The Northwest Difference
A minor in professional writing will compliment any major and serve as a foundation to be successful in your career.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers asked employers what attributes they looked for on a candidate’s résumé, and employers routinely cite written communication skills. In fact, in 2016, more than 70 percent said they wanted to hire good writers—making writing one of the most sought-after attributes for new professionals.
With every job requiring writing skills, the professional writing certificate compliments any major. Whether you are writing an email to a client or a memorandum to a manager, surveying a site as an engineer or customers as a marketing consultant, negotiating prices as a farmer or contracts as an entrepreneur, recording treatments as a physical therapist or witness statements as a police officer.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Vilune's story »
Courses
The classes to complete the requirement for the professional writing certificate include:
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
Eng 10-315 | Writing for the Professions | 3 |
Eng 10-430 | Writing for the Online Age | 3 |
Eng 10-515 | Advanced Professional Writing | 3 |
Either: |
||
Eng 10-203 | Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
Eng 10-512 | Publication Skills | 3 |
Total Hours |
12 |
Some of the courses may be completed online.
Students build the skills in written communication and critical thinking that employers demand. The Professional Writing Certificate will appear on transcripts and can be listed résumés.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.

Save more than $6,800 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $25 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.