About this Program

Easily completed in one calendar year, this certificate is designed for professionals who want to supplement their undergraduate degrees and sharpen their writing and communication skills. Students who earn Graduate Certificates use them to supplement degrees in other areas of study and for advancement in the workplace. Many of our courses are taught during the evening.

Program Highlights

  • Opportunity for students to receive credit for a graduate level writing-based internship

  • Evening and video streaming courses to accommodate work schedules

  • Students have opportunities to engage in a wide variety of communication technologies and practices

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Certificate
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Web Developers

$74,110 Median Salary

Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

Technical Writers

$74,440 Median Salary

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Copy Writers

$72,120 Median Salary

Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

Editors

$68,230 Median Salary

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Professional Writing at ODU?
Students entering the Certificate program in Professional Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • Apply to ODU as a non-degree seeking graduate student

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Contact

Associate Professor

5032 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529