About this Program

For students in English, this certificate allows them to be able to take professional writing course work and provides recognition of a specific acquired skill set for potential employers even while they complete an English degree with an emphasis in another area such as creative writing, literature, linguistics, or journalism and completing a minor in another field.

Program Highlights

  • Prepares students to assess and write in a wide range of situations

  • Engages students with a variety of technology used for workplace communication

  • Utilized case- and client-based projects to provide real-world writing experiences

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Undergraduate Certificate
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Editors

$68,230 Median Salary

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Copy Writers

$72,120 Median Salary

Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

Web Developers

$74,110 Median Salary

Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

Technical Writers

$74,440 Median Salary

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Professional Writing at ODU?
Students entering the Undergraduate Certificate program in Professional Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
  • This is not an independent certificate and must be pursued alongside a bachelor’s degree at ODU

  • To take courses for this certificate, you must have completed six hours of general education college composition

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Associate Professor

5032 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529