2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Writing
Requirements
Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in writing. The writing major totals 42 credits.
B.A. and B.S. Degree Requirements
B.A. Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in writing requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language of the student's choice.
B.S. Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in writing requires the following:
- CIS 238 - Internet Media and Programming (3 credits)
- ENG 261 - Foundations of Language Study (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
Core Courses
Requires 12 credits, including:
- WRT 200 - Introduction to Professional Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 210 - Introduction to Style (3 credits)
- WRT 219 - Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 253 - Document Production and Design (3 credits)
Note: Students should do their best to complete the four previously listed courses in the first two semesters as a major because
- the advanced WRT courses generally require some of the core courses as prerequisites;
- the core courses introduce students to a wide range of areas that could help them choose the better path as a major; and
- students cannot complete an internship or take the Capstone without first completing these four courses.
Modules
Students must choose three of the following eight modules and complete two courses in each (18 credits).
When selecting three modules, think about which ones might help shape you as the writer you need to be for your future career. If you are uncertain about which modules might best support your career goals, consult with your faculty advisor. If you are uncertain what your career goals are, it would be good to talk with your faculty advisor or contact the GVSU Career Center.
If you take a course in a module and decide the module is not for you, or perhaps change your career goals, you may use the single course to count toward the elective requirement.
Working with Writers and Manuscripts
Style and Technique
Poetry Writing
Fiction Writing
Writing for the Web
Writing with Technologies
Nonfiction Writing
- WRT 360 - Intermediate Creative Nonfiction (3 credits)
- WRT 460 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction (3 credits)
Writing for Global and Local Users
- WRT 354 - Writing in the Global Context: Culture, Technology, and Language Practices (3 credits)
- WRT 358 - User Experience Writing (3 credits)
Elective Courses
The writing electives offer you further flexibility to design your curriculum to suit your future career. For example, you can choose WRT courses that are not part of the modules listed previously. In some instances, you may be able to choose elective courses that also count towards completion of another major or minor. Be sure to verify this by talking to advisors in both disciplines.
Choose any two from the following (six credits):
- Any WRT module course other than those being used to complete the module requirement.
- WRT 350 - Business Communication (3 credits)
- WRT 365 - Intermediate Magazine Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 465 - Advanced Magazine Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 380 - Special Topics in Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 381 - Writing and Sports (3 credits)
- OR any two preapproved writing electives from the approved list.
- OR two advisor-approved interdisciplinary electives. Talk to your advisor prior to selecting courses.
Internship and Capstone Courses
Requires six credits.
Students must be in senior standing and have completed all the core classes before taking the Capstone. An internship is something that needs to be planned well in advance. Be sure to review the WRT Internship Guide to learn more.