Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
We're here to help.
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.
Since there are many specific careers within the field, the requirements to become a professional writer can vary depending on the chosen specialization. In general, a writing-focused degree may be helpful. Some writers choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English, specializing in technical or creative writing. Others may choose a journalism or communications degree.4 If you are seeking writing skills that can be applied across many different industries and mediums, earning a professional writing degree is worth considering. GCU’s professional writing program offers a variety of courses for a thorough exploration of content creation for multimedia channels.
If you love to write about a broad range of topics, or if you are still exploring your niche, then a degree in professional writing may be for you. As a professional writing new media major, you will be exposed to various writing styles, content platforms and industries to provide opportunities to hone your language skills and find your voice.
New media in journalism is any professional online communication that tells the facts of a story. Journalists write and publish their work using multimedia tools, such as videos, podcasts, blogs, online newspapers, and even social media platforms.1
Technical writing and creative writing serve two different purposes. Technical writing is written to inform in a concise, formal and logical manner. Creative writing, on the other hand, is meant to entertain and educate, mainly through emotional connection and storytelling.5 New media majors will explore both forms of writing.
Professional writing skills are important for anyone who uses written communication in their career. When you have strong writing skills, you can help provide clarity and get your message across. Whether your goal as a writer is to encourage the reader to buy a product, inform an audience about current events or evoke a certain emotion, clear writing is the key to organizing your thoughts and communicating your message.6
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.
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:
All types of industries rely on communications specialists. Some industries in which professional writers may pursue employment may include:2,3
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.
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.
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.
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 courses give hands-on practice in public communications strategy, striving to instill competencies in advertising copywriting, integrated communication tools and client relations.
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 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.
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.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
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.
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.
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:
