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Professional Writing

Added as a minor to any major, professional writing tells employers you are ready to communicate clearly, effectively, and ethically. Sharpen your writing and editing skills while you learn how to choose the best modes of communication, manage writing and editing projects, and learn how to motivate readers with your words. The minor is designed for flexible scheduling, with required courses offered alternately on campus and online.

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Professional Writing

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Degree Level
Minor
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online
Careers
Language, Postsecondary, Teachers, Proofreaders, Markers
Professional Writing students at EIU

Why Study Professional Writing at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on courses with projects for real clients + supported internship placements
  • Build writing and editing skills for digital environments as well as print
  • Choose online or on-campus courses for the core of the minor to maximize the learning method you prefer
  • Demonstrate to employers that you will be an excellent communicator, a skill that is consistently in demand by employers in all sectors
"My experience at EIU could not have been better. While in the classroom, I got to learn from amazing, engaging faculty who helped build my skills and confidence, and outside of the classroom, I got to be part of an amazing community and make lifelong memories."
Joshua Northam
Professional Writing | Class of 2026
Joshua Northam, Professional Writing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Build a portfolio of client projects through our sequence of project-based courses
  • Earn professional experience during (optional) internship with personalized support from our internship coordinator
  • Prepare for the details and realities of the job market before you graduate in English 4060, English Studies Career Development
  • Make connections each fall at Handshaking Night, where a dozen or more former English majors working in different fields share their professional journeys
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Professional Writing students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Professional Writing minor combines classroom instruction with practical experience to teach you how to communicate effectively in professional environments. It is a fit if you want to add clear, ethical writing and editing skills to any major, since the ability to communicate information effectively is highly marketable in every field.

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Career Outcomes

  • English Language & Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Proofreaders & Copy Markers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Social

Connect With Us

Terri Fredrick
Professor of English
tafredrick@eiu.edu
3070 Coleman Hall
217-581-2428
Terri Fredrick Message Terri

Message Terri

or email tafredrick@eiu.edu directly
Angela Vietto
Professor of English and Chair, Department of English
arvietto@eiu.edu
3341
217-581-2428
Angela Vietto Message Angela

Message Angela

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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