Explore how writing works in the world! Digital, Public, and Professional Writing conveys the importance and power of writing in a variety of professions and for diverse public audiences. In completing this course of study, students conduct academic and organizational research to compose in a range of genres across media, from creative nonfiction to digital composition, and from science writing to editing and publishing. Students may choose from suggested paths or create their own path through the minor to hone the critical skills and rhetorical awareness necessary for effective communication in their chosen careers. Internship opportunities are available with a growing list of community partners.
English majors may choose a concentration in Digital, Public, and Professional Writing, following a specific path outlined under Digital, Public, and Professional Writing Concentration in the Undergraduate Catalog.
More information about the minor and a complete list of courses is available in the UA Undergraduate Catalog: Digital, Public, and Professional Writing.
Those interested in internship opportunities, contact Serena Blount, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, bloun002@ua.edu.
Paths in Digital, Public, and Professional Writing
The Digital, Public, and Professional Writing Minor has several suggested paths, but these paths are suggestions, not requirements:
Editing and Publishing*
EN 200 Intro to Creative Writing or
EN 201 How English Works
EN 307 Special Topics in Applied Creative Writing: Publishing
EN 310 Special Topics: Copyediting
EN 319 Technical Writing
EN 383 Book and Print Design
Science and Health Writing*
EN 200 Intro to Creative Writing or
EN 201 How English Works
EN 319 Technical Writing
EN 381 Science Writing
EN 384 Grant Writing
Pick one relevant and approved elective in English or elsewhere.
Writing for Advocacy*
EN 200 Intro to Creative Writing or
EN 201 How English Works
EN 309 Expository Writing
EN 313 Writing Across Media
EN 384 Grant Writing
EN 455 Special Topics
* An internship can serve as a substitute for any course at the 300 or 400 level.
Explore Current Course Offerings in Digital, Public, and Professional Writing
Featured Students
Here is what some students in Digital, Public, and Professional Writing are doing on campus and professionally.
Dr. Harris asked me to create a presentation evaluating the growth opportunities for Crossroads on LinkedIn and YouTube. While this was originally intimidating, I have relied on my digital, public, and professional writing coursework to guide me in these tasks, and I have now excelled in them.
Lauren Herba
English Intern, Crossroads Civic Engagement Center: Civic Learning Lab
Read more about Lauren’s experience as an intern.
I chose to pursue a Digital, Public, and Professional Writing minor to strengthen my writing skills in order to apply them towards my professional endeavors. In the world of public relations, having a background in various aspects of writing, including press releases, website development, social media copy, feature/article writing, and more, is crucial. The courses that I have taken for this minor so far have deepened my knowledge in every aspect of writing, and I have been able to utilize those skills directly in my work through Capstone Agency.
Anna Conway
Public Relations Major & VP of Client Development at the Capstone Agency
Read more about Anna’s work at the Capstone Agency.