"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
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 - strong writing, speaking, teamwork, problem-solving, and analysis skills are consistently in high demand among employers and graduate programs. 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.
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.
18
Minor
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Minor in Professional Writing. See all Professional Writing courses.
UG
3 credits
This course introduces small group theories and develops practices of group development, team growth, skills assessment, group communication dynamics, and conflict resolution. Students address crisis management issues with collaborative communication skills in various organizational and cultural settings via research, written statements, and live presentations.
UG
3 credits
This course is an exploration of communication within corporations, nonprofit groups, and other organizations. Students will research and apply theories of organizational communication and will reflect on their own communicative experiences and approaches.
UG
3 credits
This course is a survey of political rhetoric and communication, including theories of persuasion. Students will explore, analyze, and produce speeches and texts related to political discourse.
UG
3 credits
Students will learn to communicate effectively and responsibly with a wide range of health care audiences, including patients, clients, caregivers, medical colleagues, and the public. Students will research and write about contemporary issues in the health professions.
UG
3 credits
Study and practice of writing with generative artificial intelligence. Students will learn context and theoretical foundations of AI and will practice using AI tools effectively and ethically as researchers.
UG
3 credits
Study and practice in grant and proposal writing in business and organizational settings. Conventions for grant writing in nonprofit settings, consultant writing for proposals, science writing for government grants, small business grant writing. Emphasis on specific genres and transferable rhetorical skills.
Whether planning to enter the job market or pursue another degree after graduating with their B.A. or B.S., students across the university can gain a competitive edge by completing the Professional Writing Minor (PWM). Strong writing, speaking, teamwork, problem-solving, and analysis skills are consistently in high demand among employers and graduate programs. Our courses focus on helping students develop these skills and more. Along with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, flexibility to customize coursework, and the option to complete the minor entirely online, the PWM offers students individualized attention, extensive feedback, and opportunities to explore their professional interests in ways that meet their unique needs.
Senior Lecturer in Writing and Rhetoric
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!
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
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.
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?
