Program Overview

Professional Science & Technology Writing

WSU’s online undergraduate Professional Science and Technology Writing Certificate gives students the ability to bridge the gap between the work of scientists and how the public understands that work.

Whether you work in media relations or grant-writing, risk-assessment or government communications, you’ll be able to explain the complexities of scientific advancements to national and international audiences. The 15-credit certificate also includes a variety of electives so you can tailor your education to your goals and interests.

Program of Study—15 semester credits

The certificate requires five 3-credit courses: Two courses are required, and three are electives. All coursework must be completed with a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Required Courses

6 semester credits

• ENGLISH 402 [WRTG] [M] – Technical and Professional Writing
• ENGLISH 495 – Rhetoric of Science and Technology

Elective Courses

9 semester credits

The three elective courses can come from several fields. Among the options are:

• ANIM SCI 280, 285
• ANTH 260 [BSCI], 309
• BIOLOGY 110, 125, 135, 330, 393 [M] (2 cr), 394, 401 [CAPS]
• BIOLOGY/WGSS 307
• CES 465
• CPTS 401, 415
• ENGLISH 365, 405
• ENTOM 150
• FS 201
• HISTORY 381, 382
• HORT 150
• MATH 398
• MBIOS 320 [BSCI]
• PHIL 350, 365, 370
• PSYCH 320, 401 [CAPS] [M], 403, 324
• SOC 333
• SOE 210 [PSCI], 275, 285, 312 [DIVR], 335, 438
• SOIL SCI 360
• STAT 205

Awarding of the Certificate

At the beginning of the student’s final semester of coursework, the student should apply for the certificate. This will notify the Registrar’s Office to confer the certificate. The certificate should display as an option to select to apply for graduation. Certificates require a separate graduation application and are mailed separately from diplomas.