Certificate in Editing

About this Program

The writer and editor Arthur Plotnick famously said, “You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside you, and we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.” If you have a passion for making written copy shine, then you’re an editor at heart, and our three-course certificate program can help you channel that passion into a profession.

In this program, we’ll explore key techniques for developmental editing, copy editing, line editing, structural editing, content editing and collaborating with writers. You’ll develop the expertise to transform a rough draft — be it web copy, book-length manuscript or short-form media — into polished work. Whether you want to edit your own writing, work for someone else or launch an editorial business, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need to make it happen.

DESIGNED FOR

Those interested in becoming a professional editor or advancing in the field.

See Requirements

Video Overview

A graduate and an instructor from the Certificate in Editing explain how the program delivers the editorial skills and experience that employers look for today.

Duration: 03:29

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How to edit for different audiences and content types, including academic documents, corporate communications, web publications, fiction and narrative nonfiction
Grammatical rules and how to utilize standard and customized style guides
Online editing and content management tools and best practices
Characteristics of different professional environments and strategies for determining the best fit for you

GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Use Microsoft Word editing tools and PDF reader tools
Develop and carry out an editorial project with a working writer

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

You may be eligible to apply for a UWPCE Certificate Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. See the scholarship page for eligibility information and application instructions.

Quarter 1

Editorial Roles & Grammar for Editors

Quarter 2

Copy Editing Fundamentals & Working With Digital Content

Quarter 3

Applied Editing & Practicum

Certificate in Editing

Approved by the UW Department of English.

View this program's advisory board.

Learning Formats

Online, Self-Paced

Enjoy the flexibility of learning at your own pace, with instructor support along the way. Courses are 100 percent online, with no class meetings or fixed deadlines — so you can start anytime. You have up to four months to complete each course and up to two years to complete the program. Learn More »

Classroom, Accelerated

Step up the pace and complete your program more quickly with our accelerated format. With this option, you’ll move through the program’s full curriculum in a condensed time frame. Learn More »

Program Sessions

Online, Self-Paced

October 2019 Noncredit

Online
Flexible
Varies
TBD

Classroom, Accelerated

September 2019 Noncredit

UW Seattle
5 months
TBD

Closed Sessions

October 2018 Noncredit

UW Seattle
Evenings, Weekends
8 months
$2,925

Cost of Program: $2,925

Divided into quarterly payments – additional fees apply – See Details

Fees

With the exception of the one-time application fee, certificate program fees are charged on a quarterly basis. Payment is due when you register.

Fee	Amount	Due
Application fee	$50	When you apply
Course fees	Varies—see certificate program page	Quarterly
Registration fee	$45	Quarterly

Fees are subject to change without notice. Course fees do not include any costs for class materials such as textbooks and software.

Related Resources

January 2019 Noncredit

UW Seattle
Evenings, Weekends
7 months
$2,925

Cost of Program: $2,925

Divided into quarterly payments – additional fees apply – See Details

Fees

With the exception of the one-time application fee, certificate program fees are charged on a quarterly basis. Payment is due when you register.

Fee	Amount	Due
Application fee	$50	When you apply
Course fees	Varies—see certificate program page	Quarterly
Registration fee	$45	Quarterly

Fees are subject to change without notice. Course fees do not include any costs for class materials such as textbooks and software.

Related Resources

April 2019 Noncredit

Online
Flexible
7 months
$2,925

Cost of Program: $2,925

Divided into quarterly payments – additional fees apply – See Details

Fees

With the exception of the one-time application fee, certificate program fees are charged on a quarterly basis. Payment is due when you register.

Fee	Amount	Due
Application fee	$50	When you apply
Course fees	Varies—see certificate program page	Quarterly
Registration fee	$45	Quarterly

Fees are subject to change without notice. Course fees do not include any costs for class materials such as textbooks and software.

Related Resources

Ingrid Emerick
Kris Fulsaas
Mary-Colleen Jenkins
Daven Rosener

Chief Communications Officer, GreenMegaphone
Rebecca Friedman
Christy Karras
Andrea Lea Tosch

Areas of Study

Program Types

Certificate in Editing

Program Details

About this Program

DESIGNED FOR

Video Overview

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Program Overview

“The certificate program changed my life — it changed my direction. And that’s awesome. I get to work for a cause that aligns with my deep values while using editing and writing skills that just get sharper and more effective."

— Al Smith, Certificate in Editing

Alumni Spotlight

Learning Formats

Online, Self-Paced

Classroom, Accelerated

Program Sessions

Online, Self-Paced

October 2019 Noncredit

Classroom, Accelerated

September 2019 Noncredit

Closed Sessions

October 2018 Noncredit

Autumn 2018

Winter 2019

Spring 2019

Cost of Program: $2,925

January 2019 Noncredit

Winter 2019

Spring 2019

Summer 2019

Cost of Program: $2,925

April 2019 Noncredit

Spring 2019

Summer 2019

Autumn 2019

Cost of Program: $2,925

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