Writing is a core workplace competency that falls under the broader category of communication and is required in business, industry, education, and government careers world-wide. Strong writing and editing skills are highly sought after in the workplace.
You will learn and improve numerous skills from basic to more advanced writing and editing including composition, grammar, copyediting, proofreading and specific techniques related to your field of work. This online, flexible and interactive program will allow you to learn the theory behind your writing as well as allow ample time to write practice documents and receive feedback from your instructors and peers to help you convey information in a more clear and persuasive way. Courses are taught by professional writers and published authors.
The certificate can be achieved entirely online. All students must complete the four core courses, two specialization courses, and one optional course to complete the 200-hour requirement. It is strongly recommended that core courses be completed before taking additional courses and that WRI 113 Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling: A Quick Review be taken first.
This program is perfect if you...
- Would like to practise and improve your workplace writing skills
- Would like to enhance your business communication
- Enjoy the convenience of online learning
- Seek a solid credential in business and technical writing
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate.
Program details
Online and In Class
All courses in this program are delivered online. Some are also offered in class. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.
You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course.
Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.
Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online
7-8 Courses, 200 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing is a 200-hour program.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program in two years. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.
$4,249
The approximate cost to complete the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing is $4,249.
This includes the $105 admission fee.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.
The admission fee is $105.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- Relevant work experience (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Important: Students are expected to have university-level English writing skills including grammar, vocabulary, and basic writing experience. For those needing these skills, WRI 110 Writing Well can be taken at the beginning of the program.
Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.
Apply for AdmissionPrior learning from other post-secondary institutions
Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 60 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTransferring credit from other Continuing Education programs
If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 100 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Upon completing Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing, up to 100 hours of equivalent courses may be transferred towards the Creative Writing Certificate and the Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations. The number of hours will vary based on certificate requirements and courses.
If you wish to pursue another program:
- Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
- Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits
The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.
Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.
To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:
It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
See Graduation for details.
This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.
International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.
Get a 5% discount
Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering for three or more courses at the same time.
Register online or by calling 403-220-2866 or 1-866-220-4992. Some restrictions may apply (i.e., all courses must take place within the current academic year).