Key takeaways
- Kickstart your career in professional writing with a formal education in the form of a college degree.
- You can pursue a degree in professional writing at an associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral level.
- A bachelor’s degree in the field is the ideal program at the bachelor level as it leads to higher-paying job opportunities.
- Courses in the program will cover topics such as rhetoric design, information design and visualization, publishing for print and digital media, and more.
- Park University, Grand Canyon University, and Carnegie Mellon University offer professional writing bachelors on campus.
- For an online program, you can explore the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Marshall University, Missouri State Outreach University, and more listed in the guide.
- Professional writing degree jobs include Public Relations Specialist, Communications Officer, Fiction Writer, and more.
At first glance, professional writing comes across as a pretty boring program. However, it is anything but boring. As digital technologies evolve and continue to change the way we communicate, best practices, tools, technologies, and writing and editing guidelines for different media platforms also change. Through a degree in professional writing, aspiring writers and communication professionals can build a wide range of competencies, enabling them to take on various roles in the communication industry.
In this degree guide, we discuss the professional writing degree in detail, including the program curriculum, available specializations, admission and graduation requirements, and more. Additionally, we also provide a list of career opportunities graduates can explore alongside salary information for each listed job title.
What is professional writing?
Put simply, professional writing is the opposite of creative writing. It is the art of writing concise, simple, straightforward pieces to convey a particular set of instructions or information. The tone used is professional and to the point, free of idioms, metaphors, or lengthy descriptive pieces, unlike creative writing.
In professional writing, the intent comes first. Whether the piece intends to inform, educate, or persuade is what will dictate the wording and writing style of the content. Moreover, professional writers write specifically for an intended purpose and target audience. Thus, they also keep in mind the target audience’s existing knowledge levels and choose wordings accordingly.
Examples of professional writing include grant or proposal writing, technical communication, medical documents such as health information, business proposals, press releases, memorandums, copywriting, and more. However, professional writing is so much more than just the written word. Thus, to enter the field as a professional, a formal education is a necessity.
What does a degree in professional writing entail?
A professional writing degree features an extensive curriculum revolving around language skills, rhetoric, genre studies, argument building, persuasive writing, and more. Through the program, students learn how to write with a purpose for a specific audience to achieve a goal. Professional writing is one of the most flexible programs in the English language department.
Here, students can take courses in journalism, public policy, composition techniques, persuasive composition, cultural studies, document curation, web design, information design, global communication, and more. You can pursue a degree in the field at varying levels, from an associate to a PhD.
Associate degree in professional writing and editing
An associate program lasts two years and is offered by many 2-year community and 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Through an associate program, you can develop skills needed for entry-level roles in the field. Aspiring professionals wishing to develop comprehensive expertise also become eligible for an accelerated bachelor’s program with an associate degree.
Bachelor’s professional writing degree
A bachelor’s degree is the ideal entry-level education at the undergraduate level. It is a four-year program featuring a comprehensive curriculum in professional writing. Through a rigorous curriculum and a blended learning format featuring theoretical classes and practical learning, students develop a range of expertise and gain professional experience. With a bachelor’s degree, you become eligible for a diverse range of job opportunities in the field.
Master’s degree in professional
A master’s degree spans 1 to 3 years and enables professionals to develop niche-specific and managerial skills. Through a master’s degree in professional writing, you will learn advanced writing techniques and be able to specialize in areas such as technical writing, medical writing, corporate communications, and so on. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can pursue managerial-level positions in various organizations, enjoy higher pay, and enjoy greater job stability, as reported by BLS in the report titled ‘Education Pays.’
Doctoral degree in professional writing
A doctorate program, also known as a PhD, lasts 3 to 5 years. Those enrolled in the program full-time can complete the program quicker than those undertaking the program part-time. Through the program, professionals learn research methodologies and techniques and benefit from the opportunity to conduct research in the field of professional writing. With a PhD, you qualify for roles in academia, specifically education and research.
Bachelor’s degree in professional writing – Program details
At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal degree level for aspiring professionals. Not only does a bachelor’s degree feature a more comprehensive curriculum, but graduates with a bachelor’s degree have lower unemployment rates than those with an associate degree and earn a higher weekly wage.
