Introduction
Students who complete this 15-credit certificate program will acquire an understanding of how advocacy writing can bring awareness, persuade, and inspire action in social, political, and cultural contexts. Certificate courses approach writing as a practice of shaping community knowledge, action, and attitudes. For example, students will learn how to:
- Design user-centered materials tailored to the values, concerns, and commitments of different stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Develop a practical understanding of the theoretical foundations of goal-oriented writing.
- Conduct ethically minded research.
- Engage with appropriate digital and social media platforms to amplify causes.
- Make use of narrative strategies to contextualize issues and tailor messages to influence opinion.
- Educate and mobilize publics towards strategic action.
Importantly, a certificate in Advocacy Writing means students can practice competencies for creating social, political, and cultural change in the contexts of their own major and/or social commitments. Plus, producing documentation that advocates for particular social change requires that writers and designers think through issues of audience, ethics, and environment. This certificate offers students a set of dedicated classes to do that kind of work.
Student Resources
Department website: English
Contact information:
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Grant writer; Communications manager; Development or fundraising professional; Government relations expert; etc.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Please contact Nicole Brown (brownn6@wwu.edu)or Elle Starr (starre2@wwu.edu) to declare this certificate.
Certificate Completion
Certificates are awarded only upon the student’s submission of a Certificate Completion Application. Review application fees on the Certificate Information website.
Coursework required for completion of a certificate may not be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid department for questions regarding certificate coursework aid eligibility.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s certificate courses, and supporting courses for certificates.
