Professional Writing

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.


The English department offers a graduate certificate in professional writing that is open to students enrolled in graduate degree programs at NDSU as well as professionals who are not currently pursuing a masters or doctorate. The certificate in professional writing offers students the opportunity to develop their written, oral, and digital communication skills in workplace, public, and/or online contexts.

The professional writing certificate promotes competencies such as written communication, visual communication, project planning, interpersonal communication, teamwork, content development and management, and reviewing and editing that can be tailored to students’ graduate programs and industry and/or academic-focused professional goals. The graduate certificate is a flexible professional credential that is suited for those interested in distinguishing themselves through developing their writing skills in their current or future industry positions as well as those interested in technical and professional communication research and pedagogy.

Curriculum

Certificate Requirements

Graduate Professional Writing

Required Minimum Credits: 8-9

Choose at least one of the following:
ENGL 649Usability and User Experience 23
ENGL 655International Technical Writing 23
ENGL 659Researching and Writing Grants and Proposal 23
Choose at least one of the following: 1, 2
AHSS 672Introduction to Publishing3
CHP 660Scientific Writing for Health Professionals2
COMM 735Theories of Media, Technology, and Society3
COMM 750Advanced Issues in Communication3
EDUC 682Classroom Practice/Methods of Teaching II2-3
ENGL 656Literacy, Culture and Identity3
ENGL 754Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Medicine3
ENGL 758Topics in Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture3
ENGL 765Upper Division Writing: Pedagogy, Practice, and Technology3
ENGL 795Field Experience3
or ENGL 895 Field Experience
MBA 723Digital Marketing2
Total Required Credits8-9

Program Notes:

Graduate students will need to choose a second option from either list to complete the 8-9 total required credits.

1

A course not on this list may be allowed, subject to Certificate Coordinator approval and relevancy to the certificate and its aims. Only one substitution is allowed.

2

A grade of "B" or better in each course is required.