Unlike the professional and technical writers who formerly dealt primarily with the written word in print documents, today's writers are thought of more as communications specialists with required expertise in a much wider range of skills and media. Where once it was sufficient to write clear and effective prose, it is now necessary to create and execute complex information strategies involving both visual and verbal elements and media ranging from print to on-line to multi- and social media. The goal of the M.A. in Professional Writing is to prepare students for careers as writers, communications specialists, and information designers working in this new era.