Professional Writing Program Overview

The Professional Writing (PW) program at Gaylord College is designed to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the publishing industry. These skills include the ability to communicate clearly, think logically, manage large-scale projects, and craft a compelling narrative, which are critical to virtually all careers.

Program Details

PW majors are in the business of writing, learning how to pitch a story, market themselves as an author, and prepare for careers as freelance authors of books, short stories, magazine articles, and screenplays, both fiction and nonfiction, in print and online.

Skills and Interests

PW students typically have interests in:

• Writing/editing
• Reading
• Fiction
  onfiction
• Grammar and style
• Creative expression
• Communication skills
• Multimedia High school preparation could include journalism, creative writing, broadcast production, or yearbook.

Practical Skills

Students will gain practical skills in:

• Fiction and nonfiction writing
• Writing for publication
• Narrative development
• Editing
• Argumentation
• Grammar and style
• Collaborative writing
• Writing for digital and print outlets
• Assessing traditional and independent publishing options
• Understanding the business of writing

Soft Skills

In addition to practical skills, students will develop soft skills such as:

• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking and logic
• Planning and time management
• Execution of large-scale projects

Career Tracks

Career tracks for PW graduates include:

• Novel writing
• Journalism
• Nonfiction writing
• Education
• Law
• Management
• Publishing
• Business

Classes and Curriculum

PW courses include:

• Introduction to Mass Communication
• Writing for Mass Media
• Practicum
• Introduction to Professional Writing
• Writing the Novel
• Writing the Short Story
• Category Fiction
• Theories of Professional Writing
• Business of Professional Writing - Capstone
• Mass Communication Law
• Gaylord Electives
• Minor Classes

Minors

Gaylord students have the opportunity to minor in a non-Gaylord program as part of their program degree sheet. Typical minors for PW students include:

• A foreign language (Spanish, French, etc.)
• Film & Media Studies
• Nonprofit Organizational Studies
• Political Science
• General Business
• Enterprise Studies
• Communication
• Entrepreneurship

Outside the Classroom

There are numerous organizations PW students can be a part of, including:

• Gaylord Ambassadors
• Professional Writing Student Association
• The Oklahoma Daily

Study Abroad Opportunities

PW students have the chance to study abroad with programs such as:

• British Media Study Abroad in the United Kingdom
• Communicating Culture: Travel writing in Puerto Rico
• International Advertising to either Europe or Asia
• Summer Program in Communication at Erfurt (SPICE) in Germany
• Summer in Washington, D.C.
• JMC: Professional Media Program in OU in Arezzo, Italy
• Club Trips in Austin, Dallas, New York City, and San Francisco

Your Future with Professional Writing

Career Opportunities

PW graduates can pursue careers in:

• Novel writing
• Publications specialist
• Editor
• Columnist
• Law/government agencies
• Journalism
• Publishing houses
• Corporate and online publications
• Newspaper/magazines journalist

Salary Information

For information on median pay for jobs related to this degree, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website.

University of Oklahoma Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

---

Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

---

Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.