• Writing and editing to achieve specific purposes and address specific audiences.
• Producing different types of documents, including instructional manuals, reports, and proposals.
• Using writing as a tool for learning.

In addition to the 12-hour English Core Requirement, Professional Writing majors must choose 12 hours from the following list.

• 3601 Technical & Professional Writing (W)
• 3602 Writing & Editing in the Professions
• 3604 Persuasive Writing (W, C)
• 4605-15 Topics in Advanced Technical Writing
• 4616 The Publishing Process
• 4617 Computers & Writing (W)
• 4630 Internship in Professional Writing* (Application - PDF file)
• 4900 Independent Study (only in Professional Writing)
• 4996 Honors Thesis

*Before enrolling in an Internship (4630) undergraduate students must have completed ENGL 3601 and 3602.

Graduates of the Professional Writing Program are employed as teachers, writers, editors, webmasters, and project managers. Some of their employers include educational systems such as

• The University of Memphis
• The community colleges of the Tennessee Board of Regents
• Memphis City Schools
• Shelby County Schools
• Private colleges, secondary, and elementary schools

Others employers of our graduates include

• FedEx Corporation
• CST
• Physicians Postgraduate Press
• St. Jude
• International Paper
• The Commercial Appeal

If you are a graduate of the Professional Writing Program, contact the department to have your employer added to this list.

For more information about the program:

Faculty
Degree Requirements
Internship forms
Society for Technical Communication (STC)
Mid-South Chapter of STC
Salary Survey for Technical Writers, MONEY magazine