As per BLS’s report Education Pays, the median weekly earnings of bachelor’s degree graduates is $1,493, and the unemployment rate is 2.2%. In comparison, associate degree graduates have an unemployment rate of 2.7% and earn an average of $1,058 per week. The report is thus aptly named ‘Education Pays’ for it highlights how the higher the education, the higher the pay and the lower the unemployment rates.
Aspiring professional writers should consider a bachelor’s degree in professional writing. At the bachelor level, most colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Professional Writing. However, some colleges also offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) program. Neither program is better than the other, and there are only slight differences in each curriculum.
In a bachelor of arts, you will take more courses in arts and humanities, maybe even take a foreign language class in the general education section. Whereas in a BS program, the general education courses generally cover topics in science, mathematics, and social sciences. It is important to note that major-specific courses in each program will generally cover the same topics and focus on building essential professional competencies for professional writers.
Professional writing degree curriculum
No two colleges feature the exact same curriculum for a particular program. The curriculum varies depending on faculty expertise and experience. However, the general learning outcomes are the same, and so are the topics covered. For a bachelor’s degree in professional writing, here are some major-specific courses you can expect to take. Do keep in mind that course names generally vary, but the topics covered are essentially similar.
- Introduction to Professional Writing
- Communicating in the Global Marketplace
- Leadership, Dialogue, and Change
- Rhetorical Grammar
- Introduction to Technical Writing
- Rhetorical Science
- Writing for Public Relations
- The New Public Sphere
- Communicating Scientific Ideas to Popular Audiences
- Watchdog Journalism
- Advertising Copywriting
- Medical Writing
- Print and Digital Editing
- Business Writing
- The Literary Marketplace
- Introduction to Grant Writing
The list barely scratches the surface of how diverse the range of topics covered in a professional writing program is. Students can also choose a concentration track to build niche-specific skills for enhanced career prospects.
Concentration tracks in professional writing
Not all colleges offer specializations or concentration tracks in a professional writing program. However, they do offer an extensive range of electives, and some even allow students to pursue a minor program alongside a professional writing major. Moreover, students can build niche-specific skills by choosing relevant electives and projects to build professional writing experience. Specialization areas include technical writing, fiction writing, technical editing, medical writing, journalism, and more.
Here are four specializations you can pursue within a professional writing bachelor from Miami University.
Editing in Professional Contexts
Through the specialization, you will learn how to edit and revise content to improve overall structure and content clarity. Here, you will learn to ensure the content produced is suitable for the platform on which it is meant to be published and that it serves the intended purpose. Professional text editors serve as quality control specialists undertaking tasks such as developmental editing, constructive editing, proofreading, and so on.
Some courses you can take in this specialization are:
- Strategies for Editing and Writing
- Writing Center Theory and Practice
- Ethics and Digital Media
- Structure of Modern English
Public Writing and Rhetoric
When writing for a specific audience, you need to know more than just the language and grammar. Through the public writing and rhetoric specialization, you learn to write for different types of audiences, including the general public and varying professional groups. You will build skills and expertise that extend well beyond genres, academic or professional settings and develop a holistic skillset.
Some courses you can expect to take in this specialization are:
- Special Topics in Persuasion and Rhetoric
- Grant and Proposal Writing
- Backgrounds to Composition Theory and Research
- Legal Writing and Reasoning
Digital and Technical Communication
Here, you will learn how to convey complex technical information in simple, easy-to-understand language through different digital platforms. Through the specialization, you will not only learn to present complex topics in a language easily understood by the layman but also learn data presentation, design, and visualization. Moreover, you will learn communication best practices for different digital platforms and learn how to utilize each to achieve your goal.
Some courses you may come across in this specialization are:
- Technical Writing
- Usability and User Experience
- Introduction to Interaction Design and Development
- Developing and Publishing Digital Books
Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing
Different cultures have different communication styles and patterns. Through the specialization of intercultural rhetoric and writing, you will learn how people from different cultural backgrounds interact with each other. Additionally, you will examine the influence of culture on writing styles, composition, and more. Here are some courses you can expect to come across in this specialization:
- Writing for Global Audiences
- GLBTQ Literature
- Caribbean, Latin American, and Latinx Literature
- Culture Politics of Gender and Sexuality in Asia/America
Admission requirements
Admission requirements for a bachelor’s program vary depending on the college and an applicant’s prior qualifications. Those applying after high school graduation have to submit the following:
- High school transcripts
- High school diploma or a General Education Development equivalent
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
- English language testing scores (For international students only)
Additionally, high school graduates may have to fulfill specific requirements as well, such as minimum high school GPA, minimum years of English or a foreign language, number of recommendation letters, and so on. Make sure you go through the admission requirements for each college or university you shortlist and ensure you submit each required document before sending in your application.
It is also important to note that the admission requirements for associate degree holders will be different. They will need to submit the following:
- Associate degree transcripts – may need to fulfill specific course requirements
- Minimum CGPA
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
However, the most important admission requirement for associate degree holders is possession of required transferable credits. Usually, to enroll in a bachelor’s program, you need to have 60 transferable credit hours. Make sure you check in with the admission office to ensure you have the required transferable credits.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are generally the same across all colleges for a bachelor’s program. These include:
- Minimum CGPA (2.0 to 2.5)
- Minimum grade in all subjects (usually a C)
- Completion of required credit hours as divided between general education, core, and electives.
- Completion of internship
- Completion of capstone project
Additionally, students must take all compulsory subjects and ensure they fulfill any other requirements outlined for course selection.
Colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in professional writing
If you have a passion for the written word and truly believe you have what it takes to leverage it to achieve specific goals, then a professional writing degree is for you. Here are some colleges from where you can pursue the program.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Miami University | 88% | 81% | $17,809 in-state
$40,025 out-of-state |
| University of Bridgeport | 82% | 46% | $35,760 |
| Purdue University – West Lafayette | 53% | 82% | $9,992 in-state
$28,794 out-of-state |
| Grand Canyon University | 78% | 47% | $17,450 |
| Park University | 69% | 31% | $16,400 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 11% | 80% | $67,020 |
| Bridgewater College | 90% | 59% | $41,350 |
| Arizona State University | 90% | 66% | $12,939 in-state
$37,086 out-of-state |
Colleges offering an online professional writing degree
If you are looking for alternatives to a stringent on-campus program, an online program might be a better option for you. Here are some colleges offering an online professional writing degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 61% | 43% | $10,185 in-state
$22,689 out-of-state |
| Missouri State Outreach | 93% | 30% | $4,751 in-state
$9,501 out-of-state |
| Marshall University | 97% | 50% | $4,581 in-state
$10,171 out-of-state |
| University of Central Florida | 41% | 76% | $6,368 in-state
$22,467 out-of-state |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | 92% | 49% | $10,304 |
Is it worth pursuing a professional writing degree online?
Online programs have been growing increasingly popular over the years. But whether it is the right choice for you or not will depend on a number of factors. Affordability is often one of the most important considerations when choosing a program, and rightfully so. College education can be expensive. However, an online program is an excellent, relatively affordable alternative.
Here, students only have to pay tuition and some fees for books or technical support. Not having to factor in travel and accommodation costs significantly lowers the cost of attendance. Additionally, not needing to travel makes online programs more accessible to students from across the globe.
However, students need to be self-disciplined and ready to take charge of their learning curriculum. They must also keep in mind that they are committing to a 4-year program, which is a significant time investment. Moreover, they will not be interacting with their peers, and social isolation might prove challenging for some.
Ideally, you should seek expert degree advice before enrolling in a program. Not only can an expert help you make the right decision, but also provide you with educational resources and information that can be beneficial in the long run.
What professional writing degree jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree?
