This minor provides students with opportunities to learn and apply advanced strategies for writing academic, professional, and civic documents. Students examine the theoretical, interdisciplinary, and professional aspects of writing and develop their expository, persuasive, organizational, and stylistic skills through close analysis of rhetorical situations and the features and approaches of successful writing. The strong communication and analytical skills developed while earning this minor contribute to student success in a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate education.

The minor is a valuable asset for students interested in working in media organizations, trade and professional associations, and non-profit organizations related to the arts, schools, and social change. It is also beneficial to students interested in careers in business, science, engineering, accounting, and many others that demand strong writing and communication skills for promotion and advancement.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: PTW

(Formerly: PW)

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 15

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses

ENGH 388Professional and Technical Writing3
Total Credits3

Capstone Experience

Select one of the following:3
Advanced Technical Writing
Internship (with permission of minor coordinator)
Total Credits3

Electives

Students must take 3 electives: either 3 ENGH courses, or 2 ENGH courses and 1 elective from outside the department.9
English Courses
Web Authoring and Design
Rhetoric and New Media
Introduction to Writing and Rhetoric
Rhetoric of the Essay
Editing for Audience, Style, and Voice
Forms of Nonfiction
Creative Nonfiction Writing
Technical Editing
RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core)
Document Design
RS: Writing Nonfiction for the Public (Mason Core)
Topics in Writing and Rhetoric
Proposal Writing and Development
Interdisciplinary Courses
Writing for Artists (Mason Core)
Writing for Designers (Mason Core)
Writing across the Media
Business and Professional Communication
Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace
Digital Communication
Professional Preparation for STEM Disciplines
Psychology of Communication (Mason Core)
Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core)
RS: Story Design for Computer Games (Mason Core)
Health Communication
Total Credits9