Program Overview

Program Overview

The Technical Writing and Editing program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to produce effective and usable documentation for their audience. The program focuses on structuring and organizing user-centric technical documentation using standard components and writing well using plain and concise language.

Program Details

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Tuition: $545
• Can be applied to:
  • Technical Communication Certificate
  • Editing Certificate
  • Plain Language Certificate

Upcoming Offerings

The program is offered at various start dates, including:

• Start Date: Tue, Jan 20, 2026
  • Schedule: Tue, Jan 20 - Mon, Feb 23 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Mette Aube
  • Cost: $545.00
  • Seats Available: 19
• Start Date: Tue, Jun 2, 2026
  • Schedule: Tue, Jun 2 - Mon, Jul 6 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $545.00
  • Seats Available: 25
• Start Date: Tue, Sep 22, 2026
  • Schedule: Tue, Sep 22 - Mon, Oct 26 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $545.00
  • Seats Available: 24

What You Will Learn

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe what technical writers do and what skills they need
• Define types of technical documentation
• Identify document parts and elements and how to use them to structure your document for clarity and flow
• Describe and practice using the tools of the trade, such as style guides and templates
• Write clear and concise online and print documents
• Describe the different types of edits and style guides, practice editing and create your own personal editing style guide

How You Will Learn and Be Evaluated

• Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework
• Expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis
• Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and group assignments 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 that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. This course requires:

• Microsoft Word or other word processing software that can create PDF files
• High-speed internet access
• Adobe Acrobat Reader To get the most from this course, you should be comfortable with the following MS Word and/or Google Docs functions:
  • Using Paragraph styles
  • Working with headers and footers
  • Tracking changes and accepting or rejecting changes
  • Inserting a table of contents, media
  • Cross-referencing within a document
  • Sharing documents

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 Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.