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Media and Professional Communications, BA - Writing for the Professions

Write Your Way Into Success

Turn your writing into a powerful tool for your career and professional growth.

 

The Writing for the Professions track equips you to become a skilled wordsmith for businesses and organizations, from technical writing to copywriting, helping them communicate their message clearly and effectively. Upon completion of the track, you will be able to produce high-quality written works that either analyze writing within a specific field, such as health, law, grants, media, marketing, or public relations, or demonstrate mastery of a particular genre.

Degree Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of 120 credits for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in media and professional communications. Of this total, the major consists of 36 credits:

  • 12 credits of required core courses;
  • 24 credits in the Writing for the Professions track (including internship)

For additional degree requirements, see our General Education program page.

Program Notes

English composition (ENGCMP) courses and writing-intensive courses (officially designated as W courses in the catalog) that are taken for the Media and Professional Communications major must be passed with a grade of C or higher (grades of C- or lower are not acceptable).

Core Courses (12 Credits)

These courses provide a foundation in media systems, history, writing, and ethics.

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: Web

Track Curriculum (24 Credits)

Courses in the Writing for the Professions track Courses build professional writing, communication, and media skills for careers in business, nonprofit, legal, and organizational contexts. Offerings include public relations, technical and persuasive writing, media literacy, grant writing, and social media, with internships or projects providing hands-on, real-world experience.

REQUIRED COURSES: (6 CREDITS)

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Note: COMMRC 1114 may be substituted with either COMMRC 1161 Communication Ethics 3 cr or, if not used as an elective, ENGCMP 1103 Public Relations Writing 3 cr.
 
Select one of these two options:
 
Format: F2F and Web
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INTERNSHIP: (3 CREDITS)

Select one of these two options:

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Format: Web

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ELECTIVES: (15 CREDITS)

Select five courses from the list of approved electives.

➤ Communication (COMMRC)
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Format: Hybrid
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Format: F2F and Web
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Approved Topics: New Media Technologies (SEC 10XX)
➤ English Composition (ENGCMP)
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web, available as of Fall 2026
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web
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➤ English Writing (ENGWRT)
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Resources & Flexible Options

Flexible Learning Options

Develop professional writing skills through a combination of online and in-person courses tailored to your schedule and career goals.

View Online Courses

Planning Resources

Use the Writing for the Professions Track Checklist (PDF) to map out your required courses and monitor your progress toward degree completion.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Ready to Get Started

Prospective students, request more information to learn about admission and begin planning your personalized degree path. Current Pitt students, connect with a CGS advisor.