Editing Minor
Are you an English major wanting to better prepare yourself to use your literary skills in a competitive marketplace? A future scientific researcher looking to strengthen your writing and prepare to get published? An aspiring author wanting to learn how to improve your manuscripts and get a glimpse into the publication process? Or perhaps a family history major aiming to produce professional-quality published materials for yourself and your clients?
Whatever your background, if you’re looking to learn more about the structure and usage of the English language, graphic design, printing technology, and the publishing industry—and get hard skills in copyediting, substantive editing, and publishing software—then the Editing minor is for you.
The minor requirements are a condensed version of the Editing and Publishing major—you’ll go through the same core courses up to ELING 430R, but without some of the broader coursework like history, semantics, and professionalization. ELING 223, 322, and 325 (an introduction to English linguistics, usage, and grammar) are prerequisites for ELING 350 (line editing and copyediting) and ELING 410 (substantive editing within a particular genre). DIGHT 230 can be taken at any time and teaches design, layout, and typesetting. These three courses all lead to ELING 430R, where you’ll work with other students in a mentored setting to produce a real print or digital publication.
How Do I Add an Editing Minor?
To add the Editing minor, fill out the online application and schedule an appointment to meet with your faculty advisor. After meeting with your advisor, they will forward your application to the Liberal Arts Advisement Center, who will process your application and add the minor.
Careers with an Editing Minor
The Editing minor prepares you for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Book, journal, and magazine publishing
- Communications
- Creative fiction and nonfiction writing
- Advertising and marketing
- Freelance editing
- Business and nonprofit organizations
- Research and publishing in graduate school
“The editing minor gave me the hard skills I need to market myself well and to succeed in the professional world. As much as I loved my English major, my editing minor is the reason I have a job.” —Tiffanie Abbott
Faculty Advisors
If you have questions about the minor—whether you’re interested or already enrolled—feel free to schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor. Advisors are assigned based on the first letter of your last name:
