Professional Writing (Minor)
Why study Professional Writing?
Professional writers are an important part of many businesses, industries, and public and private institutions. Today’s workplace relies on skilled writers for everything from ad copy to technical documentation to web content creation and management.
Professional writers work with knowledge specialists in many different fields and are able to create content in different formats and using a variety of platforms and tools. Professional writers understand a broad range of readers and know the best ways to communicate information to them in written, visual, digital, and oral media.
The Professional Writing minor is designed for students in any major. The program complements all degree programs and gives students tools and skills that are essential to today's work environment.
With a Minor in Professional Writing, you will know:
- The contemporary conventions of English grammar, usage, style, punctuation and syntax
- A range of editing skills, including copy-editing and structural editing
- Strategies for effective communication for different audiences across various platforms
- Strategies for different approaches to research, interviews, and content creation
Program details
This minor must be combined with a major, specialization or honours program.
- Minor in Professional Writing (24 credits)
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Additional requirements for admission
English proficiency
Some applicants may be required to write an English language proficiency test with the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) – a minimum score of 100 with 22 in the writing component
- IELTS – 7.0 overall with a 6.5 in the writing component
- DET score of 120 and above with no subscore under 90
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available.
| Fall term deadline: | |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
March 1 |
| International Students | February 1 |
| Winter term deadline: | |
| Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
November 1 |
| International students | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Sample classes include:
- Principles and Practice of Editing
- Audience and Purpose in Professional Writing
- Technical Writing
- Writing for Business
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of current English courses, or view class schedules at the class schedule and registration web site by selecting the appropriate information.