Certificate Programs

Certificate in Creative Writing (16 credits)

The Certificate in Creative Writing is available to English majors and minors, ensuring the coordination of creative work with the critical study of literature. The certificate program curriculum (a total of 16 credits) begins with a foundational course in creative writing, followed by a series of electives in a variety of genres and media, culminating in an advanced workshop and the development of a portfolio. Students who fulfill all the requirements for the certificate with a minimum average of 3.0 will be awarded the Certificate in Creative Writing. See specific requirements below:

01:351:211 or 01:351:212  Introduction to Creative Writing

01:351:209   Introduction to Multimedia Composition

01:351:303   Screenwriting for Film

01:351:304   Screenwriting for Television

01:351:305   Creative Nonfiction

01:351:306   Form and Technique in Poetry

01:351:307   Form and Technique in Fiction

01:351:308   Form and Technique in Playwriting

01:351:309   Digital Composition

01:351:314   Documentary Filmmaking for Writers

3. One Advanced Creative Writing Workshop (3 credits)

01:351:405   Advanced Workshop: Multi-Genre

01:351:406   Advanced Workshop: Poetry

01:351:407   Advanced Workshop: Fiction

4. One Independent Study in Creative Writing Portfolio (1 credit)

01:351:410   Independent Study Creative Writing Portfolio

Other Certificate Programs (16-18 credits)

The primary goal of the following certificate programs is to enhance the writing proficiency of business and science students in order to increase their eligibility for employment in professions that require advanced writing competency. Any student working toward the business and technical writing minor is eligible to receive either the Professional Writing Certificate or the Technical Writing Certificate upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

These certificates are only available to students enrolled in the business and technical writing minor at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Any student may request the applicable certificate upon completion of the minor.

There is a significant need for college graduates who can research and communicate information at a high level of competence in business, industry, and government. The Professional Writing Certificate is designed to give students a firm grounding in the skills of oral, written, and electronic communication and prepare them to enter professions that require extensive writing skills.

Technical Writing Certificate

This certificate is open to undergraduates with majors or minors in approved scientific or technical subject areas (such as biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science).  The need for technical writers capable of communicating scientific or technically sophisticated information to various audiences is well established, and technical writing skills are in demand in a wide range of fields. This certificate program is designed to give students with a science or technical background a strong foundation in the skills of oral, written, and electronic communication.

For information on the Writing Program's business and technical writing minor through the School of Arts and Sciences, please see the Minor page in this catalog.

Students completing the certificate should fill out the Application for Professional and Technical Writing Certificates form. This form should be completed and submitted to William Magrino via wmagrino@rci.rutgers.edu, fax, or in person. All information will be verified and the certificate will be processed within three business days.

Professional Writing Certificate (16-18 credits)

This certificate is open to all interested undergraduate students. There is a significant need for college graduates who can research and communicate information at a high level of competence in business, industry, and government. The Professional Writing Certificate is designed to give students a firm grounding in the skills of oral, written, and electronic communication and prepare them to enter professions that require extensive writing skills. Conferral of the Professional Writing Certificate requires successful completion of 16 credits in selected courses, including a 1-credit Civic Engagement and Service Education Partnerships Program (CESEP; formerly CASE) unit or 3-credit internship (students using the certificate as a minor program at the School of Arts and Sciences must complete the 3-credit internship for the full 18 credits).

Technical Writing Certificate (18 credits)

This certificate is open to undergraduates with majors or minors in approved scientific or technical subject areas. The need for technical writers capable of communicating scientific or technically sophisticated information to various audiences is well established, and technical writing skills are in demand in a wide range of fields. This certificate program is designed to give students with a science or technical background a strong foundation in the skills of oral, written, and electronic communication. In order to receive a Technical Writing Certificate, students must successfully complete a major or minor in an approved scientific or technical field (such as biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science) and 18 credits in selected courses, including a 3-credit internship. Students at the School of Arts and Sciences can use the Technical Writing Certificate to fulfill a minor program requirement.

Certificate Requirements

Both certificates require six courses in four key skill areas:

1. Writing Training (6 credits)

Since writing competence is at the heart of the certificate program, students must complete two writing courses intended to improve writing, editing, collaboration, and general communication skills. Electives may be chosen from among the following writing courses:

01:355:202  Technical Writing Essentials (3)

01:355:203  Business Writing Essentials (3)

01:355:315  Grant Writing (3)

01:355:342  Science Writing (3)

01:355:352  Writing as a Naturalist (3)

01:355:355  Writing in the Professions (3)

01:355:365  Technical Editing (3)

01:355:375  Collaborative Writing Practices (3)

2. Research Practice (3 credits)

In the information and technology economy, the ability to conduct research and use information to develop viable plans of action is essential to success and advancement. Students therefore must complete a research writing course in business or technical writing. These courses will also fulfill most students' second level writing requirements (consult with your school's academic advising office for specific requirements in your program). Research writing courses include:

01:355:302  Scientific and Technical Writing (3)

01:355:303  Writing for Business and the Professions (3)

01:355:312  Writing for Biology and Natural Science (3)

01:355:315  Grant Writing (3)

01:355:322  Writing for Engineers (3)

3. Computer Knowledge (6 credits)

Basic computer knowledge and the ability to learn new programs quickly are essential to success in business and technical writing environments. Students in our program will be introduced to general and advanced writing software in many classes, and they will be required to pass an introductory course in computer science.

                        01:355:402  Advanced Writing Workshop (3)

                        01:355:415  Information Design (3)

                        01:355:425  Web Authoring (3)

01:198:110  Introduction to Computers and Their Application (3)

01:198:111  Introduction to Computer Science (4)

 01:198:170  Computer Applications for Business (3)

4. Internship Experience (1 or 3 credits for a Professional Writing Certificate; 3 credits for a Technical Writing Certificate)

Hands-on training in the work environment offers an invaluable, practical component to the certificate program, providing students with useful experience while encouraging professional attitudes toward work. In our program, students will have the option of fulfilling an independent internship or taking credits through the CESEP Program:   

01:355:395-396  Internship (3)

01:355:399-400  CESEP Internship (1)

Please see the internships website for more information.

The Writing Program also offers a minor program in business and technical writing through the School of Arts and Sciences. For more information on the certificate programs or the minor, please see http://wp.rutgers.edu.