Professional Writing Certificate Program
In today’s global economy, clear and accurate prose is a staple of success. Via both print and electronic media, writers are conduits to audiences with diverse linguistic, cultural, and demographic profiles. However, the challenges presented by the demands of global communication are many and require that a professional communicator possess a diverse range of abilities. CSULB’s Professional Writing Certificate program meets this need by providing an educational experience focused on developing the communication skills needed for success within the office–and across the world. And we have been doing so for more than three decades.
Our certificate program is unique in a number of significant ways:
- It can be completed along with a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree. Students may also pursue the certificate as a stand-alone, post-baccalaureate program.
- It includes coursework that provides extensive interaction with both program faculty and practicing professionals.
- Program faculty are themselves practicing professional communicators and educators.
- Program coursework focuses on written communication as well as mixed media and layout, design, graphics, and content delivery.
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
Certificate in Professional Writing as a Stand-Alone, Post-Baccalaureate Program
Students may pursue the certificate as a “stand-alone” program, and it prepares students for gainful employment in a “recognized occupation.” The U.S. Department of Labor Standard Occupational Codes (SOC) for the Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication are:
- Occupation #1: Technical Writer
Department of Labor SOC Code: 27-3042
- Occupation #2: Editors
- Admission to a degree program at CSULB or possession of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university AND admission as a postbaccalaureate student at CSULB.
- Upper division or post-baccalaureate standing at CSULB with a grade point average of at least 2.75 overall.
- Successful completion of ENGL 317 - Professional and Technical Writing, with a letter grade of C or better.
- Formal consultation with the PWC Program Director.
- Submission of an English Department PWC Program Application.
- A minimum of 22 units in courses approved for the Certificate Program at this University, preferably completed within 10 years of the first credit granted toward the Certificate (consult an advisor concerning any transfer or extension credit that may be allowable);
- A letter grade of “C” or higher in every course in the Certificate program (a grade of “CR” is acceptable in no more than one course);
- Completion of a program of courses in Areas I and II.
- Development of a portfolio of reports, written and edited by the student during enrollment in the Certificate program, for review and approval by faculty in the PWC Certificate program (required for a grade in ENGL 495, Area II).
This certificate is state supported.
22 Units of Courses from those listed below.
Area I: Technical and Professional Writing:
Complete All of the following courses (13 units total):
- ENGL 416 - Technical Editing (4 units)
- ENGL 417 - Proposal Writing (3 units)
- ENGL 418 - Manual Writing (3 units)
ENGL 419 - Writing in Science, Social Science, and Technology (3 units)
Area II: Practical Writing:
No grade in ENGL 495 will be assigned without an approved portfolio, as indicated in Item #4 under General Requirements.
Complete All of the following courses (9 units total):
- ENGL 493 - Professional Preparation for Writers (3 units)
- ENGL 494 - Guided Project in Professional/Technical Writing (3 units)
- ENGL 495 - Professional Writing Certificate Portfolio (3 units)
Program Checklist for students admitted to the program Fall 2022 or later
Program Checklist for students admitted to the program PRIOR to Fall 2022
ENGL 491: Applied Technical Writing (Directed Project) application
ENGL 492A: Internship application and Internship Placement form
ENGL 492B: Portfolio application and Portfolio guidelines
