Professional and Technical Writing, Certificate (1780)
Program Coordinator
Angela L. Jones, angela.jones@wku.edu, (270) 745-5771
The Professional Writing certificate emphasizes the kinds of thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for today's workplaces. Students in the certificate program learn how to write persuasively, edit and publish professional texts, research projects and consult with clients, and use online writing technologies (social media, Adobe Suite, blogging, etc.) for professional purposes. This certificate complements existing academic majors and could greatly benefit students interested in developing their applied workplace writing skills.
The certificate requires 15 credit hours and can be completed in 2-3 academic terms, with some elective courses cross-listed between academic programs. Required courses are offered every semester or year, including summer and winter terms.
The certificate is available to students from any major and has been designed with consideration of transfer students and dual-credit students entering WKU with required courses. Additionally, the certificate is available to non-traditional students wishing solely to earn this undergraduate certificate. All classes must be completed with a “C” or higher.
Program Requirements (15 hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing (or Colonnade Category F-W1) | 3 |
| ENG 212 | Introduction to Digital Texts and Media | 3 |
| ENG 306 | Business Writing | 3 |
| or ENG 307 | Technical Writing | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course in professional and technical writing theory | 3 | |
| Argument and Analysis in Written Discourse | ||
| Special Topics in Professional Writing | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Theories of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing | ||
| Writing and Technology | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course in professional and technical writing application (may not duplicate course used in core) | 3 | |
| Business Writing | ||
| Technical Writing | ||
| Internship I | ||
| Editing and Publishing | ||
| Professional Writing Capstone | ||