Professional Writing Certificate

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- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. View Summer term classes
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes
Get registration help before summer classes begin. �� is open Saturday, June 6. View details
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A new career in two semesters

Become a professional writer

Are you looking for a new challenge? The �� can help you become an effective writer in just two semesters.

In this 20-hour certificate program, you learn the principles of effective written communication and how to produce concise, easily understood and visually engaging technical documents for a variety of audiences. In our project-based courses, you will work with your classmates and community partners to create real-world communication materials, including newsletters, blogs, websites and more! When you graduate, you will have a portfolio of impressive materials you can show off to potential employers.

What can you do with a certificate in Professional Writing?

The certificate in professional writing prepares you to start work or continue your education in communication, media, business, marketing, healthcare or related fields. Work as an information architect, proposal writer, website writer and more! U.S. News & World Report recently .

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at ��. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,080
  
  Median
  
  $117,013
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $287,942
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.63
  
  Median
  
  $56.25
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $138.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.67%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.04%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.44%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.87%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,277
  
  Median
  
  $60,010
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $207,507
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.03
  
  Median
  
  $28.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99.76
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.31%
  
  Some college
  
  2.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  41.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,686
  
  Median
  
  $46,901
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99,824
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.75
  
  Median
  
  $22.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $47.99
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  26.83%
  
  Some college
  
  30.3%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  35.18%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.19%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,860
  
  Median
  
  $75,818
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $151,076
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.08
  
  Median
  
  $36.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72.63
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  71.82%
  
  Doctorate
  
  28.17%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,000
  
  Median
  
  $73,491
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $134,790
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.22
  
  Median
  
  $35.33
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  81.7%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  18.3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $73,794
  
  Median
  
  $114,230
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $195,487
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35.47
  
  Median
  
  $54.91
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $93.98
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  19.65%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65.49%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  10.93%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,317
  
  Median
  
  $78,626
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,893
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.78
  
  Median
  
  $37.80
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60.87%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  39.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
�� 120	�� 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 120	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student�s area of study.	3	Online/Virtual options available
ENG 266	ENG 266 Professional Communication Class Description Professional Communication is a sophomore-level course designed for students who are interested in furthering their professional and workplace communication skills. Students will develop a mock business related to a field of interest and create communication materials related to that business, such as blog posts, a newsletter, podcast, research-based article, and other workplace communication documents. Students will develop skills in digital media production and effective storytelling techniques for the benefit of businesses and organizations.	3	Online/Virtual options available
ENG 234	ENG 234 Storytelling for Digital Platforms Class Description In this course, students will learn the fundamental aspects of creative storytelling for digital platforms and online environments, including character development, narrative arc, and how to incorporate multimedia elements. Students will develop fiction and nonfiction narratives using contemporary tools, techniques, and technologies. Projects will focus on fostering community within online creative writing spaces, and might include scripting for a web series, writing nonlinear narratives, developing a podcast series, or creating digital stories.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	�� 120
Course Title	�� 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 120
Course Title	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student�s area of study.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 266
Course Title	ENG 266 Professional Communication Class Description Professional Communication is a sophomore-level course designed for students who are interested in furthering their professional and workplace communication skills. Students will develop a mock business related to a field of interest and create communication materials related to that business, such as blog posts, a newsletter, podcast, research-based article, and other workplace communication documents. Students will develop skills in digital media production and effective storytelling techniques for the benefit of businesses and organizations.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 234
Course Title	ENG 234 Storytelling for Digital Platforms Class Description In this course, students will learn the fundamental aspects of creative storytelling for digital platforms and online environments, including character development, narrative arc, and how to incorporate multimedia elements. Students will develop fiction and nonfiction narratives using contemporary tools, techniques, and technologies. Projects will focus on fostering community within online creative writing spaces, and might include scripting for a web series, writing nonlinear narratives, developing a podcast series, or creating digital stories.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 126	ENG 126 Advanced Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Advanced Technical Composition is a transferable advanced technical writing course for anyone interested in refining their professional and workplace writing skills. The course focuses on developing advanced research skills and incorporating multiple sources into research-based projects. Students will learn how technical writers use document design strategies based on rhetorical principles to respond to a variety of communication challenges. Writing concisely, precisely, and clearly for a variety of purposes and audiences will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop projects that reflect their professional interests.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 140	ENG 140 Writing for New Media Class Description Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader�s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.	3	Online/Virtual options available
ENG 250	ENG 250 Editing for Professional Writers Class Description This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of the fundamentals of editing for a target audience. Students will learn and apply best practices for editing, including applying the appropriate style guide, to create clear, concise and well-organized materials in multiple modalities.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 126
Course Title	ENG 126 Advanced Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Advanced Technical Composition is a transferable advanced technical writing course for anyone interested in refining their professional and workplace writing skills. The course focuses on developing advanced research skills and incorporating multiple sources into research-based projects. Students will learn how technical writers use document design strategies based on rhetorical principles to respond to a variety of communication challenges. Writing concisely, precisely, and clearly for a variety of purposes and audiences will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop projects that reflect their professional interests.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 140
Course Title	ENG 140 Writing for New Media Class Description Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader�s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 250
Course Title	ENG 250 Editing for Professional Writers Class Description This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of the fundamentals of editing for a target audience. Students will learn and apply best practices for editing, including applying the appropriate style guide, to create clear, concise and well-organized materials in multiple modalities.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

20

Technical Communication at ��

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This certificate is just one possible way to study communication. Get the bigger picture�degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Technical Communication Program Overview

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at ��.

Frequently asked questions

In this program, you will learn by actively engaging in �real world� projects used in the workplace today, so when you graduate, you can hit the ground running. Whether you are developing materials to launch a new business, creating clear documentation for a complex process, or designing audience-centered materials for the web, you will gain the skills needed to be successful in nearly every industry. Not to mention � professional writers enjoy a strong job market and high pay!
You're ready to work! You have the essential skills needed to succeed as a professional writer. You can also continue your education at the �� and earn your A.A.S. in Technical Communication.
At the ��, you benefit from:
- Personal interaction with classmates and instructors
- Small class sizes
- Instructors with decades of industry experience
- Low-cost tuition
- Access to more than 30,000 businesses in Lake County, including 12 Fortune 500 companies, for internship and job opportunities
Yes � well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

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Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes

A new career in two semesters

What can you do with a certificate in Professional Writing?

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Editors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fundraising Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 11 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Technical Communication at ��������

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Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

What can I do with the certificate?

Why should I get my certificate at ��������?

Can I take my classes online?

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Be debt-free at ��������

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Technical Communication at ��

Be debt-free at ��