Program Overview

Program Overview

The Writing, Editing, and Publishing program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers students the opportunity to gain experience in writing for various digital and new media formats, including web, mobile applications, gaming platforms, and other technical and professional contexts. The program allows students to build their portfolio and gain valuable on-the-job experience through internship options at local publishing, advertising, and media companies.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificate
• Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Standard credit hours: 12
• Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid, Online
• Typical Program Length: 1 year
• Typical Course Load: 1-2 per semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $4,934

Program Benefits

The program provides students with the skills to create texts in various forms and styles, employ careful editing and proofreading skills, use multiple publication platforms, and revise texts for the needs of different audiences and occasions. Students will have the opportunity to participate in editorial internships on campus and learn from nationally recognized faculty.

Career Opportunities

An undergraduate certificate in writing, editing, and publishing enhances proficiency in written communication, a skill highly valued across numerous industries. This certificate complements majors such as English, communications, journalism, business, and marketing, equipping graduates for roles in technical writing, editing, publishing, and public relations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for writers and authors is projected to grow about as fast as the average rate for all occupations.

Potential Careers

• Editor
• Writer
• Public relations
• Median salary/year: $69,891

Courses

Professional and Technical Writing

This intensive writing course focuses on rhetorical principles of professional and technical writing and gives students opportunities to analyze complex rhetorical situations, study various genres of writing, and develop their writing skills.

Composing Digital Environments

In this course, students focus on the rhetorical study of web design and mobile app development and how digital rhetoric and research methods can inform the creation of software that serves local communities.

Publication Practicum

This course provides students with practical experience working with New Letters magazine, participating in manuscript evaluation, proofreading and editing efforts, social media development, and more.

Related Programs and Pathways

• Communication — Digital Journalism and Media (Major)
• Communication — Professional Communication (Major)
• Communication — Strategic Communication (Major)
• Media, Art and Design (Major)
• English — Creative Writing (Major)

Application Process

1. Gather materials: Official transcripts, names and locations of previous colleges or high schools, citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable), and ACT/SAT test scores (optional).
2. Complete the online application: No application fee for domestic undergraduate students, $75 for international students.
3. Check admissions requirements: Some programs have specific admission requirements.

Application Dates

• To start classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, classes begin in August.
• To start classes in Spring: Apply by November 15, classes begin in January.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Estimated tuition per credit hour: $411 (resident rate), $604 (Heartland rate), $1,073 (nonresident rate).
• Financial aid opportunities: Automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities are available. 96% of first-time students qualified for financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant of $12,617. 80% of undergrads received a scholarship or grant.