Professional and Technical Writing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Professional and Technical Writing equips students with advanced skills to communicate complex information clearly, effectively, and strategically across diverse industries and digital environments. This program emphasizes the creation of precise, audience-centered content for technical, scientific, and business contexts, preparing graduates for impactful roles in communication, editing, research, and content strategy.
- Theories of Rhetoric and Writing: Explores foundational principles of persuasive and effective communication, focusing on audience analysis, argumentation, and stylistic adaptation across different genres and formats.
- Digital Literacy: Develops proficiency in using digital tools and platforms to create, manage, and distribute written content, with an emphasis on ethical and efficient information practices.
- Document Design, Production, and Management: Teaches the structural and visual organization of documents, including layout, formatting, version control, and workflow systems for professional publishing.
- Visual Rhetoric and Multimedia Composition: Integrates imagery, data visualization, and interactive elements to enhance message clarity and engagement in digital and print media.
- Documentation Development: Focuses on creating user manuals, technical guides, and procedural content that support usability and accessibility in technical and consumer-facing applications.
- Usability Testing: Introduces methods for evaluating how well written content supports user goals, using feedback and analytics to refine clarity, structure, and effectiveness.
- Web Writing and Content Strategy: Covers the principles of concise, scannable, and SEO-optimized online content tailored for websites, blogs, and digital campaigns.
- Publishing in Print and Electronic Media: Provides hands-on experience in preparing content for traditional and digital publishing channels, including formatting, editing, and distribution protocols.
Professional and Technical Writing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Professional and Technical Writing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Professional and Technical Writing degrees, including Technical Writers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other and English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 409,930 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Writers 27-3042 | $91,670 | $54,400 - $130,430 | 55,530 | $44.07 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
| Editors 27-3041 | $75,260 | $36,200 - $140,840 | 95,480 | $36.18 |
| Writers and Authors 27-3043 | $72,270 | $41,080 - $133,680 | 47,800 | $34.75 |
Salary Comparison
Professional and Technical Writing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,182 in Arkansas to $101,274 in California—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 409,930 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Professional and Technical Writing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Professional and Technical Writing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Professional and Technical Writing is found at Chattahoochee Technical College (785 graduates), Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) (298 graduates), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (113 graduates), Grand Canyon University (GCU) (88 graduates), and Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) (87 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,742 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Other Award
|
785 | N/A | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
298 | N/A | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
113 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
88 |
SAT: 1058-1175 ACT: 19-24 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Other Award
|
87 | N/A | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
53 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52 |
SAT: 1530-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 |
SAT: 1170-1320 ACT: 25-29 |
Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
|
43 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Other Award
|
42 | N/A | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Other Award
|
42 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39 |
SAT: 1050-1280 ACT: 21-28 |
Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
39 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Middle Georgia State University (MGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
36 |
SAT: 940-1180 ACT: 16-22 |
Macon, Georgia | Public | mga.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
32 | N/A | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
32 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
29 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
29 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UA Little Rock) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
26 |
SAT: 890-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | ualr.edu |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
26 | SAT: 1070-1270 | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | kutztown.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
25 | N/A | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Other Award
|
24 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1150-1378 ACT: 25-31 |
Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Other Award
|
22 | N/A | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
19 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Houston (UHD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 |
SAT: 960-1110 ACT: 17-23 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uhd.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
18 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Metropolitan State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Residency
|
17 | ACT: 16-23 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | metrostate.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Other Award
|
17 | N/A | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Liberty University |
Master's
|
15 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
14 |
SAT: 890-1120 ACT: 18-26 |
Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
14 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
14 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Master's
Other Award
|
14 | N/A | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAH) |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 |
SAT: 1195-1440 ACT: 25-31 |
Huntsville, Alabama | Public | uah.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Western Colorado University |
Other Award
|
13 |
SAT: 1000-1240 ACT: 21-28 |
Gunnison, Colorado | Public | western.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1050-1270 ACT: 19-28 |
Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13 | ACT: 19-26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Other Award
|
12 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1020-1240 ACT: 21-28 |
Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | uccs.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Other Award
|
11 | N/A | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1300-1460 ACT: 28-32 |
Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Cedarville University |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1110-1360 ACT: 23-29 |
Cedarville, Ohio | Private | cedarville.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1210-1470 ACT: 25-32 |
Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Taylor University |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1070-1340 ACT: 23-30 |
Upland, Indiana | Private | taylor.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | SAT: 995-1185 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Bachelor's
|
7 | ACT: 18-24 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) |
Post-Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1045-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Ruston, Louisiana | Public | latech.edu |
| Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 940-1160 ACT: 19-25 |
University Center, Michigan | Public | svsu.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1223-1416 ACT: 25-30 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Maryville College |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1018-1188 ACT: 20-28 |
Maryville, Tennessee | Private | maryvillecollege.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Annandale, Virginia | Public | nvcc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| DePaul University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1080-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 22-27 |
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
5 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
5 | N/A | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| Elon University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1143-1305 ACT: 23-28 |
Elon, North Carolina | Private | elon.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 940-1210 ACT: 17-24 |
Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 970-1170 ACT: 20-25 |
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania | Public | esu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-28 |
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of Indianapolis (UIndy) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | uindy.edu |
| Indiana University (IUE) |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1010-1220 ACT: 20-25 |
Richmond, Indiana | Public | iue.edu |
| Salem State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | SAT: 990-1160 | Salem, Massachusetts | Public | salemstate.edu |
| Park University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
4 | N/A | Parkville, Missouri | Private | park.edu |
| New England College (NEC) |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Henniker, New Hampshire | Private | nec.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | SAT: 880-1200 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | citytech.cuny.edu |
| St. John Fisher University |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1120-1280 ACT: 24-29 |
Rochester, New York | Private | sjf.edu |
| York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1030-1230 ACT: 22-28 |
York, Pennsylvania | Private | ycp.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| Bridgewater College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1070-1375 ACT: 28-29 |
Bridgewater, Virginia | Private | bridgewater.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| South Georgia State College (SGSC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Douglas, Georgia | Public | sgsc.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAFS) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
3 | ACT: 18-23 | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | uafs.edu |
| Woodbury University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Burbank, California | Private | woodbury.edu |
| Valparaiso University (Valpo) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1080-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Valparaiso, Indiana | Private | valpo.edu |
| University of Southern Maine (USM) |
Other Award
|
3 |
SAT: 995-1280 ACT: 23-26 |
Portland, Maine | Public | usm.maine.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | N/A | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 |
SAT: 1030-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Professional and Technical Writing programs
How much can I earn with a Professional and Technical Writing degree?
Salaries for Professional and Technical Writing graduates vary by role and location. Technical Writers earn a median of $91,670 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $101,274 compared to $54,182 in Arkansas. Approximately 409,930 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Professional and Technical Writing programs?
Currently 159 accredited institutions offer Professional and Technical Writing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Chattahoochee Technical College (785 graduates), Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) (298 graduates), and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (113 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Professional and Technical Writing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,508 in 2010 to 2,835 in 2023-24. This represents a 88% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Professional and Technical Writing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Technical Writers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, and English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 409,930 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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