The Certificate in Teaching Writing provides advanced study in composition and rhetoric for current teachers at secondary and post-secondary levels of education. The program of study provides in-depth study to supplement the more limited coursework in the teaching of writing that students have had in undergraduate and credential programs. In keeping with the State’s emphasis on literacy across the curriculum in schooling at all levels, the certificate addresses writing instruction across the curriculum as well as in traditional English/Language Arts. It enables teachers who are required to teach writing in all disciplinary areas but who often have had little or no training in writing instruction to incorporate writing instruction in their classes.

To enter the program, students must possess an undergraduate degree in any field and meet the admission requirements of the University for postbaccalaureate study. The certificate consists of six required courses (24 units): Two 400-level courses which provide a foundation in language and composition, and four 500-level courses which provide advanced, in-depth, and specialized study.

Students must achieve a 3.0 GPA in the certificate program. Students may apply 12 units of the certificate program (not including ENGL 401) towards the MA in the Composition, Rhetoric, and Language option. Students must satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) within the first two quarters.