The Professional Writing Certificate is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to develop their writing skills for professional, technical, and business environments. It is intended to serve professionals already working in careers as well as students planning to begin professional or business careers. In this program, you will learn the rhetorical requirements for specific forms of written communication, including letters, memos, reports, proposals, promotional materials, and press releases. You will also learn effective techniques for editing your own writing for clarity, correctness, and style. Students completing the courses below (12 credits) with a grade of B- or higher will be awarded the Certificate.

Required Courses:

• ENG 301: Rhetoric for Professional Writers introduces you to a variety of professional writing genres. In this course, you will learn how to recognize and write for specific audiences and purposes and in a variety of styles. (5 credits)
• ENG 310: Technical Writing. In this course, you will learn effective techniques for researching, designing, writing, and editing commonly used professional documents such as letters, instructions, reports, and proposals. (4 credits)
• COM 347: Copy Editing. Introduction to editing for content and mechanics. Note: You may need permission from the instructor to enroll. (4 credits)
• COM 370: Advanced Public Relations Writing. Practical instruction in persuasive writing, news releases, broadcast material, speeches, institutional messages, newsletter articles, employer publications, backgrounders, features, and corporate profiles. Note: You may need permission from the instructor to enroll. (4 credits)

Total credits: 17

Complete the Application for the PW Certificate