Boise State University’s Department of Writing Studies is offering a new Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Public Writing starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
The Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Public Writing centers on writing for action. In the program, students develop in-demand career skills, such as clear and concise technical writing, persuasive communication, content creation for digital and social media platforms, user-centered design, grant writing and writing with/for AI.
“We’re excited to update our program to respond to current trends in professional writing, such as writing with technology and using AI, while still emphasizing the skills that make us writers,” said Associate Professor Jenn Mallette, chair of the Department of Writing Studies.
“Students have opportunities to work with caring and supportive faculty to develop writing and communication skills that will support their goals. I’m really proud of the work faculty have done to build a program that centers our students’ needs and their success.”
Career readiness
The Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Public Writing equips students with the technical skills, interpersonal experience and project portfolio they need to begin writing careers after graduation.
The program prepares students to write with and for artificial intelligence, create content for social media and write for public leadership. Its unique structure gives students a strong writing foundation plus the skills needed to excel as professional writers in any industry.
The program also centers project-based learning. Students learn through practical experience with the kinds of work they’ll do in their careers. They graduate with a portfolio of projects that immediately demonstrate their skills to potential employers.
Students can complete internships in Boise State’s Writing Center, where they can get on-the-job training while earning course credit. Many students in the Department of Writing Studies use that job experience to launch careers in editing, publishing, content creation, nonprofit management, law and other fields that demand sharp writing and communications skills.
Faculty with industry experience
A group of experienced faculty who hold PhDs, MFAs and MAs in writing-specific fields and experience in a variety of professional settings lead the professional and public writing program. Faculty have expertise in public-facing writing, technical communication, writing for industry, writing center administration, engineering communication, and rhetoric and composition
Collectively, the faculty are educators, writing consultants and passionate advocates for writing education. The department is full of thought leaders in the profession, working on topics like user experience, accessibility, online content creation, editing and writing with artificial intelligence.
Students interested in this new program should schedule an appointment with the College of Arts and Sciences student advising office to learn more.