Writing for the Real World
From day one of the BA in Professional & Public Writing, you’ll dive into practical projects, creating content that connects with diverse audiences and addresses real needs. You’ll work directly with clients and community partners, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for careers in technical writing, content creation, community advocacy, and more. Whether you’re crafting a proposal, designing digital content, or engaging in community storytelling, this degree gives you the skills to make a difference through powerful, purposeful writing.
What You’ll Gain
The Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Public Writing is ideal for students who want careers that involve a lot of writing and communication. You’ll build skills in writing clearly, editing effectively, and using technology to communicate, which are all valuable in today’s job market. Here are some types of jobs this degree can prepare you for:
- Technical Writer: Writing instructions, manuals, or guides that make complex topics easy to understand.
- Content Creator: Creating content for websites, social media, and other online platforms that engage audiences.
- Editor or Publisher: Helping refine other people’s writing to make it clearer and more polished.
- Grant and Proposal Writer: Writing persuasive documents to help organizations get funding.
- Community Advocate: Writing to support causes, nonprofits, or community organizations.
In this program, you’ll take classes that teach you about effective writing, how to reach different audiences, and the best ways to use digital tools for communication. Plus, you’ll have options to pick classes that match your specific career interests, whether you’re aiming for a corporate, non-profit, or public sector job.
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively in a range of genres for diverse professional and public audiences
- Articulate rhetorical choices using references to key theories and principles from writing studies and technical communication
- Conduct research that supports writing goals in professional and public contexts
- Create texts using appropriate technologies to ensure effective and accessible communication
- Showcase expertise in professional and public writing
Requirements
In addition to Boise State’s University Foundations requirements, you’ll complete a degree core, a set of clusters, and specialized electives to round out your degree.
Degree Core
In the core courses for Professional & Public Writing, you’ll build essential skills for writing in different settings, like technical communication and community-focused writing. You’ll learn to communicate clearly with different audiences, adjust your writing for specific goals, collaborate with teams, work with clients and community partners, and apply your skills in real-world projects. The capstone portfolio lets you put it all together, showcasing your expertise for future employers and clients.
This core experience prepares you to make a difference in any writing field you choose.
Professional & Public Writing Clusters
You’ll choose two nine-credit clusters.
- Writing with AI (new in Fall 2025) – You’ll learn how to use AI tools, write content that works with AI, and understand how AI is changing writing styles and trends. This cluster prepares you for cutting-edge roles where writing and technology come together.
- Leading Writers – You’ll learn how to create persuasive content, lead projects, and use storytelling to inspire others. This cluster is ideal if you’re looking to take on leadership roles in writing or communication.
- Technical Communication – You’ll build skills in using plain language, editing, and designing documents that prioritize the user experience. This cluster is great if you want to work in technical fields where clear, accurate communication is essential.
- Writing for the Public Good – You’ll learn to write for nonprofits, develop proposals, and create content that supports social causes. This cluster is a great choice if you’re interested in using your writing to advocate for change and support communities.
Electives
Finish your degree with electives. Consider a certificate or minor to customize your credentials. Students have found these options beneficial.
- Arts Entrepreneurship
- Conflict Management
- Content Production
- Digital Media
- Project Management or Project Management for All
- Plus Business Certificate or Minor
- Nonprofit Management Certificate or Minor
- Psychology
- Spanish
- User Experience Design
- User Experience Research