Professional Writing and Editing

With a BA or BS degree in Writing Studies, you will learn to translate complex information into clear prose for diverse audiences and analyze how information flows through organizational structures. As you apply these skills in a capstone internship with a local business, non-profit, or government agency, you will see your writing come alive.

Regardless of what subjects you're interested in and what careers you're considering post-graduation, the BA degree in Professional Writing and Editing or the BS degree in Scientific and Technical Writing will improve the writing and communication skills that employers value.

When choosing between the BA degree in Professional Writing and Editing or the BS degree in Scientific and Technical Writing, individuals typically consider the path that most closely matches their future plans. The BA degree is well suited to students who are interested in the needs of an increasingly global society and want to make a difference as writers or editors for nonprofits, government agencies, and other professions. The BA's emphasis on rhetorical, cultural, and linguistic competencies also prepares students for advanced academic work in a range of fields, including the humanities and legal studies. The BS degree is well suited to students who have an interest in science, healthcare, or technology and want to pursue professional careers where they convey complex topics clearly to the public. The BS degree also prepares students for the writing and research skills they need for advanced academic work.

Students who earn a degree in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences must complete the University requirements, the College requirements for their specific degree program, and their major requirements. Both the BA in Professional Writing and Editing and the BS in Scientific and Technical Writing are SpeakWrite certified programs.

4+1 Option

Qualified students pursuing a BA or BS in Writing Studies may earn up to 12 hours of graduate credit during their junior and senior year.  These credits can count toward the master's program in Professional Writing and Editing, enabling them to complete their M.A. in one year following their undergraduate degree.

Minors

All students have the possibility of earning one or more minors; follow the link for a list of all available minors and their requirements. Please note that students may not earn a minor in their major field.

Publications

Calliope, a publication of WVU student writing, is sponsored by the Department of English and the English Honorary and Club.

Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review, publishes outstanding research articles, literature reviews, and policy briefs principally authored by undergraduates of any major at West Virginia University. MURR is a student-led publication housed within the West Virginia University Office of Undergraduate Research. 

Resilience is a digital, peer-reviewed journal of the Environmental Humanities. It provides a forum for scholars from across the humanities disciplines to speak to one another about their shared interest in environmental issues and to engage in an evolving conversation about what the humanities contributes to living and thinking sustainably in a world of dwindling resources.

• Must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for general admission.
• Must meet English Proficiency or request conditional admission and admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP).
• Please be advised that some Engineering majors may reach capacity and therefore will be restricted from entry.
• For direct admission to some colleges and majors, SAT or ACT scores are required and must be sent to WVU directly from the respective testing services. Please review the program requirements. For all other majors, international students are encouraged but not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, if available. SAT/ACT scores are useful for determining scholarship eligibility.
• WVU welcomes applications from students with IGCSE and O-Level Certificates from an approved UK exam board for admissions consideration. We require a minimum of five subject passes, of which two must be English and Mathematics. The average of the grades must be at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). A passing grade in the subject of English will be accepted as evidence of sufficient English ability.

1. Review the admissions requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements (scores are for undergraduate levels only) and our undergraduate application deadlines.
2. To apply for an on-campus program, complete either the WVU Application or the Common App and include the nonrefundable fee of $65.
   
   WVU Application The Common App

   To apply for an online program, use the steps for WVU Online Campus applicants.

3. Have your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Duolingo English Test scores sent to WVU.
4. Send the following information to WVU:
   • Copies of all official academic records/transcripts in original language of issue (transcripts from U.S. institutions must be sent to WVU directly from the institutions).
   • Copies of all academic certificates or diplomas in original language of issue.
   Note: Original or certified copies of official records/transcripts must be submitted after admission or upon arrival.
   • English translations of academic records/transcripts and certificates/diplomas.