Program Overview

Program Overview

The program in question is the Writing and Editing for the Web course, which is part of the Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University.

Course Description

Creating web content is different than the materials we develop for print. In today's digital world, we communicate to multiple audiences using a variety of screens that pull information from the web. Effective web content requires writers and editors who understand the possibilities, limitations, and interactivity of the web, as well as how people read and interact with web copy.

Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to a range of skills that interactive writers and editors need, including:

• Audience development
• Keyword research and search engine optimization
• Web writing for formats including blog posts, brand storytelling through web copy or multimedia
• Editing best practices
• Analyzing effective web content

Course Details

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Tuition: $595
• Can be applied to: Editing Certificate

What You Will Learn

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Define the role of the web writer/editor in a communications and web design team
• Prepare an audience profile for specific types of web content
• Research, select, and apply appropriate keywords
• Optimize web copy for search engines
• Write content for the web in several forms, including blog posts, brand copy, micro copy for visuals
• Revise web content using best editing practices
• Identify key benchmarks to assess effective web content

How You Will Learn and Be Evaluated

Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:

• Weekly course modules accessed through Canvas
• Class discussions through online forums
• Independent assignments
• Individual consultation You will be evaluated on:
• Assignments
• Participation in discussions

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. All course materials will be provided online. Recommended reading: The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th or 18th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017 or 2024.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need:

• A computer with audio and microphone connected to the internet
• Microsoft Word (2010 or newer) and being comfortable with the Track Changes function
• A printer
• A scanner or camera to create a digital copy of editing examples
• High-speed internet access
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:

• Overall band score minimum 6.5
• No band below 6.0
• Writing band score minimum 8.0

Upcoming Offerings

• Start Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2026
• Schedule: Wed, Jan 28 - Tue, Mar 3 (self-paced within deadlines)
• Location: Online
• Instructor: Stacy Reynaud
• Cost: $595.00
• Seats Available: 23