Program(s) Available: B.A., B.S., Minor
Being an effective communicator is one of the most in-demand skills in today's job market. If you are a creative thinker, interested in language or the writing process, this major in writing may be for you!
Writing majors at Northwest learn how to compose content that inspires, communicates, solves problems and seeks truth. Students in Northwest’s writing majors work across the spectrum of writing studies—from writing professional reports to writing poems. Northwest students are not canalized into a strict genre of writing, such as news media, creative writing or technical writing. Rather, we’ve designed a major to help and challenge students to grow into flexible, effective, communicative writers.
When employers make hiring decisions, they seek smart people who write well. Northwest’s writing major is like cross-training for today’s job market. You will receive professional training without an expiration date—a liberal arts degree that prepares you for your first job after college and every job after that. We think studying writing is excellent preparation for life as an artist, scholar, citizen and professional—all the things you should be when you finish a rigorous undergraduate education at a supportive university and all the things you need to succeed in contemporary life.
Want to strengthen your writing and communication skills but you aren't a writing major? Northwest has you covered! A certificate in professional writing could be just what you are looking for.
Students will practice writing in many forms, including workplace writing, literary writing, professional writing and more.
A minor is required with both programs.
The emphasis in professional writing has been designed for students interested in coursework and professional careers in technical writing, publishing, communication and business management.
A minor is required with this program.
The emphasis in creative writing and publishing has been designed for students interested in coursework and professional careers in editing, writing, translation, publishing and communication.
A minor is required with this program.
A minor in writing complements any major of which study is enhanced by improved written expression. The minor includes electives in mass media and a range of advanced study opportunities in creative writing, professional writing, popular media, rhetoric and language. The minor requires the completion of 24 credit hours.
Career ready
Writing with a professional writing emphasis
“I knew I liked reading in my free time, so I threw myself into the writing major and it was the best thing that I’ve done.” — Vilune Sestokaite
The Laurel Review is a bi-annual magazine of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction produced by Northwest students. Students gain professional publishing experience where they read, judge and edit manuscripts for publication. For more info, check out their Instagram.
