Major Monday — Professional, technical, business and scientific writing

Are you a skilled writer? Do you ever read directions for setting up your computer or putting together furniture and think you could explain them better yourself? If so, consider becoming a professional, technical, business and scientific writing major in college! These students focus on the theory, method and skills necessary to write and edit scientific, technical and business materials.

Education
According to the College Board, this major often leads to a bachelor’s degree. In order to prepare for the major, consider taking courses like AP English, website design and computer/graphic arts in high school. Professional et al. writing majors usually take college courses including multimedia writing, rhetorical theory and technical editing.

What to know before you apply
Before you decide on a certain school or program, you should know whether you will actually be majoring in professional et al. writing, or if you will be majoring in English with a concentration in the professional writing area. This will make a big difference. Also, you should find out whether the college offers a specialization like graphic design or editing or one of your own interests. Finally, find out whether you will be focusing on the professional side or the theoretical side of the major.

Salary
A degree in professional, technical, business and scientific writing can prepare you for positions including technical writers, editors and web designers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers earned an average annual salary of $67,280 in 2011, while editors earned $60,490. Web designers earned a yearly average of $55,000.

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