Foundations of Professional Writing

The 14-credit Professional Writing badge builds the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to write and edit effective professional documents and materials. Students who complete the certificate will gain experience with a range of genres (e.g., grant proposals, manuals, end-user documentation, press releases, catalogs, published articles, and essays), as well as the ability to work collaboratively with organizations.

Required Courses

ENG 295: Grammar in Context – 4 credits
or
ENG 395: Principles of English Grammar – 4 credits

ENG 327: Technical Writing – 4 credits
or
ENG 329: Grant Writing and Workplace Literacy – 4 credits

ENG 414: Writing for Publication – 4 credits
ENG 409: Professional Writing Practicum – 2 credits

Additional Requirements

• Minimum grade of B- in all courses contributing to the badge
• Portfolio is included as part of ENG 414 course requirements
• Professional writing project will take place as part of ENG 409 practicum

Learning Outcomes/Competencies

• Understand and effectively apply principles of English grammar to professional writing tasks across a variety of genres.
• Revise and edit writing—your own and others’—with greater confidence and effectiveness.
• Gain experience writing in a variety of professional genres (e.g., memos, reports, grant proposals, technical documents, articles for publication).
• Understand the ‘writing marketplace,’ and take steps towards defining yourself as a professional writer whose work is of value and interest to the reading public – and to the editors who serve as gatekeepers.
• Work effectively with organizations (non-profits, businesses, community organizations) to develop a written product (e.g., grant proposal, report, catalog, other documentation).
• Gain awareness of professional writing opportunities in our region and state.