Description:
This program, unlike other writing programs, is based on the philosophy that rather than dividing professional writing into separate concentrations and allowing the student to choose various electives—thereby training the student in only one concentration— students can become flexible writers through exposure to various genres. The program focuses on those elements which different genres have in common with the belief that they can cross-fertilize each other: becoming conversant in several genres, enriching students by increasing their intellectual flexibility, extending their technical reach, expanding their imaginative range, and augmenting their artistic agility.

Geared towards established professionals looking for career advancement, as well as recently graduated humanities majors currently looking to enter the workforce, this program will give individuals the tools they need as writers to excel in the realms of media and politics.

Courses in Certificate Program:

The Ghost Writer and the Memoirist The News Writer The Feature Writer/ Travel Writer The Broadcast Writer The New Media Writer The PR Writer The Speech Writer The Review Writer The Published Writer The Editor

Designed For:

• Professionals whose jobs include writing in one form or another. Those in the spheres of government, politics, public relations, or journalism, especially those with speech writing and/or editorial responsibilities would benefit from this program.
• Recent graduates who are interested in careers either in politics or in journalism-related fields (either as editors or writers).
• Professionals who are considering a career change — lawyers, government workers, business people who have always been drawn to writing but never had the opportunity to pursue this interest.

Structure:
This program includes 56 hours of instruction. This certificate is an open enrollment program; courses can be taken on an individual basis. Students will earn the certificate in Professional Writing after completing seven of the courses.

Saturdays will consist of a morning lecture session, with in-class exercises, lectures and readings. The following Thursday evening session will be a workshop to which all students will bring in their writing assignment .

Certificate Requirements:
Successful completion of seven of the above courses is required to receive a certificate in Professional Writing.

Registration:
To register for courses, please click on the course links above.

Prerequisites:
A bachelor's degree and TOEFL examination for non-native speakers of English.