The English department offers a traditional option in English, which provides a general liberal arts education emphasizing literature, critical thinking, and writing, as well as a pre-professional creative writing option and a Professional Writing Certificate.

—Minor in Professional Writing
The professional writing minor involves 18 credit hours of course work.

CORE COURSES (6 credits):
Engl 301—Writing and Rhetorical Conventions
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
     or Engl 403—Technical and Professional Writing ESL
Engl 461—

ELECTIVE COURSES (12 credits from among the following):
Engl 255—English Grammar
Engl 256—Introduction to Syntax and Semantics
Engl 300—Computers in English
     or Engl 354—History of the English Language
Engl 355—Multimedia Authoring: Exploring New Rhetorics
Engl 401—History of Rhetoric
Engl 405—Advanced Professional Writing and Editing
Engl 478
Engl 498—Internship


—Certificate in Professional Writing
To earn the professional writing certificate, students must complete the following five courses (15 credit hours) with a minimum 3.0 GPA:
Anth 350—Speech, Thought, and Culture
Engl 301—Writing and Rhetorical Conventions
Engl 355—Multimedia Authoring: Exploring New Rhetorics
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
Engl 498—Internship (must be taken only after the other four courses have been completed)

For required courses in the bachelor of arts in English, see the English field of study Web site.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

The Department of English offers undergraduate scholarships from four different endowed funds, most providing $1,000 tuition stipends annually. In addition, all English majors may apply for University-level scholarships and for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

• Strong reading and writing skills, or a willingness to develop such skills
• Interest in language, literature, and culture
• Interest in how discourses can persuade, convey ideas, and define culture

An English degree provides excellent preparation for careers that demand good professional or creative writing skills, or for teaching secondary school or pursuing graduate degrees.