Writing

The Bachelor of Arts degree in writing offers students numerous practical opportunities to develop their talents and prepare for challenging careers in a variety of fields. The writing major is primarily designed for students intending to enter the workforce immediately following college graduation. Lakeland graduates with a degree in writing have gone on to become successful newspaper reporters, web designers, environmental writers, and project managers in advertising and public relations. Some writing majors also go on to graduate school and law school.

Writing majors enroll in a variety of writing courses to gain a broad background in the discipline, everything from technical writing and news writing to nonfiction writing and screenwriting. In small classes that create intimate, peer-to-peer critique and utilize real world project-based assignments, students develop close bonds with their peers, enhance skills in team collaboration, and practice the rigors of writing on deadline. Writing majors typically join the staff of The Mirror, Lakeland’s online student newspaper, and gain additional practical experience through internships for local newspapers, radio stations, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

Students who have completed a B.A. in Writing from Lakeland University should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of key terms, histories, forms, and structures of several genres of writing.
Present work clearly and professionally when writing within different genres.
Master the conventions of Standard English.
Compose original works in accordance with professional, industry, or graduate school expectations and standards.
Work both independently and within a community of writers.
Demonstrate work habits necessary for successful careers within the writing profession.
Apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings (e.g., internships, The Mirror, Seems, etc.).

Professors: Karl Elder and Jeff Elzinga
Associate Professor: Joshua Kutney

Assistant Professor: Jodie Mortag

Programs

Major

Writing, B.A.

Minor

Writing Minor

Courses

Writing