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 use American English to explore key techniques for developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, structural editing, content editing and collaborating with writers. You’ll develop the expertise to transform a rough draft — be it web copy, a book-length manuscript or short-form media — into a polished piece. We’ll also consider the evolving role of technology in editorial work, including thoughtful discussions on the ethical and transparent use of AI tools — a growing consideration for editors working to maintain integrity and trust in the content they shape. 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'll need to achieve your goals.
▸ Related : Get a preview of our instructors' expert insights in this recent talk about Editing and AI .
DESIGNED FOR
Anyone interested in editing at the professional level or advancing in the field.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
Two years of college
Two years of experience in any professional setting where your responsibilities required writing, reading, and the ability to communicate and engage with others using American English
Solid grammar skills
Strong reading comprehension skills
Familiarity with the basic uses of Microsoft Word
Familiarity with conducting research and using multiple reference sources
Want to make sure this certificate is the right fit for you? Use this evaluation matrix to help assess your skills.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about six to eight hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
International students are welcome to apply to an online offering of this program, which doesn’t require a visa. To enroll in a classroom or blended offering, you must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer with a recent operating system (Windows or Mac); students in the hybrid format need a laptop to bring to class
Microsoft Word (not the web app) and a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free)
High-speed internet connection
Access to a printer and scanner or smartphone with a PDF-conversion app
Headset and webcam (recommended)
EARNING THE CERTIFICATE
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all course requirements. To continue in the program, participants must pass a grammar test during the first quarter. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
▸ Explore More : Looking for more options? Get started with the Proofreading Essentials course, or build on your editing experience with the Specialization in Developmental Editing . See all our programs for writers and editors .
Video Overview
Hear from instructor Ingrid Emerick about the Certificate in Editing at the University of Washington and how it can prepare you to enter the growing field of editing.
Duration: 02:25
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to edit in American English for different audiences and content types, including academic documents, corporate communications, web publications, fiction and narrative nonfiction
Grammar rules and how to use style manuals and customized style guides
Online editing systems 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 an editorial project of your choosing and work with a human writer to complete it
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary 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. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
54%
Alumni working in field
Sample Employers
Amazon, University of Washington, Girl Friday Productions, Simplicity Consulting, Barnes & Noble, Boeing
7.9%
Projected job growth for editors in Washington state (2024-2034)
$79,456
Median salary for editors in Washington state (2023)
EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges .
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .