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Substitutions, Waivers and Transfer Credit
Curriculum and Completion Requirements

Liz McDonough
Program Director

Amanda Gill
Online Program Coordinator
EDP 022343
Offering proficiency in copyediting, line editing and developmental editing, the Professional Sequence in Editing is the ideal training for those with a passion for fine-tuning the written word. The curriculum builds from grammar and usage to editing for various goals and audiences and culminates in the art of substantive editing to refine an author’s style. Courses—taught by working professionals with years of experience—are offered in both online and classroom formats. Whether you want to begin a rewarding editing career, rise to a management position in publishing or apply editing expertise in a related profession, the program can help turn your editorial sensibilities into marketable skills. Join our email list to stay informed about this program.
The table contains the required courses for the Professional Sequence in Editing, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.
4 Required Courses, 8 Semester Units (120 Hours of Instruction)
| Required Courses | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors | X445 | 2 | Fall Spring |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting | X405 | 2 | Fall Spring |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Editorial Workshop II: Intermediate Copyediting | X415 | 2 | Spring | Fall Spring Summer |
| Advanced Editorial Workshop: Substantive Editing or an equivalent course from the Professional Sequence in Technical Communication* |
X425 | 2 | Fall |
Fall Spring Summer |
Course availability is subject to change. Courses offered in both online and classroom environments are interchangeable, and you may choose either format.
You must take the required courses in the order listed above. Each course serves as a prerequisite for the next course in the sequence.
To enroll, click on a course title above and choose a section.
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Professional Sequence in Editing.
*An equivalent course from the Professional Sequence in Technical Communication must be 2 semester units and of equivalent length. In addition, you must meet any stated prerequisites for the course.
This program is available in both classroom and online formats. You can take courses online, in class or a combination of both. Choose the format that works for your schedule. Find out more about online learning at Extension.
This program is a perfect fit if you are a working adult looking for professional editing training in a compact sequence. You can master the techniques and strategies required to enter the field or add the credibility of a professional credential to your editorial résumé. If you have expertise in a specific subject area, adding editorial training can take your career in new directions.
There are no prerequisites for the Professional Sequence in Editing.
The curriculum comprises 4 required courses for a total of 8 semester units (120 hours of instruction). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable program registration fee.
All coursework must be completed within three years of registering for the program. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion. For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register for the Professional Sequence in Editing, submit the online registration form with your credit card information or complete the mail-in registration form. The registration fee is nonrefundable.
We recommend that you register for the program before you begin your third course in the curriculum.
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The program has an estimated total cost of $2,400 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. To contact the department office, email letters@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-6362.
For details about online courses, email online@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-7343.