Professional Science & Technology Writing

WSU’s online undergraduate Professional Science and Technology Writing Certificate gives students the ability to bridge the gap between the work of scientists and how the public understands that work.

Whether you work in media relations or grant-writing, risk-assessment or government communications, you’ll be able to explain the complexities of scientific advancements to national and international audiences. The 15-credit certificate also includes a variety of electives so you can tailor your education to your goals and interests.

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Program of Study—15 semester credits

All courses are available online
The certificate requires five 3-credit courses: Three courses are required, and two are electives. All coursework must be completed with a 3.0 or higher GPA. 

Required Courses

9 semester credits

  • ENGLISH 301 [WRTG] – Writing and Rhetorical Conventions
  • ENGLISH 402 [WRTG] [M] – Technical and Professional Writing
  • ENGLISH 495 – Rhetoric of Science and Technology

Elective Courses

6 semester credits

All courses are 3 credits, unless noted.

The two elective courses can come from several fields. Among the options are:

  • ANTH 260 [BSCI_L] – Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4 credits)
  • BIOLOGY 330 – Principles of Conservation
  • BIOLOGY 393 [M] – Professional Communication in Biology
  • BIOLOGY 401 [CAPS] – Plants and People
  • MBIOS 320 [BSCI] – DNA and Society
  • PSYCH 320 – Health Psychology
  • PSYCH/WGSS 324 – Psychology of Gender
  • PSYCH 401 [CAPS] [M] – Historical Development of Psychology
  • SOE 210 [PSCI_L] – Earth’s History and Evolution (4 credits)
  • SOE 285 – The Science and Policy of Climate Change
  • SOE 312 [DIVR] – Natural Resources, Society, and the Environment
  • SOIL_SCI 360 – World Agricultural Systems

Additional courses may fulfill elective course requirements but are not offered online.

Awarding of the Certificate

At the beginning of the student’s final semester of coursework, the student should apply for the certificate through myWSU. This will notify the Registrar’s Office to confer the certificate. Here’s how: From the myWSU Student Homepage, select Academic Advising, then Apply to Graduate. The certificate should display as an option to select to Apply for Graduation. Certificates require a separate graduation application and are mailed separately from diplomas.