B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.A. in Professional Writing
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Professional Writing at York College of Pennsylvania offers a specialized program for students aspiring to become skilled communicators across diverse professional fields. This program emphasizes developing the ability to produce high-quality written work for various contexts, ranging from technical and business writing to journalism and digital communication. Students gain expertise in crafting impactful messages for specific audiences, utilizing both traditional and digital media. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to explore areas like publishing, rhetoric, editing, and technical communication, ensuring graduates possess versatile and highly marketable communication skills.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Professional Writing provides a robust foundation in the theory and practice of effective writing. Core required courses typically include "Research Methods in Writing Studies," "Teaching and Tutoring Writing," "Language and Linguistics," "Publishing," and "Editing and Style," culminating in a "Senior Seminar in Writing" or "Capstone Research Seminar." Students also delve into specialized areas through a "Professional Writing Track," which may include courses like "Rhetorical Theory," "Civic Rhetoric and Writing," "Digital Writing: Theory and Practice," and "Document Design: Theory and Practice." A foreign language requirement further enhances cultural understanding and communication abilities. The program balances theoretical learning with extensive hands-on experience in producing various types of professional documents.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Professional Writing program at York College is applied and geared towards effective communication strategies. Students develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills to inform their writing, learning to gather information, analyze audiences, and understand the rhetorical contexts of various writing situations. This involves researching preferred styles and conventions within specific organizations and career fields. The program fosters an understanding of how research methods support the creation of effective professional documents, whether for business, technical, or journalistic purposes. Students might engage in projects that involve audience analysis, usability testing of documents, or studying the impact of digital communication strategies.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the Professional Writing program, providing abundant opportunities for real-world application and career preparation. Students gain practical experience through challenging internships, working as editors and producers of media, or by applying their skills to writing projects in the community and across campus. Many majors work as paid tutors in the Writing and Communication Studio, assisting other students with their projects. The program also facilitates opportunities to engage with visiting writers and participate in workshops, providing exposure to industry professionals. These hands-on experiences, combined with a strong emphasis on developing marketable communication skills, prepare graduates for immediate entry into various communication-heavy fields.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Professional Writing program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a global perspective by recognizing that effective communication transcends national and cultural boundaries. The curriculum's emphasis on rhetoric, audience analysis, and cross-cultural communication (even if not a specific course, it's embedded in understanding diverse audiences) prepares students to navigate the complexities of global communication. In an interconnected world, professional writers often create content for international audiences, collaborate with multinational teams, and address global issues. The program's focus on adaptable writing skills, digital communication, and understanding diverse contexts equips graduates to thrive in a globalized professional environment, where clear and culturally sensitive communication is paramount.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Professional Writing is designed to produce highly versatile and skilled communicators, equipped for the demands of the modern workplace. The program emphasizes practical application, critical thinking, and adaptability across various media and industries.
Technical Writer: Creates clear, concise, and accurate documentation for complex products, services, or processes. This includes user manuals, online help guides, FAQs, white papers, and instructional materials for software, hardware, or scientific fields.
Copywriter: Develops compelling and persuasive text for advertising, marketing campaigns, websites, brochures, and other promotional materials. This role focuses on engaging audiences and driving specific actions, often in advertising agencies or corporate marketing departments.
Content Strategist/Manager: Plans, develops, and manages content initiatives across various platforms (websites, blogs, social media) to align with an organization's business goals. This involves understanding target audiences, SEO, and content performance metrics.
Editor (Book, Magazine, Web, or Corporate): Reviews, revises, and polishes written material for clarity, accuracy, grammar, style, and consistency. Editors work in publishing houses, media companies, or within corporate communications departments.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages communication between an organization and its public, crafting press releases, media kits, speeches, and social media content to shape public perception and maintain a positive image.
Digital Media Specialist: Creates and manages content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and multimedia presentations. This often involves a blend of writing, visual communication, and understanding digital trends.
Grant Writer: Researches, writes, and submits proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, or corporations for non-profit organizations and academic institutions. This requires persuasive writing and meticulous attention to guidelines.
Corporate Communications Specialist: Manages internal and external communications for a company, drafting internal announcements, employee newsletters, executive communications, and ensuring consistent messaging that aligns with corporate values.
UX Writer/Content Designer: Focuses on the language used in user interfaces of websites, apps, and software. They craft microcopy, error messages, and onboarding instructions to guide users and improve their overall experience.
Journalist (Digital/Freelance): Researches, writes, and reports on current events, features, or specialized topics for online publications, blogs, or as an independent contractor, leveraging strong research and narrative skills.
