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Professional Writing

Added as a minor to any major, professional writing tells employers you are ready to communicate clearly, effectively, and ethically. Sharpen your writing and editing skills while you learn how to choose the best modes of communication, manage writing and editing projects, and learn how to motivate readers with your words. The minor is designed for flexible scheduling, with required courses offered alternately on campus and online.

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Professional Writing

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Degree Level
Minor
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online
Credit Hours
18 Total, 18 in Major
Careers
Language, Postsecondary, Teachers, Proofreaders, Markers
Professional Writing students at EIU

Why Study Professional Writing at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on courses with projects for real clients + supported internship placements
  • Build writing and editing skills for digital environments as well as print
  • Choose online or on-campus courses for the core of the minor to maximize the learning method you prefer
  • Demonstrate to employers that you will be an excellent communicator, a skill that is consistently in demand by employers in all sectors
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Build a portfolio of client projects through our sequence of project-based courses
  • Earn professional experience during (optional) internship with personalized support from our internship coordinator
  • Prepare for the details and realities of the job market before you graduate in English 4060, English Studies Career Development
  • Make connections each fall at Handshaking Night, where a dozen or more former English majors working in different fields share their professional journeys
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Professional Writing students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Minor in Professional Writing combines classroom instruction with practical experience to teach students how to communicate effectively in professional environments. Through client-based projects and an optional internship, students build a professional portfolio that demonstrates their writing, editing, design, and research skills to prospective employers.

View in Catalog
$78,270
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • English Language & Literature…
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Proofreaders & Copy Markers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Social

Connect With Us

Terri Fredrick
Professor of English
tafredrick@eiu.edu
Coleman Hall 3070
217-581-2428
Terri Fredrick Message Terri

Message Terri

or email tafredrick@eiu.edu directly
Angela Vietto
Professor of English and Chair, Department of English
arvietto@eiu.edu
3341
217-581-2428
Angela Vietto Message Angela

Message Angela

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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