Professional Writing Certificate
The Professional Writing Certificate is designed for students to become adaptable communicators across workplace and public-facing settings. The certificate emphasizes practical, audience-centered writing for business, media, public relations, science, and other industries where clear and effective communication is valued. Students in this program gain experience in writing reports, copywriting, feature writing, business communication, and other areas while also gaining hands-on experience through the required internship.
Students may earn the Certificate in Writing by completing 15 hours in selected writing courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Courses for the certificate should be chosen with the guidance of Jeanne Allison, Writing Certificate Program Coordinator.
For more information, or to inquire about pursuing your Writing Certificate, please contact The English Department office, English Department Chair Dr. Lynn Staley, or Writing Certificate Coordinator and Advisor, Jeanne Allison. We will be happy to assist you.
| Professional Writing Courses | |
|---|---|
| MEDIA 2212 | Broadcast Writing and Reporting |
| MEDIA 2217 | Script Writing |
| ENGL 2080 | Advertising Copywriting (or MEDIA 2080) |
| ENGL 3120 | Business Writing (See Coordinator for waiver for non-business majors) |
| ENGL 3130 | Technical Writing |
| ENGL 3140 | News Writing (or MEDIA 3214) |
| ENGL 3150 | Feature Writing (or MEDIA 3150) |
| ENGL 3180 | Reporting (or MEDIA 3180) |
| ENGL 3280 | Writing for Public Relations (or MEDIA 2228) |
| ENGL 4880 | Writing for Teachers |
| ENGL 4870 | Advanced Business and Technical Writing |
| ENGL 4850 | Topics in Teaching Writing |
| ENGL 4860 | Editing |
| Academic Writing Courses | |
|---|---|
| ENGL 2120 | Topics in Writing (topics vary from semester to semester) |
| ENGL 3090 | Writing About Literature |
| ENGL 3100 | Junior-Level Writing |
| ENGL 3110 | Junior-Level Writing for International Students |
| ENGL 3160 | Writing in the Sciences |
| ENGL 4160 | Special Topics in Writing (may vary from semester to semester) |
| Creative Writing Courses (students may take up to two creative writing classes) | |
|---|---|
| ENGL 2030 | Beginning Poetry Writing Workshop |
| ENGL 2040 | Beginning Fiction Writing Workshop |
| ENGL 2060 | Introduction to the Writing of Poetry and Fiction |
| ENGL 3030 | Poetry Workshop: Lyric and Form |
| ENGL 3040 | Fiction Workshop: Narrative Structure |
| ENGL 4130 | Advanced Poetry Writing |
| ENGL 4140 | Advanced Fiction Writing |
| ENGL 4895 | Editing Litmag (NOT a substitute for ENGL 4890) |
| Honors Courses | |
|---|---|
| HON 2020 | Inquiries in the Fine and Performing Arts (if Topic is writing and approved in advance) |
| HON 3100 | Advanced Composition: Writing the City |
| HON 3020 | Advanced Seminar in the Fine and Performing Arts (if Topic is writing and approved in advance.) |
| Capstone Course | |
|---|---|
| ENGL 4890 | Writing Internship. This course is required. It involves a 160-hour internship. |
| ENGL 4892 | Independent Writing Project (limited availability) |
Upon completion of the requirements for the certificate, the coordinator will notify the university registrar and the college from which the student will graduate. Upon graduation, completion of the Certificate in Writing will be noted on the official transcript and a certificate will be mailed to the graduate. Students who have graduated before completing a Writing Certificate will receive the certificate in the mail and will have the certificate entered on their official transcripts.
