Writing

Degree: BA Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
English
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW200369454 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW200369454 BCX0">Acquire the writing skills necessary for a wide array of career paths.</span></span>
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A handwritten letter from William Faulkner.

Become a wordsmith. You'll do that here.

A degree in Writing allows you to gain knowledge about professional writing, practical and professional communication, stylistics, rhetorical theory, publishing, and text production.

What You’ll Do

As Writing major at Southeast, you’ll gain incredible real-world learning experience including many opportunities outside the classroom.

  • Work closely with highly qualified, published, and award-winning faculty in small class settings.
  • Gain skills necessary for a wide array of career paths, and work in publishing, communication, journalism, and advertising fields.
  • Learn to write in many formats including professional reviews, creative writing, critical analysis, and report writing.
  • Become part of a thriving writing community that holds regular readings of student work and readings by nationally known writers.
  • Gain professional experience with the Department’s literary journals, or the Writing Center. 

What Can You Do with a Writing Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you can land your dream job in no time. 

Internship and Employment Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Missouri Botanical Gardens, publicity, and corporate giving
  • Southern Illinois University Press, marketing director
  • Sourcebooks Press in Chicago, graphics and editing
  • Oxford University Press, marketing
  • Beacon Industries, communications director
  • Arkansas State University, writing programs director
  • MCI, technical writing
  • Wilson Corporation, technical writing
  • May Company, copywriting
  • Homeland Security magazine, lead writer
  • American Literary Review, editor
  • The Spread Effect Marketing, graphics editor and writer
  • Sullivan Branding, editor
  • August Home Publishing, senior editor
  • Pierce College, Dean of Arts and Humanities
  • National Endowment for the Humanities, intern
  • Bedford St. Martins Press, Humanities specialist
  • Jack Henry & Associates, lead technical writer
  • Ameren Missouri, communications and training coordinator

Graduate School and Program Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Princeton University
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • Southern Illinois University
  • University of Gloucestershire in England
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Missouri - Law School
  • St. Louis University - Law School
  • Binghamton University
  • University of Michigan - Law School
  • University of North Texas
  • University of Denver - Publishing Program
  • Oklahoma State University
  • University of Maryland

Writing (BA) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Outcomes & Careers

  • $73k 

    Editor

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an editor is $73,080.

  • $80k

    Technical Writer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a technical writer is $79,960.

  • $65k

    Historian

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a historian is $64,540.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

As a writing major, you’ll increase your knowledge of professional and practical communication, writing styles, creative writing, publishing, and rhetorical theory. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required.

What will it cost?

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Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

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Explore Our Writing BA

  • Smiling women in class for Bachelor's of Arts in Writing. Sitting at a desk writing on paper.
  • A vintage typewriter is featured in the Center for Faulkner Studies at Southeast Missouri State University.
  • A table with nice chairs featured in a study with books lining the walls at the Center for Faulkner Studies at Southeast Missouri State University.
  • Two men working on paper and writing at a desk working on their bachelor's of Art in Writing at Southeast Missouri State University.

Additional Resources

Experiential Learning

  • Center for Faulkner Studies

    The Center for Faulkner Studies is devoted to the study of William Faulkner, sole owner and proprietor of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi.

  • The Cape Rock

    The Cape Rock is one of the oldest literary journals in the nation. It provides a forum for new and established poets and photographers.

  • Big Muddy

    Big Muddy is an 8.5 x 5.5 perfect bound, color-cover, semi-annual publication that explores multidisciplinary issues and events concerning the 10-state area that borders the Mississippi River, from the United States/Canadian border to Louisiana's Gulf Coast.

Related Programs

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English
Contact Us
Phone
(573) 651-2156
Location
Grauel 236
Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 2650
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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