The BA in Writing Studies enables students to learn to write effectively in a range of genres, and to think critically and creatively, with a well-rounded liberal arts education in the sciences and the humanities. Writing Studies has three tracks:

CREATIVE WRITING TRACK

The Creative Writing track offers the opportunity to study literary and popular forms of creative writing, with supportive faculty who publish in these genres, and provides a strong base for students wishing to pursue a Master of Fine Arts. To provide a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to creative writing: students choose classes in more than one genre (poetry, nonfiction and fiction), a wide range of literature courses from multiple perspectives, as well as professional/technical writing courses that can prepare them for writing jobs in a variety of fields. The creative writing track reflects the curricular guidelines of the Association of Writing Programs (AWP), the national professional organization in creative writing. Students can gain professional experience as editors and writers of Tahoma West, UW Tacoma’s student-run literary and arts magazine, as well as the school newspaper, The Ledger. Students are encouraged to engage in the vibrant literary community of the Puget Sound and to apply for internships at local arts and publishing organizations.

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION TRACK

In the Technical Communication track, students learn to communicate complex information in a way that is concise, usable and compelling. Students learn how to identify the needs of an audience, design through an iterative process and make changes based on applied research. Courses emphasize real world design projects and students develop skills in collaborative problem solving and creativity.  Technical Communication track students are well positioned for careers in technical and professional communication, user experience, usability, web design and other fields where communicating scientific and technical topics plays a central role. Students are encouraged to gain professional experience by completing internships and working with community partners.

RHETORIC, WRITING AND SOCIAL CHANGE TRACK

The Rhetoric, Writing and Social Change track explores writing as civic action. Working with community partners, students will engage ethically in multimodal composition for public audiences with an aim to bring about social change. Students will examine how power shapes writing contexts and develop their own sense of agency. Through co-learning experiences, students participate in civic engagement, resistance, grassroots activism and community organizing. This track centers anti-racist pedagogy, critical methodologies in Rhetoric and Composition and problem-posing skills that will prepare students for professional and real-world scenarios.

ADVISOR

Brian Burhenn

Connect with Advising

MAJOR COORDINATOR

Ever Jones

DEPARTMENT

Department of Culture, Arts and Communication (CAC)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Professional Author
  • Literary Editor
  • Publishing
  • Technical and Professional Communication
  • User Experience and Usability
  • Web Design
  • Communications
     

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • TCORE 101 OR TWRT 112 OR TWRT 121 AND
  • TWRT 211
     

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

To complete a BA in the Creative Writing or Rhetoric, Writing and Social Change tracks, you need to complete 60 credits, including 45 credits in upper-division (300–400 level) courses, with a minimum 2.0 GPA, as well as the UWT general education and graduation requirements totaling a minimum of 180 credits.

To complete a BA in the Technical Communication track, you need to complete 65 credits, including 45 credits in upper-division (300–400) level courses, with a minimum 2.0 GPA, as well as the UWT general education and graduation requirements totaling a minimum of 180 credits.

Complete a 5 credit Composition-designated (C) course with a minimum 2.0 GPA.