The mission of the Professional Writing Program at WSU Vancouver is to provide students with the theory and skills necessary to achieve success whether they will write as part of their professions or work as professional writers.
Instruction in the Professional Writing Program is concentrated around five core-concepts, which provide students with the theoretical foundations needed to analyze workplace practices and develop documentation (print & digital) for a variety of communication situations.
The five core-concepts are
- Rhetorical Analysis,
- Document Design,
- Editing for Clarity & Conciseness,
- Genres of Workplace Writing,
- Workplace Practices & Collaboration .
In the Professional Writing Program, students are taught by working writers with years of experience writing on-the-job and as freelance contractors.
Students may complete an 18-credit certificate alone or as part of
- A Bachelor of Arts degree in English,
- A minor for either a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities or the Social Sciences.
In addition, community projects and internships complement coursework in the Professional Writing Program by enabling students to apply theories and practices while providing service to local organizations and businesses.
Finally, the Professional Writing Advisory Board, comprised of community and industry leaders, advises the program in the development of curricula, certification, and internships.
For more information about the Professional Writing program, contact
David A. Menchaca, PhD
Director, Professional Writing Program
Assistant Professor, Department of English
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
Phone: 360-546-9176 • Fax: 360-546-9036
menchaca@vancouver.wsu.edu
Department Support
Zaida O'Connor
Phone: (360) 546-9425
E-mail:
Office: VMMC102