The graduate certificate in Online Writing Instruction (OWI) is a 18-credit certificate program. The certificate prepares new or experienced or writing instructors to design and facilitate online writing courses that implement effective practices for online writing instruction. The program is aligned to the Conference on College Composition and Communication’s Position Statement of Principles and Example Effective Practices for Online Writing Instruction.
Admission Requirements
Students currently in the M.A. in Professional and Technical Writing or the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Professional and Technical Writing can automatically be admitted to the graduate certificate in OWI by sending an email to the graduate coordinator.
Regular Admission
To be considered for admission, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must complete your bachelor’s degree prior to your first semester of enrollment.
- You must have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree, or a 3.0 in your last 60 hours of coursework.
Students who meet these requirements are welcome to submit applications at any point during the year.
Conditional Admission
Applicants will be considered for conditional admission if they have achieved a cumulative GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 on a previous baccalaureate or graduate degree, or if they have achieved a GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 on their last 60 hours of coursework. The quality of the applicant’s writing- including the statement of purpose, writing samples, and cover piece- is a major factor in the admissions decisions, along with the applicant’s references. Some applicants with GPAs higher than 3.0 may be conditionally admitted based on the admissions committee’s evaluation of the writing samples and references.
Conditionally admitted students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first 6 hours of coursework in order to remain in the program. Conditionally admitted students may also be subject to other conditions for enrollment, such as required courses in the first 6 hours of study specified by the admissions committee. Conditionally admitted students completing their GC in Online Writing Instruction coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher after the first 6 hours will become regularly admitted students.
Special Conditional Admission
Applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.69 who demonstrate extraordinary potential for achievement may petition the Graduate Certificate in Online Writing Instruction admissions committee for special consideration.
Applicants must discuss and provide evidence regarding 2 or more of the following criteria as part of their petition:
- GPA in previous writing courses
- Amount of time elapsed since the previous degree (5+ years recommended)
- Professional experience in writing, teaching, or editing
- Professional accomplishments that demonstrate the applicant’s abilities with respect to time management or focused, intensive study
- Extraordinary circumstances related to the low overall GPA
Applicants whose petitions are approved by the admissions committee will be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as listed above for conditionally admitted students.
Application Procedures
- Submit the following materials to the Graduate School:
- Application form
- Official, sealed transcripts from all previous institutions
- Submit the following materials to the Graduate Certificate in OWI Program Coordinator:
- A cover letter/statement of purpose (approximately 2 pages long) detailing:
- How the Graduate Certificate in Online Writing Instruction will enhance the applicant’s current skills and credentials or help the applicant meet his or her career goals
- What expectations the applicant has of the certificate program
- A current resume or vita
- 1-2 writing samples the demonstrate the applicant’s writing proficiency
We strongly encourage you to submit your cover letter, resume, and writing samples in electronic form if at all possible (although we will accept paper copies if necessary).
- Have one person who knows your work as a writer, teacher, and/or student (such as a professor or employer) send a recommendation letter DIRECTLY to:
Dr. Heidi Harris, Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in OWI
Department of Rhetoric and Writing
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S. University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204-1099
Ask recommenders to discuss what they know about your background in one or more of the following areas: writing ability, research skills, critical thinking, ability to read and analyze complex books and articles, teaching or tutoring ability, technology proficiency, workplace communication, overall academic achievement, potential for success in a graduate program, and/or work ethic.
Graduation Requirements
GPA of 3.0 or better for all required courses
Courses in the Graduate Certificate in OWI are as follows:
*If students have a graduate-level theory course from another institution, the graduate-level theory course may be waived.
Students enrolled in the program will be able to take as few as 3 credit hours per semester if desired (completing the program in approximately two calendar years) or complete the program as a 9 month accelerated program (9 hours per term).
- RHET 7360 - Internship/Practicum (online, 8 or 16 weeks)
- RHET 7371 - Intro to Online Writing Instruction (online, 8 weeks)
- RHET 7372 - Multimedia in Online Writing Instruction (online, 8 weeks)
- RHET 7373 - Special Topics in Online Writing Instruction (online, 8 weeks)
- 3-hour elective course approved by the graduate coordinator
One graduate-level theory course
- RHET 7310 - Composition Theory (16 weeks) *
- RHET 7311 - Rhetorical Theory (16 weeks) *
- RHET 7313 - Language Theory (16 weeks) *
- RHET 7313 - Theory of Technical Communication (16 weeks) *
- RHET 7314 - Foundations of Creative Nonfiction (16 weeks) *
- or similar
