Professional Writing is an ideal first or second major for students seeking to enter a wide range of public and professional careers. Students learn to write for print and digital media and have the opportunity to engage in a number of client-based and community-based writing projects, such as creating websites, brochures, social media campaigns, and grant proposals. Professional writing alumni work in a variety of fields, including corporate and marketing communications, digital media, editing and publishing, education, government, health, law, and technology.

The writing and persuasive skills you develop in this major are helpful for any career. According to the annual Jobs Outlook Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the ability to write well is always a top-ten skill employers seek in new employees.  A major in Professional Writing enables students to develop expertise in the following areas*:

• writing in professional contexts
• rhetorical theory and the art of effective persuasion
• intercultural communication
• digital and multimodal design
• content and content strategy
• project management and collaboration
• usability/user experience

Career prospects for professional writers are extensive and expected to continue continue flourishing. Below are some examples of the careers that Miami Professional Writing majors have gone on to hold**:

• communications specialist
• content and brand manager
• copywriter
• editor
• freelance writer
• grant and proposal writer
• information designer
• lawyer
• marketing manager
• media reporter
• public relations spokesperson
• social media specialist
• technical writer
• video producer

Additional Resources

• English (What Can I Do With This Major?)
• Technical + Writing (MyPlan.com)
• Technical + Writing (ONet OnLine)
• Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor Statistics)†
• Professional Writing (Miami University Department of English)
• Department of English (Miami University)

*This is a sample of specific skills (competencies) that Professional Writing majors acquire; it is not a comprehensive list. Also note that these are in addition to the general skills that are common to all CAS majors.

**This is a sample of career options available to Professional Writing majors; it is not a comprehensive list. Also note that some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.

†There is not a category for Professional Writing. Search under related terms such as editing, communications, copywriting, and other similar areas.