Commercial Writing Concentration

Bachelor of Arts Degree, English Major

Writing
A Graduate’s Perspective

I wanted to study effective writing techniques through the Commercial Writing program, but I also wanted to study great writers through the English department so I chose to double major in English and Commercial Writing, and I’m so glad I did. As I studied an author’s attention to detail in English class, I was then able to incorporate that in my writing classes. By studying famous essays, I learned to structure a persuasive argument. Through the analysis of different authors’ writing styles, I was able to craft my own style of writing. The combined programs allowed me the flexibility of studying the literature I was passionate about and also studying writing, the field into which God has led me. These two areas will be invaluable to me as I begin working as a writer and teacher. — Sarah, PCC 2009 Graduate
(not pictured)

Vast amounts of information are transmitted through printed words. The need has never been greater for dedicated Christians who can produce literature for brochures, magazines, newsletters, and other materials. The commercial writing concentration helps students develop and refine journalistic, advertising, technical, and creative writing skills, and grasp the fundamentals of layout and design.

Students gain practical insight into commercial writing through various campus publications and other publishing opportunities.

Writing ability evaluation: Sophomores must pass CW 299 to continue in this major.

Academic requirements: Students must have at least a “C” in all communication and English courses. A minor must be completed. English or journalism may not be claimed as a minor since these courses are a part of the commercial writing concentration.

Academic Program Fee: $90 per semester or $22.50 per payment.

Recommended Course Sequence

FallSpringFreshman
BI 101 New Testament Survey 2
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Applications 1
EN 101 English Grammar and Composition 3
HI 101 History of Civilization 3
OA 100 General Keyboarding* 3
PE   PE Activity Elective 1
SP 101 Fundamentals of Speech 3
Total Hours 16
AR 130 Yearbook Production 2
AR 218 Photography I 2
BI 102 New Testament Survey 2
EN 102 English Grammar and Composition 3
HI 102 History of Civilization 3
PE   PE Activity Elective 1
SP 102 Fundamentals of Speech 3
Total Hours 16
FallSpringSophomore
AR 111 Principles of Drawing 3
BI 201 Old Testament Survey 2
EN 202 American Literature 3
EN 301 Creative Writing 3
EN 360 Advanced English Grammar & Composition 3
ML   Foreign Language Elective
 		 3
Total Hours 16
AR 120 Digital Typography 2
AR 212 Conceptual Design 2
BI 202 Old Testament Survey 2
CW 299 Soph. Writing Ability Evaluation 0
EN 204 British Literature 3
MA Mathematics Elective 3
ML   Foreign Language Elective 3
Total Hours 15
FallSpringJunior
AR 310 Calligraphy 1
CR 370 Origins 2
CW 302 Copy Editing 3
EN 325 Introduction to Journalism 3
EN 401 Advanced Creative Writing 3
  Minor or Elective 3
Total Hours 15
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
CW 301 Copy Writing 3
CW 305 Technical Writing 3
CW 325 Writing for Publication 3
EN 326 Journalism 3
  Minor or Elective 3
Total Hours 17
FallSpringSenior
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
CW 406 Professional Writing 3
CW 421 Commercial Writing Portfolio Exhibit 3
PR 306 Interpersonal Relationships 3
  Social Science Elective 3
  Minor or Elective 2
Total Hours 16
BI/BB Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ 2
CW 304 Copy Editing II 3
CW 422 Commercial Writing Practicum 3
SC/MA Science/Mathematics Elective 3
  Social Science Elective 3
  Minor or Elective 2
Total Hours 16

* If a student takes the keyboarding placement test and places out of OA 100, he has satisfied this requirement, but he must replace the three hours with general electives.
‡ At least 4 hours out of the 6 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI course number.