The 18-credit graduate certificate program in Online Writing Instruction (OWI) prepares new or experienced writing instructors to design and facilitate online writing courses. Because online courses are a popular means of teaching writing in secondary and higher education, current teachers and those preparing to become teachers need specific instruction in creating effective online writing courses.
You can complete the certificate in three ways:
- as a concentration in the Master of Arts in professional and technical writing
- as a stand-alone, 9-month program (9 hours per term)
- one course at a time (finish in roughly two years).
This graduate certificate is the only graduate-level certificate in the country that provides writing teachers with graduate-level accredited professional development hours specifically in online writing instruction.
The program aligns with the Position Statement on Principles and Example Effective Practices for Online Writing Instruction developed by the Conference on College Composition and Communication Committee on Effective Practices for Online Writing Instruction.
How to Apply
View the steps to apply on the UA Little Rock Graduate School website before submitting your online application. Please email Dr. Heidi Harris if you have additional questions.
Student Testimonial
“Before starting this graduate certificate program, I had no clue how much goes into creating online courses that are clear, concise, easily understood, and line up with necessary educational learning goals. Now that I’m involved with all the “behind the scenes” scenarios of online course creation, I have a much greater appreciation for all the hard work and personal investment instructors provide for the benefit of their students and the university. This program is also honing my technical writing skills by teaching me how to implement multi-modal methods of instruction, making me highly marketable for future job prospects.”
— Wendy McCloud, an M.A. student in Professional and Technical Writing and graduate of the Graduate Certificate in Online Writing Instruction
