Professional and Technical Writing Graduate Certificate

Students who do not seek a full master's degree may be interested in a Graduate Certificate in Professional and Technical Writing. Centered on workplace uses of language, this certificate program enables a student to attend graduate courses associated with writing and rhetoric without requiring courses in the study of literature or literary research, or the writing of a thesis. It is an eighteen hour program, a full and unified course of study in itself.

This certificate is also valuable for anyone pursuing an MA in English who is also interested in workplace and technical writing whether they are starting a career or are already experienced in the field and are looking for professional development. This certificate is also beneficial for those who are wanting to grow within their current careers. 

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. 

Policies

For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.

The graduate certificate in professional and technical writing may be pursued concurrently with any of several programs in English and elsewhere. Part of the coursework may be applied to those degrees with the approval of the director of the degree program. Students pursuing this certificate must complete 18 credits of English graduate courses with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course.

Banner Code: LA-CERG-PTW

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 18

This certificate may be pursued on a part-time basis only.

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses

¹

ENGH 501 should be taken in the first semester of study, if possible.

Emphasis in Technical Writing or Proposal Writing