Utah Valley University

What you'll study

Students study writing as an active, social process, learning to plan, draft, revise, and edit for different contexts. Typical thematic areas include:

• Rhetoric and composition theory
• Professional and technical writing practices
• Creative nonfiction and literary craft
• Research methods and documentation
• Editing, style, and publication workflows

Instruction balances workshop-style writing, collaborative projects, and analytical courses that examine how texts produce meaning in cultural and institutional settings.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires an undergraduate application, official transcripts, and meeting the university's general admission standards. Incoming students should have completed college-preparatory English coursework; transfer students may be asked for course descriptions or samples to determine placement. Programs often expect completion of foundational college writing courses before upper-division emphasis work.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require strong communication and critical thinking. Common career paths include technical writer, content strategist, editor, grant or proposal writer, communications specialist, and roles in marketing or nonprofit communications. The degree also serves as preparation for graduate study in writing, rhetoric, literature, or professional fields such as law or education.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should explore university-wide scholarships, departmental awards, and writing-competition prizes that reward manuscripts or portfolios. Work-study and undergraduate research opportunities can offset costs while providing practical experience. Applicants are advised to consult the university's financial aid office for eligibility criteria and advice on combining merit-based awards with need-based aid.