Minor Programs

The English Program offers minors that students may use to supplement their majors and make themselves more marketable. For more information on the English and Professional Writing minors, please contact Erin Murphy, English Program Coordinator, at ecm14@psu.edu.

English Minor

This minor allows students not majoring in English to select any combination of English courses to meet their needs (with the exception of ENGL 4, 15, 30, and 202, which do not count towards the minor). Students may focus on literature or creative writing courses, or on a combination of the two. Courses that help students improve their critical reading and writing skills are valuable, regardless of students' educational and professional goals. For details on requirements for the English minor, visit the University Bulletin.

Professional Writing Minor

Designed to complement all bachelor’s degree programs, this minor helps prepare students to write effectively in academia and the workplace. Practice-oriented courses such as workshops, peer conferences and portfolio-based seminars introduce students to a variety of writing projects, including business plans, grant applications, strategic plans, speeches, literary critiques, journal articles, legal briefs, annual reports, press releases, website content and contracts. Theory courses focus on larger issues related to writing and analyzing texts, as well as on opportunities for graduate study. For details on requirements for the Professional Writing minor, visit the University Bulletin. Please note that, when declaring the Professional Writing minor on LionPATH, Penn State Altoona students should choose the minor offered by Penn State Berks.