Undergraduate

Professional Writing, Minor

Gain the skills most desired by employers.

Students interact with writing teacher.

"If you want to get better at writing, communicating, and understanding people, then Professional Writing minor opens a lot of doors."

Bennett Matson (B.A. in Public Policy Leadership '22)

Law Student, Loyola University

About the Minor in Professional Writing

The Department of Writing and Rhetoric in the College of Liberal Arts offers the minor in Professional Writing. Students hone their communication skills for a variety of digital, disciplinary, and workplace environments. They build the skills to become more competitive job applicants and successful employees. Students are able to apply class projects to their major or career goals.

The minor is offered in traditional face-to-face courses and entirely-online formats.

The Value of a Professional Writing Minor

With special focus given to navigating the terrain of electronic writing environments and social media through portfolio projects, students develop key skills: written and oral communication, teamwork, project management, research and analysis, and critical thinking/problem solving. The Professional Writing minor can benefit students of all majors and all career paths.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Degree

    Required Credit Hours

    18

    Program Type

    Minor

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Academic Requirements

    Find out about credit hour and course requirements for the 2025-26 academic catalog.

    Students in the Professional Writing minor complete 18 credit hours of courses, including two required courses and four courses (12 credit hours) or Writ courses at the 200 level or higher. Spch 305 may also be used toward the additional 12 hours. A grade of C or higher is required in all writing and speech courses applied toward the minor.

    • Writ 300: Rhetoric of Professional Communication
    • Writ 310: Writing in Professional Contexts
    • 4 courses (12 credit hours) of Writ at the 200-level or higher. 

    See all Writ courses in the catalog.

    Alex poses for a professional portrait

    Why Study Professional Writing?

    "Professional Writing really complimented my work with the student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian. It provided a well-rounded education. As a Recruitment Specialist for OR Nurses Nationwide, I am using advanced communication skills every day."

    Alexis Rhoden

    B.A.J. Journalism ('19)

    Pair Professional Writing with Your Major

    Combine your Professional Writing minor with many other subjects based on your interests and career goals.

    Annabelle Harris

    Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts

    As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!

    Annabelle Harris

    Admissions Counselor

    Future CLA Students

    image of a group of students studying together in the Union

    College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students

    We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet. 

    Future CLA Students

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?