U of A Technical Writing Certificate Program Now Offered Online

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A graduate certificate program designed to help working professionals improve their technical writing skills is now offered online from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

The Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Public Rhetorics program first launched in May 2013 as an on-campus program. It is now available online, joining more than 30 U of A programs showcased on the University of Arkansas ONLINE website.

The Technical Writing and Public Rhetorics certificate program consists of a four-course sequence designed to develop the writing skills of individuals employed in technical, business, government and not-for-profit arenas. Courses are offered in both online and on-campus formats.

 “We are excited to expand the reach and improve the accessibility of our program by offering the entire four-course sequence online,” said Adam R. Pope, visiting assistant professor of English and director of the program, a part of the department of English in Fulbright College. “Opting for online delivery of courses helps us meet our goal of creating a graduate certificate program that is flexible enough to fit into the already hectic lives of working professionals and those seeking to return to the workforce with an updated skillset.”

Students in the program will produce a portfolio-ready final project in each course, giving them fresh materials that can be used in job applications or as documentation to justify a promotion. Courses are production-oriented, with the goal of equipping students with the theory and practical skills needed to be successful technical and professional writers.

Online courses include:

• ENGL 5513 Document Design for Technical Writers
• ENGL 5523 Technical Writing for Online Audiences
• ENGL 5533 Technical Writing Praxis
• ENGL 5963 Technical Editing

Each course can stand alone and may be taken by anyone who wants to improve his or her writing abilities without regard for certification. The Global Campus supported the development and delivery of the online courses.

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. In the application details section of the application page, select application term “Fall 2015,” academic level “Graduate Certificate,” program delivery type “Online (100%)” and academic plan (major) “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.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 19 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.