University of Pittsburgh

Certificates Writing: Undergraduate The Writing Certificate is a 21-credit program designed for those who desire to improve their writing skills In today's world, the skillful use of the written word is fundamental. This program consists of academic courses taught by faculty of the English Department. Participants may choose electives in order to focus on a particular style of writing or to obtain an overview of several writing styles. The program also offers internships with local media, including newspapers, magazines, and television Who should participate: Who should participate:

Students already enrolled in a degree program in the College of General Studies, who wish to concentrate on the development of writing skills
Those who already have a degree, but who wish to develop their writing skills for personal or professional advancement
People seeking to embark upon writing as a profession

Upon completion of this certificate, participants will be able to:

Write clearly and accurately
Apply writing skills to both fiction and nonfiction works
Understand different forms and techniques used in various types of writing

This certificate is applicable to such fields as:
media, industrial organizations, governmental agencies, community groups, service providers, and businesses. Skilled writers may work in any organization or field.

Admission requirements Students must meet requirements for admission to the College of General Studies. For admissions guidelines and application, click here . A certificate application form must be completed and returned to a Learning Solutions academic consultant.

Students must have completed a General Writing Course before registering for any of the following classes.

Fees and Tuition

If employed, check with your company's human resources office to see if you qualify for company tuition benefits. Current tuition rates are available at http://www.ir.pitt.edu/tuition/ . Financial Aid information is available at www.pitt.edu/~oafa/fahome.html . Information about billing and payment options is available at www.bc.pitt.edu/students .

Curriculum (21 credits)

Many courses are offered in the evenings, on Saturdays, and at off-campus locations. Click here to check the University schedule of classes for courses offered each term. (Not all courses are offered every term.)

For course schedule and descriptions
For most undergraduate classes offered by the School of Arts and Sciences, College of General Studies, and College of Business Administration, visit:

http://www.courses.as.pitt.edu/

In addition to General Writing, students must complete seven courses (21 credits). These classes should include two English writing courses (6 credits) and five English writing electives (15 credits). The following requirements also apply:

A minimum of five of the required seven courses must be completed at the University of Pittsburgh.

No course will be accepted for certificate credit with a grade below "C", and no course will be accepted as a prerequisite for a higher-level course if the grade earned is lower than a "C".

Required Courses Six credits
All courses are three credits

Introduction to Fiction Writing ENGWRT 0520
Introduction to Journalism ENGWRT 0550

Electives 15 credits
All courses are three credits

Courses offered vary by term. Choose five additional courses from any combinations of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. A sampling of courses that can be used to fulfill the certificate requirements include:

Poetry:

Introduction to Poetry Writing ENGWRT 0530
Poetry Workshop ENGWRT 1210

Fiction:

Intermediate Fiction ENGWRT 1010
Mastering Point of View ENGWRT 1090
Autobiography and Creative
Impulse ENGWRT 1091
Writer's Journals ENGWRT 1092 Development of a Writer ENGWRT 1093
Readings in Contemporary Fiction ENGWRT 1094
Topics in Fiction ENGWRT 1095
Senior Seminar in Fiction ENGWRT 1710

Nonfiction:

Newspaper 1 ENGWRT 1310
Newspaper 2 ENGWRT 1320
Nonfiction 1 ENGWRT 1330
Nonfiction 2 ENGWRT 1340
Readings in Contemporary
Nonfiction ENGWRT 1390
Writing the Review ENGWRT 1391
Documentary Film Writing ENGWRT 1392
Sports Writing ENGWRT 1393
Science Writing ENGWRT 1394
Public Relations Writing ENGWRT 1395
Creative Corporate Writing ENGWRT 1397
Corporate Speech Writing ENGWRT 1398
Topics in Nonfiction: Newspaper ENGWRT 1399
Topics in Nonfiction: Magazine ENGWRT 1401
Topics in Nonfiction: Electronic
Media ENGWRT 1402
Broadcast Writing ENGWRT 1405
Internship: News ENGWRT 1900

Learning Solutions
Learning Solutions provides adult and continuing education programs that are designed to address changing employer and student needs. The high-quality, flexible programs include degree completion, certificates and enrichment courses. Learning Solutions provides a single point of access to innovative programs and services of the College of General Studies and other schools of the University of Pittsburgh that both enrich lives and promote the economic health of the region.