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.