continued from
previous pageWhat are the academic requirements?
At least 18 credits are required to complete the PPW Certificate;
students must maintain a "B" QPA in the three courses required by the certificate.
Students must take ONE of the following core courses:
- EngCmp 400 Written Professional Communication,
- EngCmp 410 Writing in the Legal Professions, OR
- EngCmp 420 Writing for the Public.
After they have completed one of the core courses with at least
a "B," students must also complete, with at least a "B," a
minimum of TWO approved 1000-level courses (one of which may be
a PPW internship) in the composition program.
The remaining nine credits may come from designated intermediate and advanced
course offerings in the English department. The list of designated courses
that count toward the Certificate will be given to students when they register
for the program; designated courses are also listed
online. Students may petition to have a relevant course count toward the
PPW Certificate by completing the petition
form, available as a PDF document.
How do I apply to the PPW Certificate program?
The PPW Certificate program accepts applications to the program at any time during the year. Students must be resident in the certificate program for at least one year before they graduate.
To apply, submit a one- to two-page letter of intent that explains why you want to work on this Certificate, a résumé with your current contact information, and a writing sample of about 10 pages of text (you can include excerpts from several projects or one longer project, whichever you think will best demonstrate your writing). Send your application materials via campus or US mail to this address:
Public and Professional Writing Certificate
Department of English
University of Pittsburgh
526 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
If you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to submit a progress worksheet and update your records with us every term you make progress toward the Certificate.
How do I have it noted on my transcript?
As you probably know, the term before you graduate, you have to apply to your school for graduation. In the same way, the term before you graduate, you have to apply to the School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) for the PPW Certificate. By applying, you are asking the school to verify all your records. Go to 140 Thackeray and complete the necessary paperwork. (A&S offers the PPW Certificate, so even if you are graduating from another school, you still have to apply for the Certificate through A&S.) A&S imposes a late fee on students who apply to receive their Certificate after they have graduated.
A&S will check with the director of the PPW program to verify that you have completed all the requirements. For this reason, you must update your progress worksheet so that we can return A&S's query in a timely way. It's fine if you are still finishing your requirements during your last term: we will flag that coursework for A&S so that they can follow up after you get your grade for that course. When everything has been completed, A&S will note your certificate on your transcript.
During the term after you graduate, the PPW program will mail your certificate to your permanent address. Please make sure that we have the address where you want to receive the certificate. If you would prefer to pick the certificate up in person, please let us know before the end of the term you graduate.
Whom do I contact if I have questions or need help?
The PPW administrators are based in the Writing Center (M-2 Thaw Hall), with which we are affiliated. If you would like to find us or to pick up forms or other materials, stop by the Writing Center.
Jean Grace, Director, PPW Program 412-624-5661, jgrace@pitt.edu
Pam O'Brien, Associate Director, Internship and Outreach Coordinator
412-624-6556, redactor7@aol.com
Our general mailbox is ppw@pitt.edu.
