Nov 16, 2024  
2024 2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024 2025 Academic Catalog

English and Professional Writing, B.S.

Location(s): Main Campus


Bryant Hall
Telephone: (203) 576-4297

Program Description

A bachelor’s degree in English and Profes­sional Writing prepares students to enter the job force as writers, editors, content genera­tors, communications specialists, and educa­tors. Students learn the skills to communicate effectively in public and professional settings. The program fosters in-demand career skills including oral and written communication, critical thinking, reading comprehension, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and re­search skills.

Graduates from the English and Professional Writing program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields including business, commu­nications, public and media relations, tech­nical and grant writing, journalism, copy­writing, editing, publishing, and advertising. Graduates are qualified to pursue graduate training leading to careers in library science, law, and elementary and secondary English education. This degree meets all require­ments for the Master of Science in Secondary Eng­lish (30 credits).

Degree Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the University of Bridgeport’s English program will be able to:

  • Write clearly and effectively in a variety of forms, adapting writing and analytical skills to all rhetorical situations;
  • Demonstrate the ability to read critically, research effectively, and document sourc­es ethically;
  • Adapt creativity, critical thinking, and speaking skills to communicate effective­ly in professional environments;
  • Read and analyze writing from a variety of genres produced in many diverse cul­tures and historical periods and apply this analysis to education and the devel­opment of content;
  • Appreciate and effectively communicate the value of storytelling and creative expression as sources of practical wisdom, aesthetic pleasure, and knowledge of the diversity of human experience.

Curriculum and Program Requirements - 120 Credit(s)


Students must complete 48 credits of English and Professional Writing coursework, at least 12 credits at the 300 level or above. Course work must cover the following areas:

Group I - 24 Credit(s)


Group II - 24 Credit(s)


Literature


12 credits from the following topics in literature:

Advanced Seminars and Electives


12 credits from the following advanced seminars and electives:
English and Prof. Writing Electives - 6 Credit(s)

Choose any two additional courses from Group I or II, as well as any COMM classes, and/or:

General Education Requirements - 42 Credit(s)


Core Curriculum - 33 Credit(s)


  • 3 Credit(s)
  • 3 Credit(s)
  • MATH Math Core 3 Credit(s)
  • Fine Arts Fine Arts Core Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Humanities Humanities Core Electives 6 Credit(s)
  • Natural Sciences Natural Science Core Electives 6 Credit(s)
  • Social Sciences Social Science Core Electives 6 Credit(s)
  • CAPS 390 - Capstone Seminar 3 Credit(s)

Liberal Arts Electives - 9 Credit(s)


Free Electives


Students may take up to 30 credits of free electives, which may include a minor. 120 total credit hours are required to complete the degree program.

Minors


Students may declare a minor with at least 18 credits. Suggested minors include:

  • Education
  • Psychology and Human Services
  • Business
  • Health Sciences
  • Film, Television, and Digital Media

English Minor

The minor in English and Professional Writing allows students to build career-oriented analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills. Such skills enhance any program of study.

A minor in English and Professional Writing requires 18 credits of English courses (not including English 101), and students may choose to focus on literature, writing, or both. At least 9 credits from Group I Program Core, including courses listed under Literary Diversity, 
Content Genres or Professional Writing. Additional 9 credits may come from Group II Literature Courses or English electives. A grade of C or better is accepted for minor credit.

Suggested Program - 120 Credit(s)


Semester 1


Semester 2


  • ENGL Group 1 Content Genre Course 3 Credit(s)
  • SOC SCI Social Science Core Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 1 Professional Writing Course 3 Credit(s)
  • NAT SCI Natural Science Core Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • 3 Credit(s)

Semester 3


  • ENGL Group 1 Literary Diversity 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 1 Professional Writing Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL English or PW Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • HUM Humanities Core Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • SOC SCI Social Science Core Elective 3 Credit(s)

Semester 4


  • ENGL Group 1 Literary Diversity 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 1 Professional Writing Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 2 Topics in Lit Course 3 Credit(s)
  • HUM Humanities Core Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • NAT SCI Natural Science Core Elective 3 Credit(s)

Semester 5


  • ENGL Group 2 Topics in Lit Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 1 Professional Writing Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 2 English and PW Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Liberal Arts Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Free Electives 3 Credit(s)

Semester 6


  • ENGL Group 2 Topics in Lit Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 2 English and PW Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 2 Advanced Seminars 3 Credit(s)
  • Liberal Arts Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Free Electives 3 Credit(s)

Semester 7


  • ENGL Group 2 Topics in Lit Course 3 Credit(s)
  • CAPS 390   Capstone Seminar 3 Credit(s)
  • Liberal Arts Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • Free Electives 6 Credit(s)

Semester 8


  • ENGL Group 2 Topics in Lit Course 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL Group 2 Advanced Seminars 3 Credit(s)
  • Free Electives 12 Credit(s)