A writing degree from La Roche University prepares you for careers in public relations, business communications and publications, advertising, writing, journalism and technical writing.
It’s no secret that you need to obtain an edge before you graduate from college.
You need to acquire practical experience. You need to immerse yourself in a challenging and rewarding academic program. You need opportunities to succeed. And you need to work closely with faculty dedicated to their craft and committed to your success.
You’ll find all of that and more at La Roche University. Our Professional Writing and Journalism Program is specially crafted to prepare you for life after college.
La Roche’s program represents a unique and highly competitive opportunity, especially when you compare it to other writing programs offered by similar schools in Western Pennsylvania. Professional Writing and Journalism students receive training in several critical areas, including:
- Journalism
- Creative nonfiction
- Business communication
- Technical writing
- Creative writing
- Writing for broadcast and social media
The program also gives you exposure to photography and publication design – two skills that, in concert with writing abilities, help to develop a well-rounded and marketable graduate.
Professional Component
You have the ability to take ownership of your program at La Roche. The major’s professional focus is similar to a self-designed minor that you can tailor to your needs and interests. You’ll identify an academic area of interest that will become your professional focus.
Expert Faculty
The La Roche English faculty includes scholars, researchers, business professionals, award-winning poets and authors, and professors who hold years of experience in journalism, writing, education and media. These professors offer a wealth of real-world experience and share their expertise for you to understand classroom material at a much deeper level.
Publishing Opportunities
La Roche is a small campus with big opportunities for English students and aspiring writers. You’ll have the opportunity to serve as a contributing writer, editor, designer or photographer for
Redhawk Post, our online student newspaper, and
Nuances, the University’s literary journal.
Honor Society
English students who maintain an above-average GPA and demonstrate a commitment to a career in English or literature may join our chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. Sigma members assist the English Department in publishing its annual literary magazine,
Nuances. This group also sponsors on-campus events such as poetry readings.
Study Abroad Opportunities
You have the opportunity to expand your horizons by studying literature, language and culture in another part of the world. Included in the cost of tuition, our
Study Abroad+Study USA program offers you the chance to travel abroad or within the United States at little or no additional cost. Our students have visited England, Ireland, Scotland and Italy for courses in literature, culture and history.
Scholarships
Each year the English Department chooses recipients for the following awards.
Sister Rita Yeasted Award
La Roche alumna Jill L. Ferguson established this scholarship to honor English Department Chair Sister Rita Yeasted, Ph.D., and her contributions to the field of English education.
Scholarship recipients must be current La Roche students who are communications or English majors with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
John and Dorothy Saladiak Scholarship
This $1,000 award is given to a graduating English senior who shows the most promise.
The scholarship was established in memory of Tem Tipton by her family in tribute to her professional achievements as a reference librarian and teacher and in recognition of her community service activities.