Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media Degree
Many students have exceptional writing talent but are unsure how to turn these talents into a viable job. Grand Canyon University developed our Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media program as a foundation upon which writers can build a successful career in a constantly changing media landscape.
What Is New Media?
The term new media encompasses a vast landscape, referring to communication areas that have developed in recent years, including online video, streaming audio, email, social media, websites, blogs and many more.
The BA in Professional Writing for New Media offers students opportunities to develop hard skills in a variety of industries, preparing them to work in areas including:
- Business communications
- Creative writing
- Journalism
- Marketing and advertising
- 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 skilled in creating new media can look forward to many interesting and exciting opportunities, as the field is highly promising in today’s job market.
Learn How to Professionally Write for New Media
GCU's new media degree prepares students with overarching writing skills they can apply across any discipline. As they progress in the program, students learn to combine abilities in persuasive messaging with area-specific tactics to compose effective writing in any domain.
- Public relations and communications courses give hands-on practice in public communications strategy as well as marketing, equipping students in advertising copywriting, integrated marketing communication tools and client relations.
- Journalism exploration provides students with the fundamentals of writing breaking news and feature stories. Concentration on adapting to integrated media platforms prepares students for jobs in the 21st century.
- Technical, scientific and creative writing courses empower students to use their skills in a wide variety of domains, providing graduates with advanced expertise and a powerful understanding of language's ability to make an impact.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in New Media Degree?
Pursuing a career as a professional writer can open the door to evolving, entertaining and impactful positions. In this career, you are able to strengthen organizations and communities through writing.
Potential job titles include:
- Editor
- Grant writer
- Journalist
- Marketing and advertising copywriter
- Public relations specialist
- Publisher
- Screenwriter
- Social media content writer
- Web content writer
In GCU's new media degree online program, every student 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 students a competitive edge and displays their 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.
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-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 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
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 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. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 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
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 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 course is an introduction to the basic elements of design and processes of visual communication using graphic tools standard in the industry. The focus is on mastering pixel, vector, and layout tools to demonstrate two-dimensional graphics, images, symbols, color theory, typography, and composition. 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.
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 PR and advertising 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 advertising and public relations material. 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: 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. 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.