Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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Creative & Professional WritingBachelor of Arts

Overview

We offer an unequaled educational environment, and the amazing Alaska landscape, within which to write and be inspired.
The possibilities are endless. From traditional genres such as poetry, fiction, and playwriting, to newer genres including prose poetry, screen writing and graphic novels — write now!
The professional writing focus offers students the opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of professional editing, digital content development, and organizational communication.

Degree Fit

Reading and writing — masterfully and creatively — are even more important skills today than ever before. If you love a good novel; if you’ve already written poems or stories; if you want to have the time to write; if you’ve been blogging about your travels or experiences; if you want to break into the communications sector and mold ideas through social media; if you want to meet others who have found success as writers — the Creative & Professional Writing major provides the focus, skills, and creative energy in an awesome location!

Career Outcomes

Creative Writing Students in Class

Creative & Professional Writing students will:

  • Write
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Enhance effective communication skills
  • Build a portfolio
  • Learn about publishing
  • Gain work-ready skills
  • Create publication-ready content

In addition to students who have gone on to graduate school, students who focus on writing have become:

  • Technical writers for engineering firms
  • Public relations specialists
  • Business owners
  • Teachers
  • Managers for non-profit organizations
  • Editors
  • Writers!!!!!!

Degree Roadmap

Creative Writing Workshop:

In a workshop environment, students investigate the creative writing process and its products, with emphasis on the individual student’s development as a writer. Students work as writers and peer readers, with each individual focused on completion of a major project.

Publication Workshop:

This seminar provides the student with know-how, guidance, confidence, and camaraderie to navigate the publication process. Looking at the rapidly changing publication and distribution systems of the 21st century, students conduct their own online research, present their findings to their peers, and reveal publication and placement options.

Mass Communication in the Age of Social Media:

Emphasis in this seminar is placed on understanding how media influences individuals and communities as well as how mass communication is being shaped by content creation and information distribution through social media.

Student Profiles

Attending APU afforded me the rare opportunity to not only tailor my curriculum to my interests and create classes that let me focus on my individual writing projects, but also put me into contact with professors whose goal was to help me achieve my aspirations in any way possible. – Breanne Broiles, 2014
Beyond the small classes and one-on-one support from the extremely knowledgeable faculty, I find Alaska subconsciously present each time I sit down to write. Whether my characters are in the shadows of a jagged mountain range or the whisper of falling snow is interrupted by the caw of a raven, Alaska has given a texture to my writing that would be lacking had I not attended APU. – Meiloni Erickson, 2012

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Institute & Program Area

APU’s Institute of Culture & Environment promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Liberal Studies, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Outdoor Studies. Honoring Alaska’s cultural and geographic diversity, the Institute prepares students to address and engage our region’s complex and unique challenges.

Moving ideas! When you want to combine creative thinking with practical skills, choose any of the Liberal Studies programs and put your talent to work. Whether your outlet is in music, poetry or media and communications– whether you aim to improve the planet or enhance well-being one person at a time – our programs provide meaningful pathways to meet your goals.

Liberal Studies Institutes

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In observance of Labor Day, Alaska Pacific University is closed today, Sept. 4.