Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Information Design
Program Directors: Randall Martoccia and Dr. Erin Clark
The BS in Professional Writing and Information Design prepares students for careers in writing and designing information for industry, science, technology, engineering, government, and health contexts; editing and publishing; user experience and usability; information design, documentation, content creation, and document management.
Professional communication and information specialists bridge the gap between subject matter experts (e.g., scientists and engineers) and those who must understand or implement their ideas. These information professionals are in demand by social media and web development companies; computer software and hardware companies; consumer electronics distributors; the pharmaceutical, medical, financial services industries; government agencies to name a few.
Trending careers for graduates with degrees in professional and technical writing and information design include:
Graduates leave the program knowledgeable in these fields’ important concepts and with skills focused on one or more related areas. They also gain experience through internships and study abroad opportunities.
ECU’s English Department is home to award-winning professional journals as well as The Lookout: A Journal of Undergraduate Research, which students in the program edit and publish.
For additional information about majoring in Professional Writing and Information Design, please email EnglishUG@ecu.edu or call 252-328-6041.
New program pathway: Accelerated Program in Professional Writing and Information Design, BS/Technical and Professional Communication, MA
Already earning the BS in Professional Writing and Information Design? Consider the MA degree in English (concentration in Technical and Professional Communication) as your next step.
In our new Accelerated Program, you can start taking master’s degree courses while completing your BS degree—and the courses can count toward both degrees. The accelerated program offers students a powerful pathway into communication‑driven careers by combining advanced writing, research, and design skills with a deep understanding of how information functions in modern workplaces.
Through graduate‑level study, you’ll develop expertise in user‑centered design, editing, content strategy, and multimodal communication while strengthening their ability to think critically, manage complex projects, and lead collaborative initiatives.
The accelerated BS+MA option allows high‑achieving juniors and seniors to earn two degrees more efficiently, saving time and reducing overall cost while building a competitive professional portfolio. Graduates enter the workforce prepared for high‑growth roles in technical writing, UX content, digital communication, and information design, equipped with the strategic, ethical, and adaptable communication skills employers consistently seek.
Ready to learn more? Contact the BS degree coordinator, Dr. Erin Clark, or the director of graduate studies in English, Dr. Brent Henze.
Undergraduate Catalog’s Professional Writing and Information Design >