Certificate in Professional Writing | Requirement Checklist (pdf)


What is the Writing Certificate?

The Writing Certificate is a program of courses, offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, Department of English, designed for students interested in completing advanced work in writing and editing. You may earn a certificate by completing courses in Professional Writing (business/technical), Creative Writing (fiction/poetry), Journalism , or American Ethnic Studies. The certificate is an excellent supplement to any career field, and it provides vital coursework and experience for students who want a career in writing.

Why pursue the Writing Certificate in Professional Writing?

The Professional Writing certificate prepares students to move into a wide variety of writing fields, from corporate communication and public relations to promotional and technical writing. The courses often involve real-world projects, and internships also provide students with invaluable professional experience, sometimes leading directly to full-time employment.

Who can apply for the Writing Certificate in Professional Writing?

All three writing certificate programs are open to English majors, majors in other departments of Arts & Sciences, students from other University of Cincinnati baccalaureate colleges, and non-matriculated students.

What are the requirements?

Each certificate requires a minimum of 27 hours of approved courses, in which students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. At least six of the 27 hours must be earned in the three-quarter, 600-level sequence of Senior Writing Seminars. The Professional Writing certificate also requires an internship. See the checklist for complete requirements. ( Note: A student who completes the seminar requirements, as well as the appropriate prerequisites, in more than one track can receive a certificate for each specialization.)

When and how should I apply?

You may take courses in a certificate program without registering for the certificate (though you should check with the instructor about any prerequisites for a given course). If you would like to pursue the certificate, you should register for it as soon as possible but no later than the beginning of your junior year. Ideally, you should begin taking writing courses in your chosen certificate program in your sophomore year.

To register, fill out a registration form, available in 248 McMicken (the main English office). Return the form to a staff member in 248 McMicken and make an appointment to meet with the area coordinator for your certificate (students may be asked to supply writing samples with their application). As you complete your courses each quarter, come by 248 McMicken to have a staff person update your file.

When do I receive the Writing Certificate?

In the first two weeks of the quarter in which you will be graduating, notify the coordinator of your particular certificate program and the staff in McMicken 248 that you will be completing the certificate. After your coursework is complete and your records have been verified, the certificate will be recorded on your transcript and the certificate will be mailed to you. Non-matriculated students will receive certificate when they complete all the requirements. Certificates are generally mailed once a year, usually in June .

For further information about the Writing Certificate in Professional Writing, contact

Mary Beth Debs, Director
Professional Writing Certificate Program
25B McMicken Hall
513 / 556-0940
mary.beth.debs@uc.edu

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