Graduate Certificate in Professional and Technical Writing
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Banner Code: LA-CERG-PTW
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
The graduate certificate in professional and technical writing may be pursued concurrently with any of several programs in English and elsewhere. Part of the coursework may be applied to those degrees with the approval of the director of the degree program. Students pursuing this certificate must complete 18 credits of English graduate courses with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 18
This certificate may be pursued on a part-time basis only.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGH 501 | Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing 1 | 3 |
| ENGH 502 | Research Methods in Professional and Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGH 503 | Theory and Practice of Editing | 3 |
| ENGH 505 | Document Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
ENGH 501 should be taken in the first semester of study, if possible.
Emphasis in Technical Writing or Proposal Writing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following emphases: | 6 | |
| Technical Writing Emphasis | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Proposal Writing Emphasis | ||
| Proposal Writing and Development | ||
| Advanced Proposal Writing | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |