Professional and Public Writing

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The Undergraduate Certificate in Professional and Public Writing is a 12-credit program offered by the English department and open to all UB undergraduate students. The certificate provides an opportunity for students interested in improving their written, oral, and digital rhetoric and communications skills in preparation for their careers and civic interests.

The certificate enables students to practice a broad range of genres relevant to their working lives, including grants, technical reports, proposals, and formal presentations, as well to gain experience using both print and multimedia forms of writing to effect changes in the world.

In a constantly evolving information and communication environment, students will benefit from gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge about how to engage different audiences in different ways on matters of real importance. Students will also learn how to critically engage AI tools to produce effective, ethical writing.

Course Requirements

Three Professional and Public Writing Electives (9 credits)

ENG 350SEM - Introduction to Writing Poetry and Fiction Credits: 3
ENG 351SEM - Writing About the Environment Credits: 3
ENG 352LEC - Writing for Change Credits: 3
ENG 353LEC - Technical Communication Credits: 3
ENG 354LEC - Writing about Literature Credits: 3
ENG 355SEM - Writing About Science Credits: 3
ENG 356LEC - Professional Writing Credits: 3
ENG 357LEC - How to Write Like a Journalist Credits: 3
ENG 358LEC - Writing in the Health Sciences Credits: 3
ENG 360SEM - Writing and Artificial Intelligence Literacy Credits: 3
HIS 301DIS - Historical Writing Credits: 3
MGG 303LEC - Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3

Capstone (3 Credits)

ENG 439SEM - Rhetorical Theory and Practice Credits: 3

Total Credits Required for Certificate: 12

Academic Requirements

The certificate is awarded concurrently upon completion of all program requirements and completion of a bachelor’s degree at the University at Buffalo. It cannot be awarded as a standalone certificate program even after the student has earned a bachelor’s degree.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional and Public Writing, students will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and competencies:

Knowledge

Writing and Rhetoric Theories and Practices: Students will be able to articulate key principles and theories behind effective writing in professional and public contexts.
Research Methodologies: Students will acquire knowledge of various research methods to find, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary sources in a constantly evolving information environment.
Understanding Social issues: Students will explore and write about pressing social issues, fostering deeper understanding of the challenges faced by various communities.
Ethical Writing Practices: Students will learn about ethical considerations in writing and understand established conventions for responsible writing and communication, including appropriate citation and attribution practices.

Skills

Writing Proficiency: Students will demonstrate the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively across different contexts.
Critical Thinking: Students will develop and apply critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate and synthesize information from various sources effectively.
Research Skills: Students will conduct thorough research and integrate findings into well-organized and engaging written arguments and oral presentations.
Professional and Public Communication: Students will produce various forms of professional and public communication, including reports, proposals, and digital content.

Competencies

Audience Awareness: Students will be able to adapt their writing to meet the needs and expectations of diverse audiences.
Cultural Competency: Students will engage with content that addresses diverse cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds, building their understanding and appreciation of multicultural perspectives and enhancing their ability to write for varied audiences.
Collaboration and Feedback: Students will participate in regular peer review and collaborative projects, giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Advocacy and Public Discourse: Students will understand the impact their words can have on different populations and audiences, and they will be able to use writing to create change on civic issues they care about.

(HEGIS: 1501.00 ENGLISH, GENERAL)