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Department of English

The Princeton Review 371 Best Colleges

Bachelor of Arts (English Major with professional writing)

Professional writers work in editing and publishing, the sciences, computer science, medicine, environmental studies, telecommunications, government, the arts, and just about any field in which people must interpret and use information. Professional writers help individuals solve problems by writing and editing documentation such as grants, proposals, and manuals, designing and creating web sites and brochures, shooting and editing videos, and much more. As a professional writer, you will be an indispensable part of today's information society.

Professional writing is a field that is expected to grow quickly. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, professional writing and editing positions are expected to grow 10% or more between 2006 and 2016. Online publications and the rapid growth of technology ensure that professional writers will be in demand for decades to come.

And aside from the job opportunities, professional writing at ASU is fun! Through the Angelo State University Student Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) we offer opportunities for networking with technical communicators working in academics and in industry, social events, opportunities to learn more about the field as well as tutorials to learn some of the skills and tools that you will need to be successful in your career. See our web site or visit our Facebook page for more information on the exciting events that we have planned for this year!

English majors may specialize in professional writing by selecting the following advanced courses from the major program:

*3351 or 3352, whichever was not selected to fulfill the basic course requirements, may be taken to fulfill the advanced English course requirement.

Other Requirements
English 1301, 1302, 2329, and 2000-level literature of your choice 3
Communication 2301 3
Computer Literacy (Animal Science 1351, Communication 2345, Computer Science 1331, Education 2323, Business Computer Information Systems 1305, Journalism 2345, Music 2353, University Studies 2323) Journalism 2345 or Communication 2345 strongly recommended 3
Government 2301 and 2302 6
History 1301 and 1302 6
Mathematics 1302, 1303, 1311, 1312, 1321, 1332, 2331, or 2332 3
Natural Science (two lab sciences: biology, chemistry, geology, physical science, physics) 8
Physical Activity 1
Social Science (economics, geography, psychology, sociology) lower division 3

Modern Languages 2311 (Spanish 2310 or 2311), 2312 (also 1301, 1302 if necessary)

6-12

Minor

18
Electives 28-34

The above plan meets all core curriculum and Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The BA degree with a major in English requires a minimum of 130 semester credit hours, a minimum of 39 advanced (junior and senior level) semester credit hours, and a minimum of 33 semester credit hours in residence (24 of which must be at the advanced level).

Students should work closely with their advisor to plan a degree program that best fits individual needs and goals.

 

Non-English and non-business majors who choose a minor in English may specialize in professional writing by selecting the following advanced courses:

*Qualified students or those with credit for MIS 3393 may substitute English 4361: English Grammar or 4358: Advanced Composition with department permission.

 

For information about a minor in English with a specialization in professional writing for Business majors, please visit our link for this specialization.

To find out more about professional writing, visit the following links:

Society for Technical Communication
Purdue University OWL: Professional Writing Resources
National Association of Science Writers
Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students
International Association of Business Communicators
American Medical Writers Association