College of Arts and Humanities
Professional and Creative Writing
Bachelor of Arts | Major
English Professional and Creative Writing, BA
In the Professional and Creative Writing major, you will nurture your creative potential and sharpen your writing skills to excel as an accomplished writer, communicator, and professional.
You will write your way through a range of workshops, seminars, and internship opportunities, developing the skills you need to thrive in today's information-driven job market. We are committed to helping you develop the persistence, dedication, and passion you will need to make an impact on the world through your writing.
Questions? Contact Us.
English Department
The Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | English Department Website
Courses
- ENG 263 - Introduction to Creative Writing
- ENG 301 - Rhetoric for Professional Writers
- ENG 302 - Poetry and Poetics
- ENG 303 - Principles of English Studies
- ENG 320 - English Grammar
- ENG 323 - Writing and Editing for Publication
- ENG 489 - Senior Colloquium
Approved Writing Electives
Creative Writing Courses
- COM 409 - Freelance Writing
- ENG 267 - Screenwriting Fundamentals
- FILM 267 - Screenwriting Fundamentals
- ENG 357 - Writing for Serial Media
- FILM 357 - Writing for Serial Media
- ENG 364 - Fiction Writing
- ENG 365 - Poetry Writing
- ENG 366 - Creative Nonfiction Writing
- ENG 368 - Multi-Genre Writing Workshop
- ENG 369 - Variable Topics Writing Workshop
- ENG 464 - Advanced Fiction Writing
- ENG 465 - Advanced Poetry Writing
- ENG 466 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing
- ENG 468 - Contemporary Writers Colloquium
- TH 330 - Introduction to Playwriting
Practicum Courses
- COM 446 - PULSE magazine
- COM 444 - The Observer
- ENG 473 - Grant Writing: Theory and Practice
- ENG 484 - Manastash: Literary Editing
- ENG 485 - Manastash: Literary Design and Production
- ENG 490 - Cooperative Education
- ENG 493 - Online Practicum
Professional Writing Courses
- ADMG 385 - IT Tools for Professional Communications
- ASP 435 - Accessible Information Design
- COM 208 - Introduction to Public Relations Writing
- COM 347 - Media Copyediting
- COM 348 - Publication Design
- ENG 310 - Technical Writing
- ENG 311 - Business Writing
- ENG 315 - Visual Rhetoric and Document Design
- ENG 404 - Advanced Technical Writing
- ENG 472 - Research Methods for Workplace Writers
- ENG 474 - Professional Writing with New Media
- IT 248 - Foundations of Digital Environments Foundations of Digital Environments
- IT 288 - Business Presentation Applications
- LAJ 410 - Legal Writing
Writing-Intensive Literature
- ENG 329 - Cultural Studies in Literature
- ENG 330 - African American Literature
- ENG 331 - Latina/o Literature
- ENG 332 - American Indian Literature
- ENG 333 - Asian American Literature and Cultures
- ENG 335 - Women’s Literature
- ENG 336 - Race and Literature
- ENG 337 - LGBTQ2IA+ Literatures and Cultures
- ENG 363 - Shakespeare
- ENG 371 - Literature and History I
- ENG 372 - Literature and History II
- ENG 373 - Literature and History III
- ENG 374 - Literature and History IV
- ENG 380 - Studies in Drama
- ENG 418 - Advanced Literary and Critical Theory
- ENG 453 - Studies in Fiction
- ENG 454 - Studies in Creative Nonfiction
- ENG 455 - Studies in Poetry
Literature, Linguistics, and Film Electives
- ENG 329 - Cultural Studies in Literature
- ENG 330 - African American Literature
- ENG 331 - Latina/o Literature
- ENG 332 - American Indian Literature
- ENG 333 - Asian American Literature and Cultures
- ENG 335 - Women’s Literature
- ENG 336 - Race and Literature
- ENG 337 - LGBTQ2IA+ Literatures and Cultures
- ENG 343 - Modern American Film History
- FILM 343 - Modern American Film History
- ENG 344 - Film Theory
- FILM 344 - Film Theory
- ENG 347 - Global Perspectives in Literature
- ENG 354 - History of Television
- FILM 354 - History of Television
- ENG 360 - Survey of World Cinema
- FILM 360 - Survey of World Cinema
- ENG 363 - Shakespeare
- ENG 371 - Literature and History I
- ENG 372 - Literature and History II
- ENG 373 - Literature and History III
- ENG 374 - Literature and History IV
- ENG 380 - Studies in Drama
- TH 380 - Studies in Drama
- ENG 413 - Composition Theory
- ENG 415 - Critical Studies in American Literature
- ENG 417 - Critical Studies in World Literature
- ENG 418 - Advanced Literary and Critical Theory
- ENG 419 - Critical Studies in British Literature
- ENG 420 - English Linguistics
- ENG 423 - History of the English Language
- ENG 453 - Studies in Fiction
- ENG 454 - Studies in Creative Nonfiction
- ENG 455 - Studies in Poetry
- ENG 456 - Studies in Rhetoric
- ENG 461 - Studies in Film and Culture
- FILM 461 - Studies in Film and Culture
- ENG 462 - Studies in Film and/or Television Genres
- FILM 462 - Studies in Film and/or Television Genres
- ENG 463 - Studies in the Film Auteur
- FILM 463 - Studies in the Film Auteur
- HUM 301 - Introduction to Digital Humanities
- WLC 311 - Popular Cultures of the World
Alumni
Our Alumni have gone on to work as writers, content developers, and program managers at Hyperthem, Baker Publishing Group, Arizona State University, and more.
Small Class Sizes
Find connection in our program with small class sizes that foster a supportive community and allow faculty to get to know you personally, ensuring a more tailored and engaging educational experience.
Customizable
Focus on creative writing in different genres, such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, or study professional writing topics, such a technical writing, research methods, and writing for new media.
"Writing with AI Tools"
Build a foundation for using Generative AI tools and Large Language Models to create more effective writing and develop an understanding of the role AI tools will play in our writing lives.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Internships
Gain invaluable on-the-job experience by choosing to participate in an internship as part of your practicum.
Learning Options
Most of our programs are available in-person, online, or with a hyflex (Zoom) online class option.
Support
The English Department is pleased to offer scholarships totaling thousands of dollars in additional student aid.
Why Study English at Central?
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment, led by faculty who are recognized for their expertise and commitment to student success
- You will acquire versatile, in-demand skills that are critical across a wide range of industries, preparing you for a successful and dynamic career path.
- We offer flexible class options to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences, making it easier for you to balance your education with other commitments.
Career Pathways
Content Development
Graduate work in Creative Writing (MFA programs)
Education
Teaching English as a Second Language
Technical Writing
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. CWU English programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.