Program Overview

Program Overview

The Editing Certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the field of editing. The program covers the four stages of editing: structural, stylistic, copy editing, and proofreading, as well as editorial roles, the publishing process, and more.

Program Details

• Format: Part-time
• Location: Online
• Program completion: 8 months–5 years (from start date of first course)
• Course duration: 3–10 weeks
• Course work: 6–10 hours/week
• Schedule: Self-paced within set deadlines

Courses

• Required courses:
  • Editors and Editing: An Introduction (EDIT110)
  • Copy Editing (EDIT210)
  • Proofreading (EDIT225)
  • Efficient Business and Professional Writing (BCPW205)
  • Ethics and Legal Issues in Writing and Publishing (BCPW210)
  • Grammar (EDIT250)
  • Document Design and Production for Editors (EDIT240)
  • Stylistic Editing (EDIT320)
  • Structural Editing (EDIT330)
  • Final Project: Editing (EDIT410)
• Elective courses:
  • Writing and Editing for the Web (EDIT505)
  • Freelancing for Editors (EDIT509)
  • Plain Language Principles (PLNL110)
  • Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120)
  • Indexing: An Essential Art and Science (TCOM230)

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Mature students: At least 5 years of appropriate experience
• English Language Requirements: Advanced

Tuition Fees

• Course fees: $375–$985 per course (not including textbooks)
• Program application fee: $99

Program Benefits

• Develop key competencies required for Editors Canada certification
• Take hands-on courses aligned with the latest edition of Professional Editorial Standards
• Build marketable skills in specialized areas
• Learn from experienced working editors
• Take fully online courses on a flexible schedule
• Start with individual courses and apply to the program at any time
• Graduate with a certificate that confers SFU alumni status along with its benefits

Career Opportunities

The Editing Certificate program prepares students for a career in editing, with opportunities to work in various industries, including publishing, communications, and education. Graduates can pursue roles such as editor, proofreader, copy editor, and publishing professional.