Writing

Writing Undergraduate Minor

About the Minor in Writing

Expand your communication skills with a minor in writing.

Students in all majors benefit when they can write clearly and effectively. The writing minor at PennWest California teaches you to compose written works with clarity and style.

Students in this 18-credit college writing program learn the processes for writing in various genres, such as:

  • Business writing.
  • Science and technical writing.
  • Journalism.
  • Creative writing.
  • Scholarly writing.

This hybrid writing program includes on-campus and online courses. The minor in writing can be combined with any academic major at PennWest California.

Good writers have a competitive advantage.

Consider this: Most prospective employers form a first impression based on the writing in your cover letter and resume. Once you’re hired, written communication has a place in every occupation, especially as workers move into management roles.

Whether you’re building a future in business, technology, healthcare, science or the arts, the minor in writing at PennWest California can help you stand out and get ahead.

In the meantime, PennWest California’s writing minor gives you the tools you need to solve writing problems in your coursework – and the ability to approach college writing assignments with skill and confidence.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Writing Minor

Top Faculty: Students who choose the writing minor learn from published writers. For example,  Dr. Brent House is the author of The Saw Year Prophesies, a collection of poetry published by Slash Pine Press; his collection The Lightered Prophesy was a finalist for the Colorado Prize for Poetry. Dr. Christina Fisanick’s memoir, The Optimistic Addict: Recovering from a Binge Eating Disorder, was published by MSI Press, and she is co-authoring a second book, Digital Storytelling and Public History.

Career exploration: Students in the writing program may find internships that build skills in business writing, political communication, technical writing, journalism and other fields. PennWest California's Career and Professional Development Center helps students connect with potential employers through networking events, job shadowing opportunities, on-campus recruiting, job and internship fairs, and organizational visits.

Learn about applying

 

18 
Credits required to complete a writing minor at PennWest California.
$48K 
Median annual salary for writers, according to payscale.com.

 

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Benefits of the Minor

Developing skill in writing allows you to express yourself clearly and concisely. Capable writers are likely to do better on papers assigned by their professors. Students who produce excellent written work also have greater access to publishing opportunities.

 
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Graduate Outcomes

Students who complete writing programs have an edge in the workplace, where the ability to produce effective reports, memos and other written documents may lead to career advancement. Writing skills also increase opportunities for community service and allow you to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

 
Minor in Writing
Writing students type on computers.

Find Your Niche

After you complete the two composition courses required for the writing minor, you can explore a variety of genres, including technical, scientific, business, academic and creative writing. You’ll choose four writing courses that fit best with your academic major, your personal interests and your academic schedule.

A student works on a project in the Writing Center.

Added value

A minor in writing can add to your college experience and help your resume stand out. It demonstrates your interest in developing critical thinking and effective communication skills that complement your major field of study.

Writing Courses

Curriculum

Course Credits
Required Courses 6
ENG 102  English Composition II 3
ENG 375  Advanced Writing 3
   
Writing Electives
(Select four courses from the following) 
12
ENG 211  Business Writing 3
ENG 217  Scientific and Technical Writing 3
ENG 345  Grammar and Usage 3
ENG 346  History of the English Language 3
ENG 347  Introduction to Linguistics 3
ENG 376  Creative Writing: Fiction 3
ENG 377  Creative Writing: Poetry 3
ENG 378  Creative Writing: Drama 3
ENG 419  Internship in Professional Writing 3
ENG 452  Advanced Study in Rhetoric and Composition 3
CDC 355  Media Writing I 3
ENG ___   Additional Course as Scheduled 3
   
Total 18