Whatever your major—from English to engineering, from mathematics to music—good writing matters to your success both in school and after you graduate.
Through the Minor in Professional Writing and its capstone internship, you prepare to address the various kinds of writing needed in today's digital-age workplace, gain meaningful work-world experience, and add valuable credentials to your résumé. The minor’s coursework, designed to complement any undergraduate major, utilizes a portfolio of electives from across the university’s curriculum.
The Minor in Professional Writing’s 15 semester hours of coursework include writing courses that can be taken across several departments. Its capstone is the Internship in Professional Writing, which will give you a hands-on writing experience at a local business, nonprofit, government agency, or other professional organization.
Recommended Order of Courses (15 total credit hours):
- 2367: any department (second-level writing course)
- Group A Elective, at least one from this group: English 3304, English 3305, English 3405, English 3467S:
- Group B Elective, additional electives: Ag. Comm. 4130 or 5135; Ag. Systems Mgmt. 2305; Aviation 2200; Comm. 2210, 2221, 2321, 2511, 3334, 3404, 3629, 4202, or 4511; Constr. Syst. Mgt. 2305; English 2268, 2269, 2276, 3271, 3379*, 4569, 4570, 4572, 4573.01, 4569, 4574, or 4567S; Engineering 4401 or 4402; Theatre 5331 or 5961; or a second course from Elective 1 list above.
- English 4150: Cultures of Professional Writing
- English 4189: Capstone Internship in Professional Writing
Capstone Internship in Professional Writing (English 4189)
The capstone to the professional writing minor, the Internship in Professional Writing, gives you the opportunity to practice your skills in a work-world setting at one of more than 200 Mansfield-area workplaces. Through your internship, you will:
- gain meaningful, hands-on writing experience
- enhance your professional writing portfolio
- develop professional references and contacts
- network with Columbus professionals and other students who have a passion for writing
How Does It Work?
After an interview and a rigorous review of your writing portfolio, we work with you to find an internship placement that matches your professional goals with the needs of our workplace partners. During your internship, you work with writing professionals for 7-8 hours a week for the 14 weeks of the semester. You also attend the weekly classroom component of English 4189, where you will get support for your activities in the workplace.
We also work closely with the workplace partners to ensure that your internship experience includes mentoring, direction, and substantial professionalization of your writing.
What Do I Need to Do?
Before you can be placed in an internship, you’ll need to complete at least 9 credit hours of program coursework, including 2367, at least one elective; and English 4150. You will apply and prepare for your internship during English 4150.
Questions? Don't hesitate to contact PWM Program Coordinator, Kelly Whitney (whitney.69; 419.755.4044); English Coordinator, Dr. Cynthia Callahan (callahan.138; 419.755.4242); or Advisor Chris Cover-patterson (coverpatterson.1; 419.755.4135).