About This Program
Interested in a summer offering of this program? Go to Certificate in Editing Summer 2026 for more information and to apply.
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 apply human insight and editorial judgment to transform a rough draft — be it web copy, a book-length manuscript or short-form media — into polished, purposeful content that resonates with readers.
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.
▸ 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.
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: 02:16
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
How it Works & Next Steps
To earn the certificate, complete the courses in the order below. To get started, visit the first course page to see upcoming offerings and apply.
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)
When you complete this program, you’ll earn a certificate and a digital achievement badge you can use to showcase your professional development. You’ll also earn achievement badges for each course you complete. 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.Career-Ready Credentials
Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
