Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Professional Writing for New Media
Many students have exceptional writing talent but are unsure how to turn these talents into a viable job. Grand Canyon University (GCU) developed our Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media degree program as a foundation upon which writers can build a successful career in a constantly changing media landscape.
Learn the Art of Writing for Evolving Media Platforms
The term new media encompasses a vast landscape, referring to communication areas that have developed in recent years, including online video, email, social media, websites, blogs and multimedia. As media platforms continue to evolve, the art of writing for these new media outlets must also change.
In the on-campus or online professional writing degree program, new media majors learn to:
- Balance engagement with concision in social media
- Create multi-media works using creative applications to tell meaningful stories
- Understand why videos are important tools in storytelling
- Produce and post their own work using GCU’s multi-media lab
Develop Industry-Wide Business and Communication Skills
The BA degree in Professional Writing for New Media offers students opportunities to develop hard skills in a variety of industries, preparing you to work in professional writing career paths, including:
- Business communications
- Journalism
- Technical or grant writing
- Public relations
- Publishing
- Social media
- Technical writing
- Television
As digital and social media grow in importance, so do the opportunities for those equipped with new media writing skills. Professionals who are skilled in creating new media can look forward to many interesting and exciting opportunities, as careers in the professional writing field are highly promising in today’s job market.
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Study Professional Writing Techniques and Modern Content Marketing Concepts
As a new media major, you will be prepared with overarching writing skills you can apply across any content marketing role. As you progress in the program, you will learn to combine abilities in persuasive messaging with area-specific tactics to compose effective communication in any writing platform.
Careers in Professional Writing for Graduates With a New Media Degree
Pursuing a career in professional writing can open the door to evolving, entertaining and impactful positions. In this career, you are able to strengthen organizations and communities through your words.
Potential job titles with a degree in professional writing for new media include:
- Editor
- Grant writer
- Journalist
- Social media content writer
- Web content writer
- Author
- English or literature teacher
In GCU's campus or online professional writing degree program, new media majors will graduate having developed a personal portfolio composed of outstanding writing work completed in and out of class. Graduating with a refined portfolio can give you a competitive edge and displays your distinct talents to potential employers.
Turn your passion for writing into a rewarding career. Apply for GCU’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media program today.
BA in Professional Writing for New Media Degree FAQs
Writers often have a mix of formal and informal training. 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. If you are seeking writing skills that can be applied across many different industries and mediums, earning a professional writing degree is worth considering.
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 help hone your language skills and find your voice.
New media in journalism is any professional online communication that tells a story. These stories are told using multimedia tools, such as videos, podcasts, blogs, websites, social media platforms, email and online forums.
At GCU, the campus and online professional writing degree requires 120 credits to completion. The courses in the campus program are generally 15 weeks, whereas the online courses are seven to eight weeks. As a bachelor’s program, the professional writing new media degree will take about four years to complete as a full-time student.
Technical writing and creative writing serve two different purposes, but both can have the same end result — to get readers to take action. 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. New media majors will study 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 prevent miscommunication among coworkers. You can effectively demonstrate your knowledge and gain credibility within your company. Professionalism, both in writing and in person, also shows others courtesy and respect. Earning a professional writing degree will help you build the skills you need to be a person others want to listen to.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces students to multiple professional writing disciplines. Students gain experience in writing for typical professional writing genres and gain working knowledge of professional writing styles. This course provides students with practical, procedural knowledge that helps them write in multiple contexts to appropriate audiences. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
This writing intensive course focuses on creative copywriting techniques to develop advertising campaigns for print and multimedia channels. Students enhance persuasive writing skills to create compelling and ethical advertising campaigns that are competitive in the industry. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: ENG-106.
Course Description
This foundational studio course focuses on developing visual style and production workflows in the creation of raster- and vector-based graphics using industry-standard technologies. Students apply color theory and composition skills to create complex illustrations and advertisements. Multiple input sources are combined to create both original and derivative content: camera, scanner, mouse, tablet, traditional media, and stock photography. Students practice acquiring work at the correct PPI, retouching, tonal correction, and color profiling to create images compliant with industry standards. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate imagery by analyzing audience needs, which is then applied to developing creative and original work. Students also learn how to legally acquire stock imagery and the ethical obligations in its manipulation. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop, mouse, and subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu.
Course Description
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of writing breaking news and feature stories. Learners acquire the skills to understand the foundations of journalistic history, ethics and Associated Press style. Students originate, research and write news stories. Through readings, discussion, and attention to accuracy, students learn how to exercise these skills wisely in new media. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop and subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: ENG-105, ENG-106, PRW-100.
Course Description
This course examines the processes, purposes, and practicalities of grant writing with an emphasis on communication between funding sources and grant seekers. Students learn about funding sponsors and their concerns, the parts of grant proposals, and techniques for successful grant research and writing. The course culminates in the students’ completion of a grant proposal. Prerequisite: ENG-105, ENG-106.
Course Description
This course exposes students to the various types of writing tasks utilized by Public Relations professionals. In addition to enabling students to write with clarity and skill for various media and contexts, this course encourages students to use strategy, creativity, and critical thinking in composing public relations material. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop and subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
In this course, students learn to identify news, develop story ideas, conduct research on stories, write in a journalistic style, and report information in a variety of media. Prerequisite: PRW-301 or ENG-105.
Course Description
In this course, students explore creative writing through an examination of craft and strategies, readings and discussion, writing across the major genres (poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction), and the editorial process, which includes critiquing and revision. In addition, students consider the application of creative writing techniques to arenas in the professional writing world. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course provides an overview of technical writing and focuses on the production of informative practical texts such as instructions, manuals, and process descriptions. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop and subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
This course exposes students to advanced journalism skills, concentrating on long-form journalism. Using the best practices of nonfiction, students adapt heavily researched stories to media platforms that integrate video, audio, photography and text. Technology requirement: Students are responsible for providing their own laptop and subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud software. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: ENG-105, ENG-106, PRW-301.
Course Description
This writing intensive course prepares students to interpret scientific ideas for lay audiences. Drawing from best practices of writers from popular sources such as magazines, news articles, blogs, and other forms of popular writing designed for wide consumption, students learn to convey scientific ideas through various genres for various purposes and audiences. Prerequisite: ENG-105.
Course Description
This course critically surveys the broad competencies and understandings covered in the major, critically analyzes ethical issues in the writing professions, considers intersections between worldviews (particularly Christian worldviews) and the rhetorical and communications professions, and facilitates the creation of student portfolios of material and résumés/curriculum vitae. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisites: ENG-381, ENG-365, and ENG-466.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.