Professional Writing
Learn highly marketable skills in writing for a career in digital and print media.
- Only diploma program in Ontario for Professional Writing and the only college writing program in the province offering courses for both professional writing and creative writing
- Students write children’s books that are illustrated by the Illustration and Concept Art students. The best five books are published through our in-house press, Spine Online Press
- Students edit an anthology of their stories and then work on proofreading, designing, publishing, and marketing the final product.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
With a focus on both professional and creative writing, the two-year Professional Writing Ontario College Diploma program teaches you the skills and flexibility to work as a writer in a variety of fields. You learn writing skills for digital and print media from nationally recognized writers, authors and communications experts.
Acquire the necessary skills to write independently and collaboratively in freelance and organizational settings. With attention to detail, learn to research, write, edit and proofread....(read more)
Overview
Learn highly marketable skills in writing for a career in digital and print media.
With a focus on both professional and creative writing, the two-year Professional Writing Ontario College Diploma program teaches you the skills and flexibility to work as a writer in a variety of fields. You learn writing skills for digital and print media from nationally recognized writers, authors and communications experts.
Acquire the necessary skills to write independently and collaboratively in freelance and organizational settings. With attention to detail, learn to research, write, edit and proofread.
Many writers balance freelancing with other employment, so the program focuses on the development of creative skills along with knowledge of the existing market for fiction and creative non-fiction in Canada. You gain highly marketable communications, writing, and editing skills that are useful in many industries in both for-profit and non-profit sectors.
During the program, local writers lead workshops and may mentor you in the field. You participate in a work environment for a 180-hour field placement where you have the opportunity to apply your writing skills while building connections with potential clients and employers.
Graduates from this program have a wide range of exemplary writing skills and comprehensive knowledge of contemporary social and political issues needed to begin careers as professional writers.
Graduates may find employment at a junior level as a:
- communications officer
- marketing copywriter
- copy editor
- researcher
- proofreader
- web content writer
Graduates also have the skills to be hired on contract or as a freelancer to write magazine-style articles, booklets, brochures, training materials and manuals.
You may also consider continuing your education and training through Algonquin`s Advertising, Public Relations, Scriptwriting, Technical Writing, Journalism, Broadcasting - Television and Streaming Video or Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting programs.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have a solid foundation in the basic rules of English grammar.
- Have strong written and oral communications skills.
- Are inquisitive, well-organized and have an analytical nature.
- Can work independently.
- Enjoy researching topics and gathering information.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3000
Course Name:
Role of the Writer in North American Culture
Course Description:
Students explore the role writers have played in the North American context over the last 50 years. Writers of books now considered classics... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3002
Course Name:
Creative Writing 1
Course Description:
Students learn the fundamentals of storytelling, such as plot, point of view, dialogue, character development, theme and how language usage ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3003
Course Name:
Introduction to Research
Course Description:
Students learn how to find the information and resources they need for their written products. Students also learn how to find governmental,... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3048
Course Name:
The Fundamentals of Writing
Course Description:
Professional writers require mastery of English grammar, mechanics, syntax and other foundational elements of writing. Students study and ap... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED3001
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2008
Course Name:
Interpersonal Skills for Personal and Career Success
Course Description:
To be effective storytellers, writers need to work with others. Students explore several different factors that affect our relationships, in... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PRL1519
Course Name:
Design for Public Relations 1
Course Description:
Public Relations practitioners often work with graphic designers and an understanding of basic design principles helps to facilitate that pa... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
SCR3005
Course Name:
Creative Writing II
Course Description:
Students learn about the publishing environment for fiction in Canada and how to submit their short stories for publication in small literar... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3007
Course Name:
Professional Writing I
Course Description:
Students learn the skills necessary to be successful in entry-level writing and communications positions. They study and practise a broad ra... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3014
Course Name:
Issues in Canadian Society and Media
Course Description:
Students explore a wide variety of current political and sociological issues that have an important impact on the role and function of the p... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3020
Course Name:
Introduction to Editing
Course Description:
Students develop a basic understanding of proofreading, copy editing and the process by which editors work with writers in a variety of cont... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED3001
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PRL1536
Course Name:
Design for Public Relations 2
Course Description:
Knowing how to do basic design work is an asset for public relations practitioners, particularly those who work in smaller organizations. St... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
SCR3022
Course Name:
Professional Writing II
Course Description:
Students learn to write in different formats for a variety of organizational environments, including government, NGO and private sector. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3025
Course Name:
Narrative Non-Fiction
Course Description:
Students learn how to apply fictional techniques to narrative non-fiction (essays, memoirs and feature stories). They read and discuss a wi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3035
Course Name:
Writing for the Web
Course Description:
Students learn the stylistic requirements of writing that is designed to be read on the web. They learn the importance of clear succinct wri... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCR3038
Course Name:
Substantive and Literary Editing
Course Description:
Students further develop their skills as editors, with emphasis on structural editing and editing for style. Students learn the process by w... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3047
