U of A Introduces Technical Writing Certificate Program

Photo Submitted

Adam Pope

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –A new graduate certificate program, designed to help working professionals improve their writing skills, is being offered at the University of Arkansas beginning in summer 2014. The graduate certificate in Technical Writing and Public Rhetorics is a four-course program intended for individuals employed in technical, business, government and not-for-profit arenas. Courses will be offered in both online and on-campus formats.

 “Each course is designed to produce a portfolio-ready final project for use in job applications or promotion documentation,” said Adam R. Pope, visiting assistant professor of English and director of the program, a part of the department of English in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “Courses are production-oriented, with the goal of equipping students with the theory and practical skills they’ll need to be successful technical and professional writers.”

David Jolliffe, professor of English and the Brown Chair in English Literacy, helped to shepherd the program from idea into reality.

“We’re fortunate to have the vast expertise of people like professor Jolliffe to grow the state’s knowledge-based economy through professional certificate programs like this one,” said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. “It’s just one more way we are able to enhance the university’s academic programs on campus and expand outreach through distance education.”

The program is drawing strong, positive reviews in the Northwest Arkansas professional community. William A. Walker, risk program manager for the Global Investigations, Security, Aviation and Travel Division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., lauds the program for meeting an acute need in professional training. 

“The importance of good writing in business cannot be overstated,” Walker said. “The speed at which information is processed and conveyed can be critical to a business enterprise, and good writing is the best way to ensure that communication occurs accurately and effectively.”

“Good communication, including clear and concise writing, is essential for success in the engineering profession,” said Brad B. Hammond, professional engineer and president of McGoodwin, Williams and Yates Inc. “Traditional engineering education focuses heavily on technical expertise. This program will help engineers and other technical personnel enhance their careers by improving their writing skills.”

Online courses include:

•  ENGL 5973 The Practice of Technical Writing, offered summer 2014, fall 2014 and summer 2015

• ENGL 5523 Technical Writing for Online Audiences, offered spring 2015

•  ENGL 5513 Document Design for Technical Writers, offered fall 2015

On-campus courses include:

• ENGL 5523 Technical Writing for Online Audiences, offered fall 2014

•  ENGL 5513 Document Design for Technical Writers, offered spring 2015

•  ENGL 5533 Technical Writing Praxis, offered fall 2015

Each course can stand-alone and may be taken by anyone who wants to improve his or her writing abilities but isn’t interested in certification.

Current University of Arkansas students may enroll in courses directly. Those interested in applying to the full certificate program may do so via the Graduate School’s online application process. From the application page, select Fall 2014, Graduate Certificate, and then find the graduate certificate in Technical Writing and Public Rhetorics.

Non-students who are interested in taking courses, but not in acquiring certification, may take the courses as non-degree-seeking students.

The certificate program is expected to be available completely online by 2016.

The U of A Global Campus supports Fulbright College in the development and delivery of online courses by providing instructional design services, access to national distance education organizations, technology services, and assistance with strategic academic program development and marketing. Explore the University of Arkansas ONLINE to find all online degree programs and offerings.