If you dream of a career working with words, we have good news. There are many ways to make a living as a writer or editor.
Whether you want to put your own story on the page, shape others’ words or produce consistent copy as a marketer, copywriter or technical writer, we’re here to help you find your path forward. University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education provides numerous opportunities to enter the working world of the written word.
Read on to see which of our various writing-related programs is the right fit for you.
Explore the Programs
1. Certificate in Professional Technical Writing
Learn about the styles, formats and requirements for different kinds of technical communication — from white papers and scientific publications to software documentation and web content — and how to adapt for each. In-class projects and peer workshops will help you become a well-trained, confident technical writer ready to hit the ground running in a high-demand field.
- Designed For: Professionals with some writing experience who want to sharpen their technical writing skills
- Duration: 7-8 months
- Location: Online
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2. Certificate in Editing
If you have a passion for making written copy shine, then you’re an editor at heart. Explore key techniques for copy editing, line editing, structural editing, content editing and collaborating with writers. The program culminates in developing and carrying out an editorial project with a working writer, giving you first-hand experience with the editorial process.
- Designed For: Professionals with some writing or editing experience who want to break into or advance in the editing field
- Duration: 8 months
- Location: Online; downtown Seattle
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3. Specialization in API Documentation
API (application programming interface) documentation is like an instruction sheet that helps software developers understand how APIs work. Learn how to create documentation that clearly explains an API’s features and how to use them. Discover how to integrate your documentation with tools like Swagger, Postman and Confluence. You’ll come away with a GitHub portfolio of API documentation that’ll demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
- Designed For: Technical writers or software developers, programmers, analysts and architects who have some experience with technical documentation
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: Online
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4. Specialization in Developmental Editing
Learn how to work closely with authors to provide feedback on the big picture of a manuscript. Complete the developmental edit of a real, unpublished manuscript and work on other projects developmental editors encounter, such as book proposals and article pitches. You’ll also learn how to create the tools you’ll need to run an editing business, including a website and common business documents.
- Designed For: Writers, editors, publishers and other professionals who want to expand their big-picture editing skills
- Duration: 11-12 weeks
- Location: Online
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5. Specialization in Grant Writing
Grants are an important source of funding for projects and programs that benefit communities — and the competition to secure them can be fierce. Explore how to use storytelling and data to write compelling proposals that align your organization with funding opportunities. Hear from fundraising experts about emerging trends in grantmaking, and learn about the post-award process.
- Designed For: Nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, technical writers and others interested in a career in grant writing
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Location: Online
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6. Specialization in Regulatory Medical Writing
Gain experience writing documents for regulatory submission and become conversant with the regulations and prescribed formats. You’ll learn how to read, interpret and summarize data from clinical trials. You’ll also hone your writing skills for various audiences, including regulatory agencies, medical professionals and the public.
- Designed For: Technical writers and other communications professionals looking to break into the regulatory medical writing field
- Duration: 11-12 weeks
- Location: Online
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7. Course in Business Writing: Reports, Proposals & Documents
Clear and engaging writing is a crucial skill in every industry, and this course will help you produce quality business reports and other deliverables. Learn how to generate documents that are compelling and easy to read. Explore basic layout and design concepts that’ll help keep readers engaged with your content. You’ll have lots of opportunities to practice your writing, both individually and in group settings.
- Designed For: Technical and nontechnical professionals in any field who need to produce quality reports and documents as part of their work
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Location: Online
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8. Course in Foundations of UX Writing
Companies need to ensure that their products and services are intuitive and easy to navigate. That’s why UX (user experience) writers are some of today’s most in-demand professionals. Learn about voice and tone so that your content matches the needs of the user and the organization. Practice writing inclusive, accessible and appropriate content for a variety of experiences, using tools of the trade.
- Designed For: Content creators, marketers, designers, product managers and other professionals who want to create better user experiences
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Location: Online
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9. Course in Business Writing Foundations
Does your confidence in your business-related writing skills need a boost? Want to produce a slide deck, social media post or important email that will engage and persuade your audience? In this foundational course, you’ll learn the principles and techniques that lead to great writing in any business context. You’ll cover the essentials of grammar and punctuation, explore the dos and don’ts of clear writing, and investigate issues of inclusivity, voice and tone that are important in the modern workplace. You’ll also get pointers on how to leverage the latest AI tools in your writing.
- Designed For: Anyone who wants to improve their business writing and become a more confident writer
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Location: Online
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10. Course in Proofreading Essentials
Even the best writers make mistakes; that's where the proofreader comes in. This course teaches you the difference between proofreading and editing, and explores how to tackle specific grammar, style and design issues. Learn why, when and how to make changes in a document as well as how to find employment opportunities in the field.
- Designed For: Anyone looking to develop or improve their proofreading skills
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Location: Online
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11. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Poetics at UW Bothell
Develop your creative work through a course of study that encourages exploration and discovery. The MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics organizes its curriculum by areas of inquiry rather than genres, giving you the freedom to explore various genres and media. The program emphasizes experimental and hybrid forms of writing, empowering you to participate in a community concerned with the pursuit of creative writing in a rapidly changing society.
- Designed For: Writers who want to develop their creative voice and gain the credentials to teach at the college level
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: UW Bothell campus
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Keep Learning
If your writing interests lie in a more creative direction, check out our selection of fiction and nonfiction writing courses. Or see our full slate of marketing, communication and design programs and find one right for you.