This emphasis prepares you to become a successful professional in the field of writing. You will learn about the nature of language and writing, develop skills with the tools professional writers use and practice strategies for handling workplace projects successfully. We prepare students for careers in editing and publishing, and also for Ph.D studies in rhetoric and composition.

We also offer a certificate program in Technical Communication.

Professional Writing Option Requirements
For more complete details and course descriptions, see the current Eastern Michigan University Graduate Catalog.

Required Courses: 18 hours

• ENGL505 Rhetoric of Science and Technology (3 hrs)
• ENGL524 Advanced Technical Writing and Research (3 hrs)
• ENGL525 Advanced Public Relations Writing (3 hrs)
• ENGL621 Research in Theory and Practice of Writing (3 hrs)

One course from the following:

• ENGL526 Topics in Technical Communication (3 hrs)
• ENGL527 Topics in Professional Communication (3 hrs)

One course from the following:

• ENGL692 Thesis (3 hrs)
• ENGL693 Master’s Writing Project (3 hrs)
• ENGL694 Teacher Research/Professional Writing Internship (3 hrs)

Elective Courses and Cognates: 12 hours

Students select from among courses in writing, linguistics, literature, graphic design, communication theory, computer science, science or industrial technology.