The Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPW) offered by Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) is designed for students who want careers as document designers in industry and government, where they will plan, write, and evaluate computer manuals and on-line documentation, training and instructional materials, technical reports, and a wide range of internal and external communications (forms, brochures, newsletters, public relations releases). The MAPW prepares students for several possible points of entry into a professional writing career by developing their understanding of the most frequently occurring problems in professional communication. The program requires three semesters of course work in writing, rhetorical theory, linguistics, visual design, and computer technology. It also requires a professional internship with a corporation, government agency, consulting firm, university, or other commercial or research organization. To receive the MAPW degree, students must complete 36 credit hours of approved course work with an average grade of "B" or better and the professional internship (one credit hour). Through courses, the internship, and research and teaching assistantships on campus, the MAPW program seeks to develop in students (1) a refinement of writing, reading, and critical skills; (2) an understanding of rhetorical theories that pertain to the processes of composing and communication; (3) a more sensitive understanding of the structures and practices of English discourse; and (4) an understanding of the role of visual design in communications and a knowledge of the relationship between verbal and visual communication. (AEW)