Writing Major (B.A.)

Houghton offers both a major and a minor in writing. The writing curriculum is designed to fit the goals of an undergraduate liberal arts college. It emphasizes the foundation craft of prose composition. Students interested in creative writing are able to work with experienced faculty who have published fiction and poetry.

Students interested in journalism are able to work with faculty who regularly publish prose and are featured columnists for The Reporter, Allegany County’s daily newspaper. All students are encouraged to bring to their craft academic and spiritual interests that will prepare them for a range of careers demanding writing skills. Recent graduates hold academic appointments, fill editorial positions, work as journalists, and are self-employed freelancers. Others have used their skills indirectly and work in industry, the church, and other careers.

The writing major consists of 30 semester hours of writing at the 211 level or above. With the approval of an advisor from the writing faculty, six of those 30 hours may be selected from courses outside the writing department. The writing minor consists of 12 semester hours of writing at the 211 level or above.

Three courses are required for the major. Advanced Composition: Rhetorical Patterns (WRIT 212) is the foundation course and should be taken during the sophomore year. Writer's Workshop (WRIT 401,402) is the capstone course and should be taken during the senior year. 

The remaining 21 hours of the major are contracted with an advisor from the writing faculty and filed with the academic records office when a student declares a writing major. Students are not permitted to count more than two writing courses each semester toward their major.