M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Youngstown State U...
B.A. in Professional & Technical Writing
Youngstown, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Professional & Technical Writing at Youngstown State University is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in a variety of professional writing careers. This program focuses on developing students' abilities to create clear, concise, and effective documents for diverse audiences. The curriculum emphasizes practical writing skills, including technical documentation, business communication, and digital media, preparing graduates for roles in multiple industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Professional & Technical Writing includes a mix of core courses and electives that cover key areas such as technical writing, grant writing, and digital media production. Core courses typically include Technical Writing, Professional Writing for the Web, and Advanced Composition. Students also have opportunities to take elective courses in areas like user experience (UX) design, editing and publishing, and multimedia writing. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are versatile and skilled in various forms of professional communication.
Research Focus: The research focus within the B.A. in Professional & Technical Writing program emphasizes the study of effective communication strategies and the development of technical documentation practices. Students engage in research that explores best practices in writing for technical and non-technical audiences, the impact of digital media on communication, and methods for creating accessible and user-friendly content. This research component helps students understand current trends and innovations in the field, enhancing their ability to contribute to cutting-edge projects.
Industry Engagement: Youngstown State University’s program in Professional & Technical Writing fosters strong industry connections through internships, cooperative education experiences, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, apply their skills to practical projects, and build professional networks. The program's strong ties with industry professionals also provide students with valuable insights into the demands and expectations of the job market.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Professional & Technical Writing program incorporates a global perspective by addressing the needs of diverse audiences and preparing students to work in international and cross-cultural environments. The curriculum includes coursework on global communication practices, cross-cultural writing strategies, and the impact of globalization on professional writing. Students are encouraged to consider the cultural and linguistic differences that affect written communication and to develop strategies for effectively reaching global audiences.
Location
Youngstown, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 11300
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 67 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
Youngstown State University (YSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to help make their education more affordable. These scholarships are highly competitive, and eligibility criteria may vary.
Global Leadership Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to academically talented and highly motivated international students. It provides financial support for tuition and is renewable for up to eight semesters. Eligibility is based on a student's academic record and standardized test scores.
American-Midwest Scholarship: YSU offers this scholarship to undergraduate international students. It covers a portion of tuition costs and is based on academic merit.
Athletic Scholarships: For students with exceptional athletic abilities, YSU provides athletic scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who participate in YSU's sports programs.
Non-Resident Tuition Scholarships: Some scholarships are designed to offset the higher out-of-state tuition costs for international students. These awards help reduce the overall tuition burden.
International Student Scholarships: YSU provides general scholarships for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are based on merit, and the selection process is highly competitive.
Honors College Scholarships: High-achieving international students may be eligible for Honors College scholarships. These scholarships offer additional funding for students in the Honors College program.
School-Specific Scholarships: Various schools and colleges within YSU may offer scholarships specific to their academic disciplines. Students pursuing particular majors or fields of study should inquire about school-specific scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships: YSU encourages international students to explore external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, or home country governments. These external scholarships can help cover educational expenses.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Professional & Technical Writing from Youngstown State University are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the professional writing and communication fields. The program's comprehensive curriculum equips students with skills in technical documentation, digital media, and business communication, making them suitable for several roles.
Technical Writer: Graduates can pursue careers as technical writers, where they create user manuals, product documentation, and instructional materials for technical products and services. They work in industries such as software development, engineering, and manufacturing, translating complex technical information into clear and accessible content.
Content Strategist: Another potential career is content strategist, where individuals plan, develop, and manage content across various digital platforms. This role involves creating content strategies that align with business goals and ensuring the effectiveness of online communication.
Business Communications Specialist: Professionals in this role focus on crafting business correspondence, reports, and presentations. They may work within corporations, non-profits, or government agencies, helping to improve internal and external communication.
Grant Writer: Graduates may also choose to become grant writers, responsible for researching and writing proposals to secure funding for organizations. This role involves understanding funding requirements, crafting compelling proposals, and managing grant application processes.
User Experience (UX) Writer: UX writers specialize in creating content that enhances user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work closely with UX designers to ensure that the text supports user navigation and interaction effectively.
Editor/Proofreader: With strong editing and proofreading skills, graduates can work as editors or proofreaders, refining content for accuracy, clarity, and style. This role is essential in publishing, marketing, and corporate communications.
Public Relations Specialist: In this position, individuals manage a company's image and communication with the public. They write press releases, prepare speeches, and handle media relations to promote a positive public image.
Corporate Trainer: Graduates may also work as corporate trainers, developing training materials and conducting workshops to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
