Frequently Asked Questions

Strong communication is the skill employers value most, and it's one you can develop in any major. The Professional Writing Minor pairs your field of study with practical training in writing, research, and digital communication, all built around real projects you can add to your portfolio. No technical background required. Explore the questions below to see how it fits your goals.

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  • What is professional writing?

    Professional writing is the study and practice of communicating effectively in workplace, public, technical, scientific, legal, and digital environments. Professional writers help people understand complex information, make decisions, collaborate across disciplines, and solve real-world problems.

  • Who should consider the Professional Writing Minor?

    The minor is designed for students from every major. Whether you're studying engineering, biology, business, psychology, communication, music, architecture, public health, political science, or the humanities, strong communication skills will enhance your academic work and career opportunities.

  • Do I have to want to become a professional writer?

    Not at all. Most students who complete the minor pursue careers in their primary field. The minor strengthens the communication, research, and problem-solving skills that employers consistently value across industries.

  • How does the minor complement my major?

    Professional writing helps you communicate the expertise you develop in your major.

    For example:

    Major

    How the minor helps

    Biology

    Communicate research to scientific and public audiences

    Engineering

    Write technical documentation, proposals, and reports

    Business

    Develop persuasive presentations, reports, and client communications

    Psychology

    Present research clearly and write for diverse audiences

    Political Science

    Prepare policy briefs, advocacy materials, and public communications

    Computer Science

    Create user documentation, UX content, and AI prompts

    Public Health

    Develop health education materials and grant proposals

    Music or Art

    Build portfolios, promotional materials, and digital content

  • What kinds of skills will I develop?

    Students build skills in:

    • strategic communication
    • audience analysis
    • professional writing
    • digital communication
    • multimedia composition
    • user experience (UX)
    • research and information synthesis
    • grant writing
    • collaborative writing
    • AI-assisted communication
    • project management
    • accessible communication

  • What types of projects will I complete?

    Depending on the courses you choose, you may create

    • websites
    • podcasts
    • infographics
    • grant proposals
    • technical documents
    • literature reviews
    • legal briefs
    • digital portfolios
    • social media campaigns
    • presentations
    • UX documentation
    • AI prompt libraries
    • community engagement projects

  • What courses are required?

    The Professional Writing Minor consists of 15 credit hours:

    • WRS 210: Rhetoric in Action
    • WRS 230: Advanced Professional Communication
    • Three additional Writing Studies courses at the 200 level or above, with at least one course at the 300 level or higher (excluding WRS 208)

  • Can I choose courses that match my interests?

    Absolutely. Students can tailor the minor to areas such as

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Science Communication
    • Legal Writing
    • Civic Engagement
    • UX and Interactive Media
    • Accessibility
    • Leadership
    • Research Writing
    • Digital Content Creation
    • Global Communication

  • Can I take courses before declaring the minor?

    Yes. Many students discover the minor after taking one or two Writing Studies courses. Those courses may count toward the minor, depending on your program of study.

  • When should I declare the minor?

    You can declare the minor at any point during your undergraduate career, but you will need to have completed the General Education Written Communitcation Skills requirement. Meeting with an advisor early can help you plan the best sequence of courses.

  • Will this minor help me get a job?

    Employers consistently rank written communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving among the most desirable career skills. The Professional Writing Minor helps you demonstrate these skills through authentic projects that can be included in a professional portfolio.

  • Will I use AI in my courses?

    Yes—but thoughtfully. Many of our courses explore how generative AI is changing professional communication. Students learn to use AI responsibly while developing the rhetorical judgment, ethical awareness, and critical thinking that technology cannot replace.

  • Do I need technical experience?

    No. Most courses assume no specialized technical background. You'll learn new tools as part of your coursework, with the emphasis always on communication rather than programming.

  • How do I declare the minor?

    Declaring the minor is easy. Meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or your academic advisor to discuss your plan of study and complete the required declaration process.

  • Whom should I contact with questions?

    If you have questions about courses, declaring the minor, or planning your schedule, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies. We're happy to help you explore how the Professional Writing Minor fits your academic and career goals.

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