Writing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Designed for students seeking to master the art and science of effective communication, this program emphasizes the development of versatile writing skills across diverse contexts. It prepares learners to craft compelling, purpose-driven texts through rigorous study of composition, rhetoric, and digital media, equipping them for success in academic, professional, and public spheres.

• Writing and Document Design Across Genres, Modes, and Media: Explores the principles of structuring and presenting written content in varied formats—narrative, analytical, persuasive, technical—using print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
• Writing Technologies: Investigates digital tools and platforms that support drafting, revising, and publishing, including content management systems, collaborative software, and accessible design practices.
• Research, Evaluation, and Information Use: Develops critical abilities to locate, assess, and ethically integrate credible sources into written work, emphasizing evidence-based argumentation.
• Editing and Publishing Processes: Trains students in revision strategies, proofreading standards, and the mechanics of preparing manuscripts for formal publication or professional distribution.
• Theories and Processes of Composing: Examines cognitive, social, and collaborative approaches to writing, from initial ideation to final production.
• Rhetorical Theories, Traditions, and Analysis: Studies foundational and contemporary models of persuasion, audience adaptation, and discourse, drawing from classical and modern rhetorical frameworks.
• Communication Across Audiences, Contexts, and Cultures: Focuses on adapting tone, style, and content to suit diverse readerships, institutional environments, and global perspectives.
• Practical Applications in Professional and Academic Settings: Applies writing expertise to real-world challenges in technical documentation, organizational communication, academic writing, and public engagement.