The Professional and Technical Writing major is designed for students who want a career in user assistance, technical communication, science writing, editing, content strategy and development, social media management and creation, grant writing, and science journalism. Students in this major participate in internships and experiential learning programs. They often apply course knowledge to work with clients on real-world projects.
At Virginia Tech, you will create user guides, online documentation, scientific reports, how-to videos, persuasive proposals, and other workplace documents. In addition to your professional and technical writing classes, you will complete courses in literature, digital media, and critical frameworks. Working individually and in teams, you will combine writing skills with technological solutions to solve problems, help users from diverse backgrounds, and address pressing technical and social challenges.
Career Options
Technical editor/writer
Web development and writing
Management, scientific, and technical consulting
Software publisher
Scientific research
Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publisher
Content strategist
Editor
Social media coordinator
Communications manager
News reporter
Digital copywriter