Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Writing] From Oral Roberts University

The English Department endeavors to enhance students' knowledge of their literary heritage, to refine and craft their skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation and to express themselves in the art of writing as well as relate their Christian faith to their culture.

The writing major is designed for students interested in writing and wanting to pursue a career in editing, writing, publishing, business, advertising and related areas. A writing major is also good preparatory work for graduate studies in law, theology and communication arts. Students who select the writing major study the basics of both literary and technical writing, but they are able to design their programs so as to emphasize one or the other.Students interested in literary writing take courses acquainting them with modern literature and training them in writing in various genres, such as fiction, poetry and drama. They learn to improve their writing skills and express their creativity effectively, and they have opportunities to attend off-campus workshops and to submit their work for publication. They also gain practical experience in on- or off-campus internships.

Students interested in technical writing focus on editing, publishing, writing and web design in the corporate world, such as brochures, manuals, newsletters, business reports, advertisements and web pages. Students learn how to write for specific audiences and purposes, to access and evaluate information, to revise for clarity and conciseness and to design and format appropriate layouts. Students also learn computer skills for searches, desktop publishing and presentations, and they receive practical experience in on- or off-campus internships.

Students majoring in writing may add a concentration (12 hours) to their course of study. Writing majors may use their seven hours of electives plus 5-6 additional hours for the concentration, resulting in the degree total of 133 hours with a concentration instead of the 128 without a concentration.