Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures is home to the Professional and Public Writing (P2W) undergraduate major and—in collaboration with Art, Art History, and Design—the undergraduate major in Experience Architecture (XA).
Professional and Public Writing
The Professional and Public Writing (P2W) major prepares students to become confident, effective communicators and to develop advanced writing skills in diverse media, for diverse disciplines, workplaces, and digital environments.
P2W students graduate as creative, skilled, and experienced writers, editors, and designers who are able to work with a wide range of documents and in a variety of workplaces. The P2W program also prepares students to be lifelong learners who can apply what they learn in classes directly to their intended careers.
Experience Architecture
Experience Architecture (XA) is a viable and emerging professional field of study. Our program capitalizes on a vital need for people-centered experiences across converging technologies, services, and processes. Through the growth and continual development of the internet and other digital technologies, XA is an emerging field of professional study meant to compliment the fast-paced nature of digital environments. The XA program at Michigan State University capitalizes on a vital need for people-centered thinking and experiences.
featured alum:
Emily Jenkins
2019 Professional and Public Writing
Emily Jenkins is a dual major in Professional Writing and Comparative Cultures and Politics, completing her time at MSU with a 4.0 GPA. As a research assistant for the Cube, she has conducted award-winning research on digital publishing and is co-authoring an NEH grant with Dr. Kate Birdsall. Emily plans to use the Outstanding Senior Award toward her goal of pursuing a graduate degree in Comparative Linguistics, and we look forward to hearing more about her future educational adventures and work in the community.
Ashton Keys
2018 Experience Architecture
Ashton was selected as the 2018 Experience Architecture Student of the Year. During his time at MSU, Keys was involved in many impressive projects, working on content strategy with MSU Hatch, user research with the MSU Libraries, and user interface with Ninety6, a clothing company which he founded.
Erin Campbell
2019 Experience Architecture
Erin Campbell, an XA major with minors in Spanish & Digital Humanities, was the first-ever Digital Scholarship Lab intern. She had the opportunity to research a topic of her choice and use technology provided by the lab to put together a public presentation on her research. Throughout her semester-long internship she chose to research human trafficking and was responsible for organizing an event to showcase this research using DSL resources.
Professional and Public Writing
The Professional and Public Writing (P2W) major prepares students to become confident, effective communicators and to develop advanced writing skills in diverse media, for diverse disciplines, workplaces, and digital environments.
P2W students graduate as creative, skilled, and experienced writers, editors, and designers who are able to work with a wide range of documents and in a variety of workplaces. The P2W program also prepares students to be lifelong learners who can apply what they learn in classes directly to their intended careers.
featured alum:
Emily Jenkins
19'
Emily Jenkins is a dual major in Professional Writing and Comparative Cultures and Politics, completing her time at MSU with a 4.0 GPA. As a research assistant for the Cube, she has conducted award-winning research on digital publishing and is co-authoring an NEH grant with Dr. Kate Birdsall. Emily plans to use the Outstanding Senior Award toward her goal of pursuing a graduate degree in Comparative Linguistics, and we look forward to hearing more about her future educational adventures and work in the community.
Experience Architecture
Experience Architecture (XA) is a viable and emerging professional field of study. Our program capitalizes on a vital need for people-centered experiences across converging technologies, services, and processes. Through the growth and continual development of the internet and other digital technologies, XA is an emerging field of professional study meant to compliment the fast-paced nature of digital environments. The XA program at Michigan State University capitalizes on a vital need for people-centered thinking and experiences.
featured alum:
Erin Campbell
19'
Erin Campbell, an XA major with minors in Spanish & Digital Humanities, was the first-ever Digital Scholarship Lab intern. She had the opportunity to research a topic of her choice and use technology provided by the lab to put together a public presentation on her research. Throughout her semester-long internship she chose to research human trafficking and was responsible for organizing an event to showcase this research using DSL resources.
featured alum:
Ashton Keys
18'
was selected as the 2018 Experience Architecture Student of the Year. During his time at MSU, Keys was involved in many impressive projects, working on content strategy with MSU Hatch, user research with the MSU Libraries, and user interface with Ninety6, a clothing company which he founded.