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Professional Writing (Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S.)

Management professionals throughout the country state that the number one need for organizations in the twenty-first century will be professionals with communication skills. Organizations ranging from engineering and technical operations, to human services are looking for people who can communicate effectively. Old Dominion University designed its Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing to meet this need by preparing individuals to excel in any professional business environment.

Professional Writing (Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S.)


Description


What is Professional Writing at ODU like?

Management professionals throughout the country state that the number one need for organizations in the twenty-first century will be professionals with communication skills. Organizations ranging from engineering and technical operations, to human services are looking for people who can communicate effectively. Old Dominion University designed its Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing to meet this need by preparing individuals to excel in any professional business environment.

Program Highlights


What makes Professional Writing at ODU unique?

  • Designed to meet the needs of various populations, including traditional and non-traditional students, and individuals working in positions of influence who are interested in expanding their repertoire of skills. 

  • Provides students an opportunity to take a diverse array of courses across the disciplines in order to develop various skillsets and techniques in writing.

  • Offered through ODU Online in partnership with community colleges throughout Virginia, the program offers a unique learning experience and is especially sensitive to the needs and experiences of adult learners. 

  • With televised and video-streamed classes delivered in the evening and on weekends, the program offers its students in even the most remote locations an opportunity to earn a degree while working.

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Technical Writers

$74,440

MEDIAN SALARY


Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Copy Writers

$72,120

MEDIAN SALARY


Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

Editors

$68,230

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Archivists

$55,470

MEDIAN SALARY


Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

Amsec LLC, Huntington Ingalls Fleet Support Group, Digital Libraries of America, State and Federal Government

Courses


What are some courses offered in Professional Writing at ODU?

IDS 300W:
Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts


An examination of the history, concepts and application of interdisciplinary study. This course includes an analysis of similarities and differences in academic disciplines and the application of interdisciplinary approaches to a specific topic of study. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C, ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C.

ENGL 307T:
Digital Writing


This course introduces students to issues of writing in various digital environments like web pages, email, blogs, wikis, and discussion boards. It also introduces fundamentals of hypertext authoring, digital and visual rhetoric, and image manipulation. Prerequisites: ENGL 110C and ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C.

ENGL 334W:
Technical Writing


This course provides the student with a working knowledge of various types of technical communication, including the writing of proposals, instructions, and reports for both the specialist and the nonspecialist. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 110C and ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Professional Writing at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Professional Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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Program Coordinator and Advisor


Name:

Virginia Tucker


Location:

5034 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4035


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

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