Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 NOVA Catalog 
    
2019-2020 NOVA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Professional Writing, Certificate


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CIP Code: 23.1101
NOVA Code: 2650

Offered through AL, AN, LO, MA, WO

Purpose: The Professional Writing Certificate program prepares candidates to compose documents and manage professional communications for a variety of contemporary professions, including business, military, medicine, government, science, and industry. Writers will gain expertise in composing, designing, and editing electronic texts, as well as a comprehensive foundation in grammar and punctuation. Students may tailor their preparation for particular writing environments by selecting from a variety of elective courses in journalism, technical report writing, graphic design, writing for publication, writing for the Web, social media, and communications. Students may also incorporate a professional internship into the Certificate program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a professional writing advisor before enrolling in Certificate classes or as early as possible in their first semester of enrollment.

Completion Requirements: 31 total credits. All students must complete ENG 111  (or its equivalent) in the first semester of Certificate study. Students must complete a core of 18 credits of professional writing courses and 9 credits of elective courses. All students must complete the 3-credit ENG 298 (Seminar and Project) in the final semester of Certificate study.

Credit for Prior Learning: Students in this program may be eligible for credit for prior learning and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

One Year


Total credits for the Professional Writing for Business, Government, and Industry Certificate: 31 credits


1 Students must complete ENG 111  and (or its equivalent) in the first semester of their registration.

2 Should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor. English approved electives are ENG 114 , ENG 116 , ENG 121 , ENG 131 , ENG 135 , ENG 200 , ENG 210 , and ENG 280 . For Non- English approved elective select from: ART 209 , ART 116 , ART 251 , ART 283  and ART 284 , BUS 100 , CST 115 , LGL 126 , MKT 201 , MKT 221 , MKT 284 , and other courses that may relate to a specific area of professional writing.

3 May substitute the SDV 101  Orientation section related to this program.

4 Students must complete ENG 298 in their final semester of Certificate study.

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