Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
Total graduates
959
2025 · 91 schools
International share
2.7%
26 international students
Bachelor's degrees
632
0.8% international
Master's degrees
308
6.8% international
Overview
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing is a multifaceted field that emphasizes the development of writing skills tailored to various professional contexts. This discipline combines elements of communication, technical knowledge, and analytical thinking, equipping students to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
Students in this program learn to produce a wide range of documents, including reports, manuals, proposals, and scientific papers, all while adhering to industry-specific standards and conventions. The curriculum often covers topics such as audience analysis, document design, and the ethical implications of technical communication. By understanding the needs of different audiences, students become adept at adapting their writing style and content to suit various purposes, whether in a corporate, scientific, or technical setting.
Moreover, this field emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, as many projects require input from cross-disciplinary teams. Students often engage in real-world projects or internships that provide practical experience and help build a professional portfolio. The skills acquired in this program are highly transferable and in demand across various industries, including technology, healthcare, engineering, and business.
In summary, Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing prepares students to become proficient communicators capable of tackling the writing challenges of modern workplaces. As industries continue to evolve and demand clear, concise communication, graduates of this program will find themselves well-positioned for a successful career in a variety of fields.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates fell 24% and the international share went from 1.8% to 2.7%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 91 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 149,840 | — | $90,630 |
| Editors | 91,690 | $43.30 | $90,060 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 57,720 | — | $89,580 |
| Writers and Authors | 47,940 | $41.39 | $86,090 |
| Technical Writers | 45,500 | $46.62 | $96,970 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.