English General Education Requirements

Students must complete the General Education Requirements  .

Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements  :

• The following courses will fulfill the Communication Intensive requirement for students enrolled in each of the four emphases: Literary Studies–courses having CI designation (such as ENGL 5300  ); Professional and Technical Writing–ENGL 3400   and ENGL 4400   (both required); English Teaching–ENGL 4500   and ENGL 4510   (both required); Creative Writing–two courses having CI designation (ENGL 4420  , ENGL 4430   or ENGL 4440  ).
• Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from each of the following categories: Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) and Social Sciences (DSS)

Credits in Residence

Students must complete 21 credits of major-applicable coursework at Utah State University.

Course Requirements

Core/Explore Requirements (9 credits)

Students must complete 9 credits of exploration courses. Students must choose one course from each section: culture, literature, and writing. 

Students should complete the exploratory requirements as early as possible.

Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.75 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010  , ENGL 2010  , CLEP, AP, etc.); 2.75 USU cumulative (including courses taken for another USU major); 2.75 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative; 2.0 career total

Minimum Grade Accepted: C in courses taught by major, B- in ENGL 1410  , ENGL 3400   and ENGL 3410   (up to 3 credits with pass/fail grades allowed for internship)

Number of required credits:42

Other Requirements: Grammar Challenge Exam (score of at least 80 percent) or ENGL 1410   

This emphasis prepares students for career opportunities in various writing-related careers in professional organizations.   The emphasis consists of: (1) a theoretical foundation in rhetoric and linguistics, enabling students to assess writing situations and meet the rhetorical exigencies they will face in the workplace; and (2) writing practice in a variety of contexts with a range of technological tools, preparing them to design, write, and edit professional documents.

Students begin their studies by completing two introductory professional writing courses familiarizing students with professional writing and the current technologies used in all levels of text production.  These courses,ENGL 3400  and ENGL 3410  , are prerequisites for the rest of the major and must be passed with a grade of B- or better for the student to continue in the program.  In addition, students will take two courses addressing rhetorical issues and research methods in professional communication, as well as one course in linguistics.

Students then take five major courses, including professional editing, document design and graphics, interactive media, and publication production and management.  Students may also take courses focusing on more specific forms of writing, such as proposals, newsletters, and computer documentation.  We encourage and can help procure internships, which provide students with an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences in a variety of organizations.  Students complete the program by taking a capstone course, in which they design and construct portfolios, explore professional opportunities, and prepare to begin their careers.  For more information, visit the Professional and Technical Writing  website:http://techcomm.usu.edu/.

Note:  As soon as possible, students in this emphasis should acquire a mastery of word processing and desktop publishing programs.