Journalism/Professional Writing
Journalism/Professional Writing
Certificate
18 hours
This program is offered by School of Communications/
Communications and Journalism Department
The Certificate in Journalism/Professional Writing prepares
students for employment requiring basic journalism writing
skills, as well as careers involving communication tasks found in
business, nonprofit, governmental and community settings. The
program is ideal for aspiring freelance writers who are seeking
knowledge on how to write news and feature stories, and how
to compose and publish community journalism assignments.
The professional writing component of the certificate provides
background in understanding and composing documents in
professional settings, such as project outlines, grant writing,
business plans and freelance writing proposals for editors. The
certificate is open to both undergraduate students and those with
bachelor's degrees who are returning to school for acquisition of
additional writing proficiencies.
For information on general requirements for the certificate, see
Certificate Program Policies and Procedures.
Learning Outcomes
Certificates
Students completing this certificate program will learn:
• How to differentiate the criteria for a news story, for a feature
article and a persuasive piece of writing, such as an op-ed
• How to format writing for specific projects and to use
Associated Press style in editing materials
• How to research opportunities in today's writing market and
effectively propose a writing project to an editor or publisher
• How to compose documents in professional writing settings,
including project outlines, grant writing, business and
marketing proposals, and pitches for freelance work
Requirements
• JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting (3 hours)
• JOUR 3130 Feature Writing (3 hours)
• WRIT 2090 Writing in the Workplace
(3 hours)
• WRIT 2400 Introduction to Professional Writing
(3 hours)
In addition, two courses, (6 credits) should be taken from the
following courses for certificate requirements. (No prerequisites)
• JOUR 3060 Community Reporting
(3 hours)
• WRIT 3000 Professional Writing Practicum
(1-3 hours)
• ENGL 2110 Perspectives
(3 hours)
• ENGL 2180 Creative Writing: Nonfiction
(3 hours)
Webster University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Studies Catalog DRAFT
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