Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

Professional and Technical Writing, Certificate (1780)


Program Coordinator

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)

Core Courses
ENG 100Introduction to College Writing (or Colonnade Category F-W1)3
ENG 212Introduction to Digital Texts and Media3
ENG 306Business Writing3
or ENG 307 Technical Writing
Total Hours9
One course in professional and technical writing theory3
Argument and Analysis in Written Discourse
Special Topics in Professional Writing
Advanced Composition
Theories of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing
Writing and Technology
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