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 your 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 programs may be the right fit for you.
Explore the Programs
Certificate in Writing
This program will help you produce the kind of crisp, engaging writing that captures the attention and imagination of readers. The flexible format allows you to personalize your experience and select courses that match your area of interest. Course categories include fiction, nonfiction, memoir, screenwriting, publishing and children's literature.
- Designed For: Anyone who wants to develop their writing skills
- Duration: Varies; complete any three courses in two years or less
- Location: Online
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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: 8 months
- Location: Online
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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: 9 months or self-paced
- Location: Online; downtown Seattle
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Specialization in Developmental Editing
Learn how to work closely with authors to provide feedback on the big picture of a manuscript. Complete the developmental editing of a real, unpublished manuscript and work on other projects developmental editors encounter, such as book proposals and article pitches. You’ll also 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: 12 weeks
- Location: Online
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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. Learn 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: 9 weeks
- Location: Online
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Specialization in 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 medical writing field
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Location: Online
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Course in Business Writing: Reports, Proposals & Documents
Clear and engaging writing is a crucial skill in every industry, and this course will help you master the core elements of business writing. Learn how to write 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 want to improve their business writing skills
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Location: Online
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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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Course in Proofreading Essentials
Even the best writers make mistakes. That's where proofreaders comes in. This course teaches you the difference between proofreading and editing, and 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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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
There are as many paths to becoming a writer as there are types of writers. At UW Professional & Continuing Education, we can help you navigate the next step in your writing or editing career.