About Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
Open to anyone, CSUSB’s Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate prepares students to write effectively and strategically in professional, civic, and digital contexts. The program emphasizes clear communication, audience awareness, rhetorical strategy, and polished, purpose-driven writing—skills essential in business, nonprofit, media, government, and public service environments.
Students develop competencies in professional communication, editing, grant and proposal writing, digital and social media writing, public communication, and workplace documentation. Coursework explores the principles of rhetoric, persuasive communication, and writing for diverse audiences, while also providing hands-on practice with real-world genres and formats.
This certificate is ideal for students pursuing careers in writing-intensive fields and for professionals seeking to strengthen their communication abilities for advancement.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Develops strong professional and public communication skills
Students learn how to write clearly, persuasively, and effectively across professional, civic, and digital platforms.
✔ Prepares students for writing-heavy careers
Industries such as business, nonprofits, government, education, and media depend on employees with strong writing and editing abilities.
✔ Builds a competitive communication portfolio
Learners create polished writing samples that demonstrate competence in professional genres.
✔ Enhances employability across fields
Employers consistently rank written communication as one of the most valuable workplace skills.
✔ Complements many majors and career paths
Ideal for students in English, communication, marketing, public administration, sociology, business, and the social sciences.
Careers in Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate
Potential Careers
Graduates of the Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate often pursue roles such as:
- Communications or Public Relations Assistant
- Content Writer or Digital Media Specialist
- Grant Writer or Development Assistant
- Marketing or Outreach Coordinator
- Editorial or Administrative Support Specialist
The certificate also strengthens preparation for graduate programs or advanced careers in writing, public relations, nonprofit management, or public administration.
Sample Courses
Writing in the Public Sphere
Consideration of how writers use texts (including visual, digital, and print media) to represent public issues and effect public action.
Topics and Themes of Art History and Exhibitions
Topical studies include but are not limited to social or political studies of a particular focus in relation to a specific culture or region.
Fundamentals of Screenwriting
Writing for fictional motion pictures, including structure, characters, dialogue, scene development, conflict and theme. Attention will be given to narrative structure and storytelling for film.
In Summary
CSUSB’s Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate equips students with the writing, editing, and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s professional and public-facing environments. Through hands-on practice and strategic instruction, the program prepares graduates to craft clear, persuasive, and impactful communication across multiple industries.
Similar to Writing: Public and Professional Writing Certificate
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.
Reyes Ortega Gonzalez
Administrative Support Coordinator
reyes.ortegagonzalez@csusb.edu
