Professional Writing

Professional Writing

Learn to create concise and impactful writing that will make you an asset in a wide range of workplaces. If you are considering making writing a career or you would like to include writing expertise on your résumé, then the Minor in Professional Writing is for you. Courses include Writing for Digital Media, Creative Non-Fiction, Writing for the Arts and Technical Writing, as well as a series of cross-listed courses in communications, journalism and philosophy.

Build skills in:

  • Report writing
  • Digital literacy
  • Public relations
  • Editing across the disciplines
  • Publishing

Why choose this program

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Critical Thinking Skills: The Professional Writing program emphasizes close reading, deep thinking, and effective writing, providing students with essential skills for lifelong learning and professional growth.

Wide Range of Courses: Students have the opportunity to explore diverse literary traditions and topics, including creative non‑fiction, writing for the arts, technical writing, and a variety of cross‑listed courses in communications, journalism, and philosophy.

Diverse Career Paths: Graduates develop strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across many fields, including book editing, content development, digital copywriting, and advertising. They may pursue careers in government agencies, healthcare institutions, and cultural organizations.

Browse program options

Opportunity to pursue a broader range of interest as it has a greater number of electives.

Can be combined with a Major

Program structure

Course sequence

Admission requirements and deadlines for Professional Writing

After your studies

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After completing your undergraduate studies in the Professional Writing, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your studies within your Specialization or Major (for example, a Honours BA in English or Honours BA in Communication) or entering the workforce. 

You may choose to pursue graduate studies in your main program, such as a Master’s degree (MA), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills. A research‑based MA is ideal if you wish to specialize in a specific area or eventually pursue a PhD.

You may also decide to enter the job market directly. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as Writer, Reporter, Editor, Technical Writer. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in writing, Digital literacy, public relations and publishing in real-world settings.

Whether you choose to continue your studies or transition into the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation for building a career related to the Professional Writing.

Potential Career Paths

Career development and experiential learning

The Department of English annually sponsors a writer-in-residence, both to offer support to Canadian writers and to give students direct access to the writer's advice and experience.

Student experience

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The Undergraduate English Students' Association (UESA)

The Undergraduate English Students’ Association (UESA) represents undergraduate students in the Department of English at the University of Ottawa. That means we represent you and your interests at the department, faculty, and university level. Any student enrolled in an English degree program is considered a member of the UESA.
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Students' Association of the Faculty of Arts uOttawa

SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
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The Graduate Students’ Association

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) of the Department of English represents graduate students studying English at the University of Ottawa. The purpose of the English GSA is to foster a sense of community among graduate students, to liaise with faculty and staff on issues relevant to graduate students, and to represent our department at the campus-wide Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD) and the Union of Student Workers at the University of Ottawa (CUPE 2626).

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