What Will I Learn in the Writing Minor?

The Writing Minor offers students the chance to exercise their creative and communicative powers. Writing is a rigorous pursuit that embeds a life with discovery, empathy, deep reflection, increasing knowledge of oneself and others, and career skills. Intended for students of any major, including those in nursing, business, and engineering, the writing minor develops confidence, strategies, and skills in the craft of communicating with clarity and precision. 

Writing Minor Courses

 The Writing Minor cultivates hands-on workshop experiences across diverse genres, led by creative and professional writers of all backgrounds.   Students develop their craft in workshops focused on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, media writing, and reporting. Each workshop emphasizes peer collaboration, revision techniques, and genre-specific skills, building toward a comprehensive writing portfolio. Beyond the workshops, students will deepen their literary knowledge through a wide range of electives. 

Degree Requirements

University Core

University of Portland’s 40-credit-hour Core Curriculum ensures you graduate with a well-rounded education rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. From philosophy to communication, these courses broaden your perspective, complement your accounting major, and empower you to approach problems creatively and ethically.

The Core

Careers and Outcomes

The writing minor enhances career prospects across all fields by developing essential communication skills and creative expertise valued by employers. Students gain clarity in written expression, storytelling abilities, and collaborative revision techniques. 

Writing Minor Jobs

A Writing Minor will help you pursue careers like:

• Marketing and Communications 
• Journalism 
• Grant Writing 
• Technical Writing 
• Editing 
• Social Media Manager