Course Name:
Creative Writing III
Course Description:
Students broaden their understanding of the approaches that contemporary fiction writers take to short and longer fiction, including world b... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCR3030
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
Students complete their studies with either an external or internal work integrated learning experience. Students completing their training ... + Read More
Hours:
180.0
Code:
SCR3037
Course Name:
Preparation for Placement
Course Description:
Students prepare for their transition to their post-college writing and working lives by learning essential skills, including researching wo... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
SCR3042
Course Name:
Production Projects
Course Description:
Students have the opportunity to see how their words and ideas reach audiences. Students build on the elementary knowledge of design softwa... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
SCR3043
Course Name:
The Business of Writing and Publishing
Course Description:
Many writers perform their working lives on a freelance basis. In this course, students learn about aspects of freelance writing, including... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
SCR3044
Course Name:
Scriptwriting for the Online Environment
Course Description:
Writers must adapt to quickly transforming platforms for communication. With the increase in organizational use of social media such as You... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
SCR3045
Course Name:
Plain Language Tune Up
Course Description:
Adaptation is one of the key skills of writers working in an organizational context. The principles of plain language are increasingly impo... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
SCR3046
Course Name:
Creative Writing Workshop
Course Description:
Testing one's creative work against the expectations and critical discussion of an audience is an essential skill for creative writers who h... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may be employed at a junior level as communications officers, copy editors, researchers, proofreaders and web content writers. They also have the skills to be hired on contract or as a freelancer to write magazine-type articles, booklets, brochures, training materials and manuals.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Recognize the fundamental concepts of storytelling.
- Write for media in Canada with an awareness of historical and cultural contexts.
- Demonstrate understanding of the production process of print, live events, broadcast, the Internet and film.
- Employ computers and writing software proficiently.
- Work in independent, collaborative, and organizational settings.
- Write in a broad range of styles appropriate to a variety of media.
- Write scripts for presentations, live events and speeches.
- Create plots, characters and themes that engage audiences.
- Effectively edit their own and others` writing.
- Demonstrate superior time management skills.
- Manage their writing career on sound small-business principles.
- Market their writing skills in their chosen field.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $900 in the first year and $600 in the second year.
- Students must purchase their own PC laptop computer and software.
- Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin`s Connections Store at educational discounted rates.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 70% or higher.
- Direct entry into second year: Applicants with a degree in a field that demands a high level of writing (e.g. English literature, Creative Writing, History, Journalism, Political Science), may enter directly to the second year of the program. During the Fall semester, direct-entry students receive three hours of coaching per week to review material from Level 01 and Level 02. Applicants should contact the coordinator directly for more information.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
Program Code 3001X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students complete their studies with either special projects or a field placement. Students completing their training within the College environment are provided with small group projects and brief seminars to enhance their writing, research, editing and web-related skills. Students with a minimum B+ average have the option of completing their diploma with a field placement. Finding and securing an approved fieldwork opportunity is a shared responsibility. Your faculty and field work supervisor/coordinator has contacts in industry and where feasible will assist you in finding an approved field placement. During an external placement, students apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in the classroom to professional practice within an organization.
Contact
Michele Hall
Program Coordinator
An English professor and coordinator in the School of Media and Design at Algonquin College, Michele Hall is also a writer with a PhD in English literature from McGill University. Her study of the artistic career of Canadian artist P.K. Irwin, The Art of P.K. Irwin: observer, other, Gemini (2016), was shortlisted for the Forward Indie Book Awards in the Women’s Studies category. She has also written for numerous Canadian organizations and publications, including The League of Canadian Poets, English Studies in Canada, Canadian Poetry, and Matrix, and served as a contributing editor for The Maple Tree Literary Supplement and The Bull Calf.
Nicole Chatelain
Professor and Field Placement Coordinator
Nicole Chatelain is a writer and editor from Ottawa, and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Professional Writing Program (class of 2008). She has years of experience in non-profit communications and as a freelance writer and editor, and her fiction and creative non-fiction have appeared in various literary magazines, including The Fiddlehead. She is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing with the University of British Columbia. Nicole lives with her husband and two children.
Colin O’Connell
Professor
Colin O’Connell has taught Business and Professional Writing at the college and university levels. He has also served as a Senior Marketing Communications Manager for some of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. In this role, Colin was responsible for shaping the outbound messaging for a wide range of high-profile flagship products. He is a strong believer in disciplined teaching and hard work, and applies his commitment to excellence and precision to teaching Professional Writing with a particular focus on business. Colin is the author and editor of several books, as well as numerous scholarly articles. He has a Ph.D. in the Humanities.
Nathaniel Whelan
Professor
Nathaniel Whelan is a part-time professor in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin College, where he teaches web writing every fall. As a past graduate, he brings unique insight into the practical, real-world benefits of the program. Nathaniel also works full-time in communications at Carleton University. In this position, he is responsible for developing web and social media content, among other materials. In addition to a master’s degree in European and Russian history, Nathaniel has published numerous short stories for various online and in-print literary magazines. But don’t ask to read any of his stuff unless you like a good scare!