Specialized Programs of Study
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Program Policies and Resources
Substitutions, Waivers and Transfer Credit
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Courses Available in
Liz McDonough
Program Director
Professional Writing
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EDP 022559
Writing well and communicating effectively are critical skills that are in demand. Whether you are writing a business proposal, fund-raising letter, ad copy, feature story or blog, strong, persuasive writing is necessary to your organization’s success. The Specialized Program in Professional Writing offers a comprehensive curriculum to provide you with the skills to write successfully and effectively at a professional level across industries, in both print and digital formats. Learn how to craft well-written communications; describe ideas, products and services succinctly and compellingly; analyze and process large amounts of data into narrative form; and write for new and emerging forms of communication. Join our email list to stay informed about this program.
Courses
The table contains the required courses for the Specialized Program in Professional Writing, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.
5 Required Courses, 1 Elective, 7 Semester Units, 0.7 ceu (112 Hours of Instruction)
| Required Courses | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Skills Workshop | X13 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Effective Writing in the Workplace | X456 | 1 | Fall Spring |
|
| From Pitch to Print: A Five-Week Introduction to Public Relations Workshop | X481 | 1 | Fall | |
| Fundamentals of Freelancing | 0.7 ceu | Spring |
||
| Writing for Social Media: Prose That Works for Web 2.0 | X468 | 1 | Spring Summer |
| Electives | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Marketing | X460.1 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems* | X409.1 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
|
| Journalism Workshop | X473 | 2 | Fall Spring |
|
| Health Care Journalism (offered future term) | X479 | 2 | ||
| Science Writing | X463.5 | 2 | Spring | |
| Writing the Feature Story | X419 | 2 | Summer | 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.
To enroll, click on a course title above and choose a section.
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Specialized Program in Professional Writing.
*Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems X409.1 may be substituted with another Extension database course. Contact the department for advance approval.
Who Will Benefit
Whether you are a journalist, marketing professional or freelance writer, the curriculum improves and formalizes your writing skills and broadens your communications tool kit. If you are a career changer, this specialized program of study can add credibility to your writing portfolio.
Prerequisites for Admission
There are no prerequisites for the Specialized Program in Professional Writing, but a bachelor's degree is recommended.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum consists of 5 required courses and 1 elective for a total of 7 semester units and 0.7 ceu (112 hours of instruction). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable program registration fee. You may begin the program with any course in the curriculum.
The program can be completed at your own pace, though 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. (Students typically enroll in one course per term.) For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.
How to Register for This Specialized Program of Study
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register for the Specialized Program in Professional Writing, submit the online registration form with your credit card information or complete the mail-in registration form. The registration fee is nonrefundable. You may register for the program during any term.
You should register for the program before you complete your third course in the curriculum.
Estimated Cost
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The program has an estimated total cost of $2,800 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Contact Information
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.
