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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.
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)
INTERNSHIP: (3 CREDITS)
Select one of these two options:
ELECTIVES: (15 CREDITS)
Select five courses from the list of approved electives.
➤ Communication (COMMRC)
➤ English Composition (ENGCMP)
➤ English Writing (ENGWRT)
Plan Your Path
Use these resources to understand your Writing for the Professions track requirements, explore course options, and plan your path toward completing your degree.
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) »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 »Gain Experience Beyond the Classroom
Build practical skills, explore your interests, and connect your Media and Professional Communications degree to real-world experiences.
Internships
The world of communications is fast-paced and dynamic, and an internship puts you right in the center of the action. At Pitt, you will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside communications professionals in a corporate setting or behind-the-scenes at a media company. Or you could delve deep into a business project or jumpstart your writing skills at journalism bootcamp.
Learn more about internships »Global Experiences
Today, communication is a global phenomenon, and an international experience can give you an edge. We encourage CGS students to consider spending a break, semester, or summer abroad. Many of our partner locations offer English literature, film, and other courses related to media and communication.
Explore study abroad opportunities »