Minor in Professional Writing

The department of English offers a Minor in Professional Writing. The goal of the program is to provide students from all disciplines with the high level of skills required to succeed as professional writers and Web professionals in the high-technology sectors of science, business, industry, government and the professions. The emphasis in the program is on using new media to solve problems of professional communication. Graduates of the program will be able to produce documents in both printed and Web-based form, using the latest and most appropriate new media technologies. The program is open only to students who concurrently pursue a Major or Honours degree.

More information about the Professional Writing Minor is available at <web.uvic.ca/pwengl>.

Application to the Program

Admission to the program will normally be after the student’s second year of study; students who plan to apply should take the appropriate prerequisites. Students applying for the Minor must have:

• an average grade of B or better in the prerequisite writing courses (see below) and a B average overall, OR
• permission of the Director of Professional Writing

Prerequisite Courses

Before declaring the Professional Writing Minor, students must take 3 units from the following courses, with a grade of B or better in each course: ENGL 101, 115, 135, 146, 147, 181, 182, 215, 225; ECON 225; ENGR 240.

Program Requirements

Students must complete ENGL 303: Copy Editing for Professional Writers (1.5 units) and an additional 7.5 units of courses from those listed below for a Minor in Professional Writing.