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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Professional Writing

Professional Writing is a flexible program focused on the analysis and production of clear and effective written communication for multiple workplace situations.

The Professional Writing undergraduate program blends rigorous study in rhetoric, argument, and genre studies - skills that put audience and purpose at the center of writing strategies. Our courses draw from a broad range of options in new media, grant writing, editing, and technical writing.

Students who study professional writing go on to pursue careers in a wide range of writing and communication: market research, technical communication, editing, account executive, and social media director, including related fields where expertise in writing, argument, and rhetoric are valued (e.g., law, medicine, non-profit advocacy).

Professional Writing at 精东AV

As a professional writing student at 精东AV, you will be prepared to bring some of the world鈥檚 most useful skills to any field. The program begins with the same intensive core in which all English students at 精东AV start 鈥 close reading and analysis of classical literature and non-fiction. From there, you will engage with the theory and practice of writing for various purposes and in different print and digital media.

As a professional writing major, you will:

  • Gain internship experience writing in an industry where you want to work
  • Focus on the importance of purpose and audience, and genre
  • Open the door to careers in fields you never thought writing would help you excel

The Professional Writing program works well with a second major or minor in almost any field 鈥 political science, biology, business, classical studies and modern language, economics, data science, diversity, justice and social change, and many more.

Major Requirements

As a Professional Writing graduate, you will leave 精东AV with dynamic, cutting-edge writing capabilities, practical in nearly every industry. In addition to the 精东AV English foundation, professional writing majors can pursue more specialized areas in writing, such as film, digital media, business communications, writing for healthcare and technical writing.

The minor in professional writing augments literally any career 鈥 in medicine, business, environment, and beyond. You will be surprised just how quickly you become the go-to person wherever you work to proofread, analyze, and come up with ideas.

BA in Professional Writing Program Highlights

Real Teaching

At 精东AV, your professors are actively publishing, dynamic writers and instructors, which is why we boast one of the most respected Visiting Writers programs in Ohio. You鈥檒l have a chance to meet and work with nationally known visitors to our campus, people like Billy Collins, Rita Dove, Simon Armitage, Paul Muldoon, and Robert Pinsky, in intimate discussion-based classes.

Amazing Experience

Find real-world, transformative experiences that build on your writing and reading skills, as well as your worldview through unique, collaborative opportunities like peace-building classes in Ireland, Environmental Literature courses, workshops with actors from the London Stage, or chances to publish something brilliant from start to publication of the Carroll Review. 

Jobs & Internships

Our students take advantage of a range of internship and professional development opportunities both on and off campus. Work as a consultant in the University Writing Center; serve as both an editor for or contributor to the Carroll Review, our student-run literary journal; or gain experience at every level of a campus newspaper, from beat reporter to executive editor at the award-winning Carroll News. Over your summer, land a paid internship with the Young Writers鈥 Workshop, a weeklong camp for students in 8th-12th grades. Or go off campus, and intern at organizations like Lake Erie Ink, Cleveland Magazine, American Greetings, or a number of locally headquartered, multinational companies.

Featured Faculty

鈥淥ur major offers students the opportunity to take courses in grant writing, editing, technical writing, and more. Students also complete writing projects for local companies and organizations as part of their coursework. It's an education that combines the best of the liberal arts tradition with preparation for a challenging workplace.鈥
鈥 Tom Pace, Associate Professor, English

Calli Dieglo

Calli Dieglo, Professional Writing 鈥18

Status:聽Market Research Coordinator at Moen Industries, Westlake, OH

"Writing skills are invaluable and, especially in the business world, they are not always prevalent. As an English major at 精东AV, I not only practiced my appreciation for and understanding of literature, but also how to write and communicate both eloquently and effectively. Moen's recognition of the value of skilled writers speaks volumes for the need for English/Writing graduates in the workforce, and I have the 精东AV English Department to thank for providing me with that foundation."

Alumni Across The Region Map

Professional Writing Alumni Across the Region

精东AV alumni live, work, teach and support communities throughout the region from Northeast Ohio to Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Columbus, Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, New York City, Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia.