Employers depend on people who can effectively communicate—whether it’s a business plan, grant proposal or breaking news about a new product. The B.A. English program's Professional Writing specialization teaches you practical and comprehensive skills, preparing you to excel as a communications specialist in a wide range of fields.

Why choose English with Professional Writing specialization at Saint Leo?

You love to write. It's what you do. Saint Leo is the place to find your voice, hone your craft and translate that passion into a marketable skill set. Emerge with a professional portfolio of news stories, nonfiction prose, poetry, television scripts and short stories, as well as a foundation in desktop publishing, including layout and design.

Spend an afternoon writing by the lake, or in the shadows of the orange grove. Publish your work in Sandhill Review literary magazine and The Lions' Pride student newspaper. Intern at the Tampa Bay Times. Work behind the scenes at SLU TV or SLU Radio. Become an active member of the SLU Writer’s Circle.

B.A. English concentrations are also available in Advanced Literary Study and Dramaturgy. If you aim to teach English at the secondary level, combine your English degree with an Education minor in place of a concentration.

Some amazing classes you can take

• Creative Nonfiction
• Desktop Publishing and Design
• The Independent Writer
• Writing About Audiovisual Media
• Basic Journalistic Writing

Professional development opportunities

• Internships: Interact with local and national media through Saint Leo’s University Communications and Athletic Communications offices. Spread your wings off-campus at the Associated Press, Tampa Bay Times or a number of Central Florida media outlets.
• Conferences: Attend writing and English Honor Society conferences.
• Guest lecturers: Meet luminaries such as U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine, poet and fiction-writer Valada Flewellyn, ESPN writer Pat Yasinskas and filmmaker Ralph Clemente.
• Co-curricular activities: Become an active member of the Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Contribute to Sandhill Review literary magazine, The Lions' Pride student newspaper, SLU TV and SLU Radio.

What can you do with a degree in English with a Professional Writing specialization?

Graduates work as editors, writers, and designers in a range of fields: journalism, publishing, website design, technical writing, advocacy, public relations and marketing.

• Copywriter
• Editor
• News Reporter
• Publisher
• Grant Writer
• Journalist
• Web Editor
• English Teacher
• Marketing Specialist
• Documentation Specialist

Where are Saint Leo English grads now?

• Florida Legal Group
• Scholastic Books
• University of Nebraska
• University of Wisconsin
• Wesley Chapel High School
• Saint Leo University
• Georgia Southern University
• Pasco County Schools
• University of South Florida
• U.S. Army

Student resources

View current English student resources.

Ready to apply?

Write your success story. Apply now.