YourPace Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing

Discover our 100% online Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing

Program Objectives and Content

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing is designed for learners with bachelor’s degrees of any kind. It will help professionals expand and hone their workplace writing skills; possibly earn certifications, advancement, and promotion in the workplace; and even prepare for a career change, if so desired. This certificate will also serve as a steppingstone for (or complement to) other certificates or graduate programs at UMF and other UMS campuses.

The Dates YourPace Students Need to Know

There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. We must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received, please plan accordingly.

Courses in the program of study (12 graduate credits)

ENG 500 Writing in the Workplace (3 cr.; required)

This course provides students with an overview of business communication, a variety of genres and modalities found in the workplace, effective document design, and the internal and external audiences people address in communication outside of academia. The course covers the seven C’s, as well as instruction in grammar and rhetorical strategies. Students in this course will have an opportunity to refine their job materials and create a dossier of professional documents relevant to their careers.

ENG 505 Writing for the Internet (3 cr.; required)

This course delves into professional content meant to be shared on the internet. Students in this course will identify professional writing as writing for the public, including local and global clients and general audiences. Students will analyze, create, and maintain professional websites and social media accounts, as well as create outward facing video and audio content as a part of their coursework.

ENG 515 Grant Writing (3 cr.; required)

This course focuses on document design and the visual aspects of professional communication. Students will analyze and create graphics, such as charts, tables, photographs, drawings, video content, and more. Students will also keep a digital dossier showcasing their work.

ENG/ART 510 Graphic Design (3 cr.; elective)

This course focuses on document design and the visual aspects of professional communication. Students will analyze and create graphics, such as charts, tables, photographs, drawings, video content, and more. Students will also keep a digital dossier showcasing their work.

 

Rethinking Writing in the Age of AI (3 cr.; elective)

This course explores how artificial intelligence is transforming writing practices, pedagogies, and professional contexts. Using Gemini as the primary AI writing tool, students will develop foundational AI literacy, examine ethical implications, design learning experiences that integrate AI responsibly, and reflect on their professional growth as educators. Through practical applications and reflective analysis, students will build competencies to navigate and leverage AI writing technologies while maintaining pedagogical integrity and promoting equitable access.

YourPace Tuition $2,450 per Session

Learn more about our affordable tuition

The UMF Public Policy Online Program powered by UMPI YourPace offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Farmington.

 

Next Steps: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering this University of Maine at Farmington program, powered by YourPace at UMPI!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!