The career opportunities available to professional writing degree graduates largely depend on their skill set. However, here are a few that graduates are eligible for, as well as the average annual salary for each job title.
| Job title | Average annual salary |
| Advertising Copywriter | $64,013 |
| Medical Writer | $88,409 |
| Grant Writer | $57,719 |
| Communications Consultant | $92,628 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 |
| Corporate Communications Manager | $98,031 |
| Director of Communications | $105,038 |
| Technical Writers | $80,050 |
| Technical Editor | $76,033 |
| Writers and Authors | $73,690 |
Professional writing – Industry overview and hiring trends
Needless to say, when it comes to professional writing, AI has taken the industry by storm. Where a massive number of people are turning to generative AI tools such as Chat GPT and Gemini, a significant number of industries still rely on qualified professional writers and editors to ensure quality control. However, the impact of AI is undeniable. A BBC report highlights how a team of 60 writers was reduced to 1 in charge of editing, revising, and humanizing AI-generated content.
However, another report by Forbes also highlights how an increasing number of employers are realizing how the heavy reliance on AI-generated content has resulted in the loss of unique voices and narratives. Here is where the scope for professional writing degree graduates lies. It is important to note, though, that the introduction of AI tools has definitely damaged the careers of hundreds and thousands of freelance writers worldwide. Currently, the demand only remains for qualified professionals.
A report by Statista highlights how professionals in the industry are using AI tools to fulfill job obligations and responsibilities. In 2023, 47% of book authors used AI as a grammar tool, 29% for brainstorming ideas, 14% to organize and structure drafts, 26% for marketing, and 7% to write. The figures clearly highlight the widespread adoption of AI tools, even among industry professionals.
Minimum required education
The majority of professional writing degree jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. These include roles such as journalists, writers, authors, editors, communications specialists, and so on. Those interested in specialized career opportunities such as technical writing, medical writing, and the like must also possess a demonstrated skillset and some professional experience.
Additionally, certifications can also help improve a professional’s eligibility. However, the most important consideration for employers in the professional writing industry is the skills a writer possesses. Focusing on developing a sound knowledge of grammar, rhetoric, composition, writing styles, structures, guidelines, and more to access better-paying professional writing jobs in different industries.
What can you do with a professional writing degree?
A professional writing degree can lead to a variety of exciting career opportunities. Through the program, you will develop writing and editing skills and learn how to leverage the power of the written word for a number of benefits. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the field, you can explore job opportunities such as Technical Writer, Technical Editor, Journalist, Advertising Copywriter, Communications Specialist, and so on.
Is a professional writing degree worth it?
A professional writing degree features a blended curriculum featuring theoretical classes and several experiential learning opportunities. Through the program, you will develop a wide range of skills and gain comprehensive knowledge in rhetoric, writing, editing, and so on. Even if you do not want to pursue career opportunities in the field of writing, editing, corporate communications, and so on, you can go into teaching or language analysis and research, making a professional writing degree a worthy investment.
Is professional writing a good degree?
A professional writing degree is a versatile program offering abundant flexibility in the learning curriculum. Students are free to choose electives and courses to build relevant specialized skills. Moreover, the career paths available to graduates are diverse and have the potential to be financially rewarding. Even though AI has taken the world of professional writing by storm, it has not diminished the need for qualified professionals who are now employed in fixing and humanizing AI-generated content.
What jobs can you get with a professional writing degree?
Graduates with a professional writing bachelor are eligible for a wide range of job opportunities in business communications, media communications, public relations, and more. Opportunities that you can explore include Public Relations Specialist, Media Communications Officer, Technical Writer and Editor, Medical Writer, and more. Some of the job opportunities available to graduates are listed above, with the average annual salary information for each listed job title. However, do keep in mind that the job opportunities available to you will depend on the skill set you possess or the specialization you pursue.
Master the written word with a professional writing degree.
The written word has power that no other form of communication has. It has the potential to reach and resonate with a wide range of audiences, convey information, facts, statistics, and even convey feelings and emotions. If writing is your passion, a professional writing degree is the ideal choice for you. Through a bachelor’s degree in the field, you can build a successful career in the field.
Choosing the right stepping stone to begin your professional career is important. A bachelor’s degree in professional writing is the ideal first step to a long and potentially financially rewarding writing career. Whether you venture into technical writing or opt for a creative literary path, success is guaranteed with a formal education in professional writing.