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Write to Make a Difference
The Professional Writing, B.A. major at Miami University prepares students for diverse careers by teaching effective writing for multiple audiences, industries, and professional contexts. Students engage with writing as action—developing impactful, culturally responsive, and audience-centered communication skills—while gaining hands-on experience in print and digital genres, community-based projects, emerging technologies, and advanced approaches to the craft of writing.
Professional Writing Curriculum and Courses
In this 36-credit major, you have the flexibility to tailor coursework to your interests. Choose from tracks in Digital & Technical Communication, Publishing in Professional Contexts, Public Writing & Rhetoric, and Intercultural Writing & Rhetoric.
Course options include (this is a partial list):
- ENG/IMS 224 Professional Communication & Digital Rhetoric
- ENG 316 Legal Writing and Reasoning
- EGS/ENG 319 Medical Writing
- ENG 313 Technical Writing
- ENG 413 Grant Writing
- ENG 416 Writing for Global Audiences
- ENG 321 The Literary Marketplace
- ENG/AMS 348 Ethnic American Literatures
- ENG 429 Environmental Communication
- ENG 414 Usability & User-Experience Research
- LIN 202 American Dialects, Culture, and Identity
Professional Writing, B.A. Learning Outcomes
- Learn and apply rhetorical theory to write and edit effectively for professional contexts;
- Analyze writing and writing contexts using appropriate methodologies;
- Write effectively in a variety of professional genres for specific purposes, contexts, and audiences, including multicultural and global contexts and audiences;
- Use a variety of technologies for invention, composing, and delivery;
- Engage in collaborative composing processes and effective project management;
- Analyze and address appropriately the ethical issues that may arise in writing contexts.
I am proud that in my senior year I worked with local organizations in two classes, helping them while also learning so much about working with a client. I’ve mentioned these project many times during the interview process, and I firmly believe these real-world experiences were one of the reasons I have my job upon graduation.
Alex Arend (’23)
My experience as a Professional Writing major prepared me for the variety of writing that the legal field requires. Understanding your audience is a foundational aspect of rhetoric, and the major helped me hone in on that skill early.
Michael Heavilon (’15)
Opportunities in the Department of English
Research
Considering a career in research and scholarship? English students routinely complete advanced critical and creative research projects, with many earning Undergraduate Summer Scholarships, Dean Scholarships, Departmental Honors, and Geoffrion Scholarships through Miami University’s Humanities Center.
Study Abroad
The Department of English offers a distinctive London summer school study-abroad program and collaborates on January Term (J-Term) programs in Florence and Paris, providing students with international academic and cultural experiences across Europe.e
Awards and Scholarships
Generous donor endowments enable the English Department to provide scholarships, awards, and financial support for English majors and minors across the university. These opportunities recognize student achievement in literature, linguistics, creative writing, and professional writing, as well as accomplishments at specific academic stages and in specialized areas of study.
Facts and Stats
Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.
First-to-second year retention
Miami University Data
Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate
The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac
Public university in the U.S. for long-term career success
LinkedIn Best Colleges 2025
Admission and Aid
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admission
513-529-2531
[email protected]
Department of English
Gabriele Bechtel, Ph.D.
Lead Departmental Advisor
Department of English
Harris Hall 134
Oxford, OH 45056
[email protected]
513-529-5221