Program Overview

Overview of the Persuasive Writing Credential Program

The Persuasive Writing Credential Program: Communicating with Confidence in the Age of AI is a seven-week, practice-based program designed to teach participants how to collaborate with AI tools to amplify their voice and create persuasive human-centered communication. The program focuses on blending evidence, story, and strategy to create writing that informs, inspires, and drives action.

Program Features

• No prior experience in professional writing or editing required
• 100% online with interactive, synchronous lectures
• Capstone writing project and deliverable
• Shareable certification of completion to showcase skills

Program Details

• Subjects: Persuasive Writing, Policy Writing, Leveraging AI Communication Tools
• Level: All levels welcome with adaptable content and customized feedback
• Duration: Seven weeks, approximately 7-10 hours per week
• Dates: July 6 - August 21, 2026
• Cost: $2,800 with various discount types
• Format: 100% Online with synchronous teaching

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to teach participants how to pair timeless principles of persuasion with the new possibilities of AI. Over seven weeks, participants will explore:

• Audience, Purpose, Position: Frame your message for maximum impact
• AI as Writing Partner: Prompt smartly, revise critically, and refine responsibly
• Policy & Public Writing Genres: Memos, briefs, op-eds, narratives, and briefings
• Evidence & Storytelling: Balance data with compelling narrative
• Ethics & Transparency: Navigate bias, disclosure, and professional standards
• Style & Clarity: Write sharper sentences, stronger paragraphs, and tighter arguments

Writing Portfolio

By the end of the program, participants will have a polished portfolio of AI-assisted writing that demonstrates their ability to communicate with confidence across genres and audiences. Assignments may include:

• Reader Profile: Analyze and understand a real decision maker or audience
• Policy Memo or Brief: Deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations to busy policymakers
• Op-Ed or Narrative: Use story and structure to show why action matters
• AI Reflection & Prompt Library: Document your ethical approach and best practices for collaborating with AI

Faculty

David Chrisinger is the Executive Director of the Harris Writing Workshop and Faculty Lead of the Persuasive Writing Credential program. He has nearly two decades of teaching experience and has trained policymakers, advocates, and professionals to write with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Participant Experience

• Time Commitment: Approximately 7-10 hours per week
• Virtual Format: 100% virtual with synchronous, interactive sessions conducted via Zoom
• Synchronous Lecture Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30–9:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5)

Documenting PWC Achievement

• Harris Credential Award: Participants will receive a Certification of Completion upon successful completion of the credential program
• Harris Credential Alumni LinkedIn Group: Upon program completion, participants will receive an invitation to join the private UChicago Harris Credential Alumni LinkedIn group

Program Fee & Payment

• Program Fee: $2,800
• Discounts: Available for early action applicants, University of Chicago community members, or group-registered applicants
• Payment Instructions: Detailed payment instructions will be provided to admitted participants via email

Admissions

• Eligibility: Minimum age 18, completion of one year of undergraduate study, no specific major or writing experience required, English language proficiency expected
• How to Apply: Online application, motivation statement, resume, unofficial academic transcripts, English language proficiency proof for some international applicants
• Application Deadline: Various rounds with deadlines from December 2, 2025, to May 19, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is the PWC program different from other writing or communication courses?
• Who is the ideal candidate for the PWC program?
• Is it possible to complete the PWC program while juggling a full-time job, internship, or academic courses?
• Does the PWC program help participants in preparing for publication?
• Does the PWC program provide scholarships or financial assistance?