Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing

The Technical and Professional Writing Certificate is designed for those who are looking to build new writing skills in order to advance in their current position, or those looking to change careers. It leads to a Certificate awarded by the Graduate School and a designation on the official transcript. Should students wish to pursue a graduate degree, the courses in the Certificate can be applied toward a Masters of Arts in English.

Program Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing is a 15 hour program.

Required Courses (6 hours)

These courses are offered alternately every fall semester. Students need to make sure they enroll in these courses when they are offered to earn the Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing within two years.

• ENGL 605 – Advanced Issues in Technical and Professional Writing
• ENGL 607 – Technical and Professional Editing

Professional Writing & Rhetoric Electives (9 hours)

Students choose 3 courses (9 hours) of courses from the following list:

• ENGL 501 – Writing for Careers
• ENGL 529 -  Scientific Writing/Medical Writing
• ENGL 589 – Co-op: Writing and Editing
• ENGL 603 – Proposal and Grant Writing
• ENGL 604 – Writing in Electronic Environments
• ENGL 606 -  Nonfiction Writing
• ENGL 618 -  Research Methods in English
• Other English electives are also available

Apply to the Program

Admission requirements are the same as Graduate School Admission Requirements. Students must apply and be accepted into the certificate program in order for the Certificate to be conferred upon completion of coursework. Submit your application at gradadmissions.wcu.edu/apply/ 

Virtual Open House

Tuesday, January 21, 2025: 5-6:30 p.m.

Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University,  understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.

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