Writing Studies

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Whether it be in a creative, technical or professional context--compelling writing impacts the world. Learn to think critically and creatively and to write effectively for a variety of purposes in a wide range of genres.

Writing Studies prepares you to be verbally and visually literate, encouraging your growth as a learner, citizen and professional. You can choose to specialize in either Creative Writing or Technical Communication.

In this major you will learn to:

  • Write in multiple genres for diverse audiences.
  • Apply writing and communication design skills in multiple contexts and for a range of purposes.
  • Develop an effective and self-aware writing process from invention to production.
  • Collaborate effectively in writing and information design.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of writing in creating knowledge through artistic expression, critical inquiry and applied research.
  • Develop the ability to learn, adapt and use technologies and new media essential to their lives and careers.

Affiliated Faculty

Dr. Bill Kunz, TWRT Major Coordinator

Bill Kunz

Professor

Professor Alison Cardinal

Alison Cardinal

Lecturer

Professor Ruben Casas

Rubén Casas

Assistant Professor

Professor Sarah Chavez

Sarah Chavez

Lecturer

Professor Michael Kula

Michael Kula

Associate Professor

Professor LeAnne Laux-Bachand

LeAnne Laux-Bachand

Lecturer

Jacob Martens

Jacob Martens

Lecturer

Professor JM Miller

Ever Jones

Lecturer

Professor Annie Nguyen

Annie Nguyen

Lecturer

Professor Sushil Oswal

Sushil Oswal

Associate Professor

Professor Emma Rose

Emma Rose

Assistant Professor

Professor Riki Thompson

Riki Thompson

Associate Professor

Career Options

The major in Writing Studies provides students with solid skills for seeking employment involving writing, including careers in education, publishing, public relations, grant writing and marketing. 

Creative Writing Track

The Creative Writing track is a distinctive literary arts program that emphasizes engaged writing in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. The core of the creative writing program at UW Tacoma is innovation and its commitment to intersections with a variety of academic programs, as well as its foundational value of interdisciplinarity. With a sustainable core curriculum and contemporary-themed courses, students are offered multiple pathways to explore the literary arts both in and beyond the classroom.

Students on the creative writing track are part of an intimate community of peers dedicated to each other’s learning and expression in intersecting creative genres. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to meet local and national writers through reading series and visiting writers, while learning from core creative writing faculty who publish in their fields.

Opportunities for professionalization are available not only in writing, but also editorial and event planning for the university’s newspaper, The Ledger, and literary journal, Tahoma West. The UW Tacoma student group, The Wordlings, offers on-campus community, while local literary organizations and open mics enrich student experience in creative writing around the Puget Sound. This program provides a strong educational base for those who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, as well as offering professional advice for those interested in other fields of study or careers.

 

Technical Communication Track

Develop skills needed to communicate complex information in a way that is usable, compelling and grounded in user-centered design. Learn how to identify audience needs and make changes based on applied research. 

Courses in writing, research and technical topics emphasize real-world design projects as you develop creatively and collaborative problem-solving skills.

The Technical Communication track positions you for careers in technical writing, user experience (UX) and usability as well as other fields where scientific and technical writing plays a central role. Gain professional experience through internships and working with community partners.

Writing Studies Prerequisites

The following lower-division prerequisites will be necessary for declaring the Writing Studies major. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for each prerequisite course.

Writing Studies Degree Requirements

For the Creative Writing Track, you need to complete 60 credits. You need to earn 45 upper-division credits and 45 credits of School of IAS courses to meet degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.

For questions about the Writing Studies major, contact an academic advisor.

Writing Studies - Creative Writing track degree requirements

  • List A: 10 credits, foundational courses
  • List B: 20 credits, creative writing courses
  • List C: 15 credits, literature breadth
  • List D: 15 credits, technical/professional communication breadth

Writing Studies - Creative Writing track course lists effective Autumn 2017

List A: Foundational Courses (10 credits total)

List B: Creative Writing Courses (20 credits total)

At least 10 credits must be 400 level.

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List C: Literature breadth (15 credits total)

5 credits must be from TLIT 390:

At least 5 credits at the 300-400 level in a literature other than American literature:

The final 5 credits may be from the list above OR any 300-400 level TLIT course.

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List D: Technical/professional communication breadth (15 credits total)

Writing Studies - Creative Writing track course lists prior to autumn 2017

List A: Foundational Courses (10 credits total)

List B: Creative Writing Courses (20 credits total)

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List C: Literature breadth (15 credits total)

List D: Technical/professional communication breadth (15 credits total)

 

For the Technical Communication Track, you need to complete 65 credits. You need to earn 45 upper-division credits and 45 credits of School of IAS courses to meet degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.

Writing Studies - Technical Communication track degree requirements

  • List A: 10 credits, foundational courses
  • List B: 20 credits, technical communication core courses
  • List C: 35 credits, breadth in creative, scientific and technical topics

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Writing Studies - Technical Communication track course lists

List A: Foundational Courses (10 credits total)

List B: Technical Communication Core Courses (20 credits total)

List C: Breadth in creative, scientific and technical topics (35 credits total)

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 Additional courses may be approved and added to courses lists to provide students more flexibility and options.
Please refer to this page often for the most up-to-date information.

To request changes or updates to this page, please contact Dustin Annis at annisd@uw.edu.