COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in English with a Professional and Technical Writing concentration at San José State University is designed to prepare students for careers in workplace and industry-based communication, where writing is used to inform, instruct, and persuade across professional contexts. The program combines a strong foundation in English studies with specialized training in professional, technical, and digital writing. Students begin with general education and core English courses that build skills in critical thinking, composition, and literary analysis, followed by major coursework covering literary history, global literature, Shakespeare studies, and American literature with attention to cultural diversity and ethnicity. The concentration in Professional and Technical Writing focuses on applied communication skills, including professional editing, technical writing, modern English usage, and strategic content development for digital and organizational platforms. Students also select additional courses such as UX design and visual communication, advanced composition, social media writing, publication writing, and rhetorical analysis, allowing them to tailor their studies toward specific career interests in writing and communication fields. The program emphasizes practical, real-world application, ensuring that students gain experience in creating clear, effective content for audiences in industries such as technology, business, healthcare, and media. Alongside major requirements, students complete university electives or a minor to broaden their academic and professional preparation. Overall, the program equips graduates with versatile communication, editing, and content creation skills, making them highly competitive for roles in professional writing, technical communication, user experience design, and digital content strategy, while also providing a strong foundation for further graduate study or professional advancement in communication-related fields.