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University of Pittsburgh Bradford    
2022-2023 Bradford Campus Catalog 
    
 
  Apr 26, 2024
 
2022-2023 Bradford Campus Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Writing, BA


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Contact: Dr. Nancy McCabe

In the writing major, students select courses from a range of genres and forms of creative and/or professional writing, becoming adept in areas as varied as fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, and journalism. They learn principles and practices of magazine and online editing as well as approaches for writing for print and the web. They also take course in literature or communications to develop critical abilities and sensitivity to language, knowledge of the literary tradition, and directions for future careers.

Graduates of writing programs become writers for magazines and websites, TV and movies; they publish books, work as arts administrators, literary agents, speechwriters, technical writers, attorneys, and teachers. Strong writers are in demand in a variety of professions, and combined with instruction in other areas, prepare for careers in business, art/writing therapy, communications, and many others.

Degree Requirements


Track Options


Students must complete either a Creative Writing Track or Journalism Track for the Writing, BA. Both tracks require students to complete three courses.

Creative Writing Track Requirements


Students must complete three literature courses (ENG or CLP).

Journalism Track Requirements


Students must complete three communications courses (COMM).

Total credits in the major: 51


General Education Program Requirements and Electives-Variable


(See General Education Program  and General Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  under Academic Policies and Guidelines for further details.)

*Students majoring in writing are required to complete a minor in a related area of study approved by their advisors.

Please be advised


Please be advised that some programs or courses of study require that students complete rotations, fieldwork, internships/externships and/or teaching assignments at facilities external to the university, while other programs or courses of study may offer voluntary internships or externships at facilities external to the university. Depending on the program or course, such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an act 33/34 clearance (if applicable), and perhaps a drug screen to determine participant qualification or eligibility. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Suggested Course of Study BA in Writing


First Year


Credits: 33


Second Year


  • Writing core courses - 10 Credits
  • Literature course - 3 Credits
  • Minor courses - 6 Credits
  • General education courses - 12 Credits

Credits: 31


Third Year


  • Writing core course - 3 Credits
  • Writing courses - 7 Credits
  • Literature course - 3 Credits
  • Minor course - 3 Credits
  • General education courses - 15 Credits

Credits: 31


Fourth Year


  • Writing course - 3 Credits
  • Writing elective - 3 Credits
  • Capstone - 3 Credits
  • Minor courses - 6 Credits
  • General education courses and electives - 13 Credits

Credits: 28


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