Program Overview

Introduction to the Professional Writing Certificate Program

The Professional Writing Certificate program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is designed to provide students with the communication skills necessary for success in today's global economy. The program focuses on developing written communication skills, as well as mixed media and layout, design, graphics, and content delivery.

Program Overview

The Professional Writing Certificate program is unique in that it can be completed along with a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree, or as a stand-alone post-baccalaureate program. The program includes coursework that provides extensive interaction with both program faculty and practicing professionals. Program faculty are themselves practicing professional communicators and educators.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information

The Certificate in Professional Writing as a stand-alone, post-baccalaureate program prepares students for gainful employment in recognized occupations. The U.S. Department of Labor Standard Occupational Codes (SOC) for the Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication are:

• Occupation #1: Technical Writer
• Occupation #2: Editors

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the program, students must:

1. Be admitted to a degree program at CSULB or possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university and be admitted as a postbaccalaureate student at CSULB.
2. Have upper division or post-baccalaureate standing at CSULB with a grade point average of at least 2.75 overall.
3. Successfully complete ENGL 317 - Professional and Technical Writing, with a letter grade of C or better.
4. Have a formal consultation with the PWC Program Director.
5. Submit an English Department PWC Program Application.

General Requirements

To complete the program, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 22 units in courses approved for the Certificate Program at CSULB, preferably within 10 years of the first credit granted toward the Certificate.
2. Earn 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).
3. Complete a program of courses in Areas I and II.
4. Develop 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).

Course Requirements

The program requires 22 units of courses from the following areas:

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

• 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)

Forms

The following forms are required for the program:

• Program Application
• 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