Bachelor of Arts
Professional and Digital Writing
Get exceptional career preparation in one of the nation’s best college writing programs.
Nationally recognized for excellence in writing instruction, Oakland University developed the professional and digital writing major to meet the high demand for strategic, technically savvy communicators. This unique undergraduate writing degree prepares you for careers in technical writing, business communication, social media, digital storytelling and other forms of professional and digital writing. You’ll hone your ability in the classroom, the media lab and the community, getting a hands-on writing degree that includes significant real-word experience. With a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Digital Writing, you’ll be very well equipped to meet the growing need for strong, versatile professional writers.
Nationally recognized for excellence in writing instruction, Oakland University developed the professional and digital writing major to meet the high demand for strategic, technically savvy communicators. This unique undergraduate writing degree prepares you for careers in technical writing, business communication, social media, digital storytelling and other forms of professional and digital writing. You’ll hone your ability in the classroom, the media lab and the community, getting a hands-on writing degree that includes significant real-word experience. With a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Digital Writing, you’ll be very well equipped to meet the growing need for strong, versatile professional writers.
Professional and Digital Writing: The Oakland University Advantage
Oakland University’s professional and digital writing program combines best-in-class academic instruction with relevant, highly marketable professional training. Oakland University is one of only a few institutions nationwide to offer an undergraduate degree program focused exclusively on professional and digital writing.
Our professional and digital writing major earned national recognition for its:
- High academic standards. In 2016 Oakland University earned a prestigious Writing Program Certificate of Excellence from the Conference on College Composition and Communication. This rare honor recognizes innovative college writing programs that achieve excellence in instruction, career development, community engagement and cultural inclusivity.
- Hands-on professional experience. Oakland’s high profile in Southeast Michigan yields outstanding opportunities for writing internships, volunteer projects, and other forms of real-world engagement. You can build your resume, acquire professional polish, and develop your writing portfolio by working with local businesses, nonprofits, schools, cultural organizations, schools and other clients.
- Superior faculty. Our professional and digital writing program is led by prominent scholars with national reputations. You’ll get personalized, one-on-one guidance in small classes from seasoned educators and professional writers who help you hone your individual strengths and maximize your talent.
- Well-rounded career development. You’ll cultivate versatile skills that fit the needs of 21st-century employers. Our broad selection of college writing courses allows you to align the professional and digital writing degree with your individual abilities and career aspirations.
- Creative freedom. We encourage professional and digital writing majors to explore and experiment. You’ll have opportunities both within and outside of the classroom to try your hand at many forms of writing and digital expression, with multiple outlets to publish your work and showcase your ability.
What Can You Do With a Professional and Digital Writing Degree?
Because digital publishing tools are ubiquitous, companies of every size in nearly every industry need content creators for their social media feeds, websites and multimedia channels. Legacy media publishers also require individuals with these skills as they migrate to new platforms and embrace digital storytelling forms. Likewise, publishers of technical, corporate, educational and government materials are seeking new talent as they adapt to modern modes of communication.
After completing the professional and digital writing program, you’ll be well qualified for graduate writing programs or for immediate employment in fields such as:
- Digital storytelling
- Podcasting
- Social media and blogging
- Editing
- Technical writing
- Website design
- Corporate communications
- Marketing
- Education and tutoring
Professional and Digital Writing: What You’ll Learn
The academic core for the professional and digital writing degree includes courses in rhetoric, writing, civic engagement and technology. The remainder of the program consists of electives, enabling you to personalize your studies and gain skills and experience that support your personal objectives. You’ll also complete a senior capstone project, designed in consultation with a faculty adviser, which may involve a professional internship, research and/or independent study.
Professional and digital writing electives vary widely to accommodate a broad range of interests. You can satisfy major requirements with courses in subjects such as:
- Editing
- Technical writing
- Web design
- Digital publishing
- Digital identity and culture
- Digital storytelling
- Podcasting
- Science writing
- Business writing
- Creative nonfiction
- Global rhetorics
- Rhetoric of race and ethnicity
Professional and Digital Writing Program Resources
- Major Requirements
- Minor Requirements
- Department of Writing and Rhetoric
- College of Arts and Sciences
Programs Related to Professional and Digital Writing
Not sure if the professional and digital writing program is right for you ? Check out these other undergraduate degrees at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.