Certificate in Professional
Writing
The Department of English offers a Certificate in Professional Writing to students interested in careers in writing and editing. Application forms and advising materials may be obtained from the department office.
This certificate program is eligible for Financial Aid. Please seethe department web site for required Federal disclosure information.
Prerequisites
1. 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 post-baccalaureate student at CSULB.
2. Upper division or post-baccalaureate standing at CSULB with a grade point average of at least 2.75 overall.
3. Fulfillment of CSULB’s GWAR requirement.
4. Successful completion of English 317, Technical Communication, with a letter grade of C or better.
5. Formal consultation with the PWC Program Director.
6. Submission of a PWC Program Application.
General Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree, which may be taken concurrently with the Certificate in Professional Writing;
2. A minimum of 25 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);
3. 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);
4. Completion of a program of courses in Areas I through III, developed in consultation with an advisor in the Professional Writing Certificate program, and approved by the Program Director);
5. 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 492A/B, Area III).
Course Requirements
Substitutions are possible, especially in more advanced courses, with approval by the Program Director.
Area I: Technical and Professional Writing (13 units):
- Take all of the following:
- ENGL 416 Technical Editing (4)
Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
- ENGL 417 Proposal Writing (3)
Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
- ENGL 418 Manual Writing (3)
Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
- ENGL 419: Writing in Science, Social Science and Technology (3)
Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
Area II: Electives: A minimum of 9 units of electives as approved by the PWC Director:
Area III: Practical Writing (3 units):
- ENGL 491 (1 or more units), ENGL 492A and ENGL 492B (2 or more units). No grade in ENGL 492B will be assigned without an approved portfolio, as indicated in Item #5 under General Requirements.
