Professional writing is a valuable skill in any career, helping you present ideas clearly, whether it's a tweet, an essay, a news story or a business presentation
What is professional writing?
The field of professional writing involves developing transferable skill sets in oral and written communication that prepare you to excel in any professional environment. The ability to communicate complex information clearly and accurately to diverse audiences is integral in many industries, from business to technology to law.
Why study professional writing at UNH Manchester?
Designed with your career in mind, the professional writing minor at UNH Manchester prepares you with the skills and experience to become an accomplished digital-age communicator. This highly interdisciplinary minor introduces you to the many genres of professional writing, providing opportunities to practice your skills in an internship setting. Courses span the areas of English, communication arts and computing, and might include classes such as Media Writing, Digital Creative Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, Social Media for Organizations and Business, Introduction to Computer Applications and Mobile Computing. Focusing on the applied writing skills that today’s employers look for, this minor adds value to any degree.
Potential careers
- Advertising executive
- Author, copyeditor, copywriter or journalist
- Corporate communications manager
- Creative director
- Digital entrepreneur
- Grants manager
- Managing editor
- Marketing or public relations director
- Public information officer
- Technical writer
Curriculum & Requirements
The interdisciplinary minor in professional writing introduces you to the many genres of professional writing, providing opportunities to practice your skills in an internship setting.
Courses span the areas of English, Communication Arts, and Computing, and include classes such as Media Writing, Screenwriting, Professional and Technical Writing, Social Media for Organizations and Business, Introduction to Computer Applications, Mobile Computing, as well as others.
For more information, contact Susanne Paterson, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, and minor supervisor.
Students must complete 22-24 credits for the minor. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C- unless otherwise specified, and a 2.0 overall GPA in courses used for the minor is required. A maximum of two transfer courses (3 or 4 credits each) may be applied to the minor. No more than 8 credits used by the student to satisfy major requirements may be used in the minor.Students should select courses from the following subject areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: 1 | 12 | |
ENGL 501 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | |
ENGL 502 | Professional and Technical Writing | |
ENGL 534 | 21st Century Journalism: How the News Works | |
ENGL 621 | Newswriting | |
ENGL 631 | Digital Reporting | |
| Communication Arts Courses | ||
| Select at least one of the following: | 4 | |
CA 500 | Media Writing | |
CA 512 | Screenwriting | |
CA 514 | Fundamentals of Video Production | |
CA 542 | Social Media for Organizations and Business | |
| Computing Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 4 | |
COMP 415 | Mobile Computing First and For Most | |
| Internship | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2-4 | |
UMST 500 | Internship | |
Another discipline-based internship approved by the minor supervisor | ||
| Total Credits | 22-24 | |
- 1
Other courses may fulfill the requirement by permission of the minor supervisor.
