Professional Writing and Communication

About the Program

Students become flexible and ethical writers and communicators through the Professional Writing and Communication (PWC) major. Faculty in the Professional Writing and Communication Program are committed to working together to provide students with a liberal arts education that is enhanced with practical experiences such as internships and service learning opportunities that prepare students to earn a living as writers. The major is cross-disciplinary in order to give students the tools to communicate in writing, through graphics, and orally.

A PWC Major should...

• have taken high school prep classes such as advanced writing and reading classes;
• have been involved in high school activities such as the newspaper, drama, forensics, or the yearbook;
• possess strong grammar and writing skills;
• have strong reading skills.

Clubs & Organizations

• The Spur (SMSU student newspaper)
• Perceptions Literary and Arts Journal
• The English Club
• Forensics

Visit Catalog

• Bachelor of Arts: Professional Writing & Communication (PWC)

Activities

• The Spur (SMSU student newspaper): a chance for students to practice writing for the campus audience
• Writing Center: upper-class students are eligible to become tutors
• Scholarship/Mentorship: allows students to work one-on-one with SMSU faculty while receiving tuition reimbursement
• Perceptions: a literary and arts journal for students to have their works published
• The English Club: students attend regional and national writing conferences, as well as plan writing-related events
• Readings and Open Mic Events: students may read their own writing or hear the writing of nationally-known writers
• Marshall Festival: opportunities to see numerous readings, panels, and discussions with regional and nationally-known authors, as well as volunteer to work in various aspects behind-the-scenes
• Creating Spaces: students serve as the first-tier judges for an annual creative writing contest for 3rd to 12th grade students in the 18-county region

• Journalism
• Advertising
• Grant Writing
• Technical Writing
• Software Publishing

• Periodic and Book publishing
• Computer Systems Design
• Corporate Communications
• Corporate Training
• And many more!

Continuing Education Opportunities

• Law School
• Medical School
• M.A. in Creative Writing or Technical Writing
• M.A. in Medical Writing
• M.A. in Education with English Emphasis
• MBA
• Post-baccalaureate Certificates in Various Fields

Contact Information

English Program - Office

BA 221, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

• Telephone: 507-537-7155
• Fax: 507-537-6815
• Email: epshdept@smsu.edu

"Having worked in three completely different industries (engineering, philanthropy, and health care), I truly believe the PWC major has been a major contributor to my success in each. The exposure to a variety of professional documents and disciplines while in school made me adaptable when switching industries, job titles, or learning new technology. I would highly recommend the PWC major to anyone interested in writing or communication in a professional setting."