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Professional Writing (Undergraduate Certificate)

For students in English, this certificate allows them to be able to take professional writing course work and provides recognition of a specific acquired skill set for potential employers even while they complete an English degree with an emphasis in another area such as creative writing, literature, linguistics, or journalism and completing a minor in another field.

Professional Writing (Undergraduate Certificate)


Description


What is Professional Writing at ODU like?

For students in English, this certificate allows them to be able to take professional writing course work and provides recognition of a specific acquired skill set for potential employers even while they complete an English degree with an emphasis in another area such as creative writing, literature, linguistics, or journalism and completing a minor in another field.

Program Highlights


What makes Professional Writing at ODU unique?

  • Prepares students to assess and write in a wide range of situations

  • Engages students with a variety of technology used for workplace communication

  • Utilized case- and client-based projects to provide real-world writing experiences

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Technical Writers

$74,440

MEDIAN SALARY


Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Web Developers

$74,110

MEDIAN SALARY


Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

Editors

$68,230

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Copy Writers

$72,120

MEDIAN SALARY


Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

Courses


What are some courses offered in Professional Writing at ODU?

ENGL 439:
Writing in Digital Spaces


This course offers composition practice in critical contemporary digital environments. Readings and discussions will provide the history of and context for these digital spaces. Students should expect to participate in, develop, and engage in critical discussions about a range of digital spaces, including websites, wikis, blogs, and various interactive media. Prerequisites: ENGL 307T or equivalent or permission of instructor.

ENGL 325:
Introduction to Rhetorical Studies


Explores the nature and function of rhetoric and its contribution to the knowledge-making enterprises of English studies and other disciplines. Students will use that

ENGL 368:
Writing Internship


A structured work experience involving writing and/or editing. A paper, a portfolio of work done, and satisfactory evaluations by supervisor and cooperating faculty member are required. No more than two English internships (chosen among 368, 369, 468, or cooperative education courses of similar content) may be counted towards a degree. Prerequisites: 15 hours in English, with ENGL 327W or ENGL 334W recommended; permission of departmental internship coordinator.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Professional Writing at ODU?

Students entering the Undergraduate Certificate program in Professional Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • This is not an independent certificate and must be pursued alongside a bachelor’s degree at ODU

  • To take courses for this certificate, you must have completed six hours of general education college composition

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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Associate Professor


Name:

Daniel P. Richards


Location:

5032 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4629


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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