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Professional Writing and Communication

Explore course descriptions below to see how this program supports your interests. Some courses may have extended descriptions on the English Department website.

  • Discover how rhetoric--the art of persuasion--has shaped ancient history and culture. Learn how this tradition’s competencies can help you see the world differently and communicate effectively.
  • Discover how rhetoric--the art of persuasion--has shaped contemporary history and culture. Learn how this tradition’s competencies can help you see the world differently and communicate effectively.
  • In this course, you’ll hone your writing skills at the sentence and paragraph level to develop a flexible, effective writing style for a variety of purposes and situations.
  • Learn how rhetoric--the art of influence-- can help you effectively communicate, influence, and persuade.
  • Learn professional writing genres. Use design thinking in teams to create a professional writing project for a real client.
  • Learn how visual media persuades and influences. Analyze and create visual media such as websites, infographics, videos, posters, and other multimedia.
  • Learn how to navigate digital landscapes professionally and personally. Analyze and communicate with digital communication tools such as blogs, podcasts, and other social media.
  • Dive deep into a special topic on rhetoric, such as rhetoric and medicine, rhetoric and leadership, and so on. Check the specific course description for the semester you take this course.
  • Study classical oratory to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations with well-designed visuals. Learn strategies for managing public speaking anxiety and leading meetings effectively.
  • Deepen your professional communication skills by interning for a local business or organization.
  • Complete an internship in a writing-intensive or communication-intensive area, such as BYU’s Writing and Research Center.
  • Explore a specific area in rhetorical studies and produce a multimedia project or professional writing portfolio relevant to your career interests or goals.

Students in these emphases typically take the courses listed below, but there is flexibility depending on student interest and course offerings. Some courses may have extended descriptions on the English Department website.

For the full list of English MA requirements, see the graduate catalog.

Graduate Catalog

Rhetoric & Composition Emphasis

  • A survey of major texts, thinkers, and movements of the Western rhetorical tradition from classical antiquity to the present.
  • A seminar in interpreting and evaluating rhetorical acts and artifacts, including literature, for the purpose of understanding rhetorical theory and practice.
  • Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition, a survey of research methods in rhetoric and composition.

Digital Humanities and Professional Writing Emphasis

Relevant Elective Courses

  • A practicum for graduate students teaching first-year writing courses.
  • Studies in Teaching Advanced Composition, a practicum for graduate students training to teach advanced composition courses.
  • Electives of your choice, including courses in literature and creative writing.