examples of New Media. HelpfulProfessor.com. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

2 Birt, J. (2023, June 29). 15 Popular Writing Careers. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

3 Sebek, R. (n.d.). 5 Industries That Will Hire Freelance Writers. Freelance Writing. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

4 Indeed. (2023, Oct. 17). How to Become a Professional Writer in 8 Steps (with FAQs). Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

5 GeeksforGeeks. (2020, Sept. 17). Difference Between Technical Writing and Creative Writing. GeeksforGeeks. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

6 Bradford, J. (2019, Jan. 29). Why Writing Ability is the Most Important Skill in Business (and How to Acquire it). Forbes. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

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