Professional Writing and Technical Communication

Full list of PWTC courses with descriptions

Who can enroll?

To be admitted into any of the five PWTC courses, you must have junior or senior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better at preregistration for the semester in which you seek to enroll. In order to continue in the PWTC program, you must earn a grade of 'B' or better in each PWTC course. Students who complete all five courses with a grade of 'B' or better will be awarded the program certificate.

What if I'm not an English major?

Although the program is housed within the English Department, PWTC courses are open to students in other majors, so long as they meet the requirements described above.

Graduate and Continuing Education students

Students undertaking advanced degrees may enroll in PWTC courses only by special arrangement with the instructors. Although persons not enrolled in a UMass-Amherst degree program cannot receive the program certificate, they may enroll in the program's courses (space permitting) through UMass-Amherst Continuing and Professional Education.

Planning your coursework

Students intending to complete the PWTC program should note that English 379 and 380 (offered only in fall semester) are prerequisites for English 381, 382 and 391C (offered only in spring semester), and plan accordingly. The program may be completed during a single academic year, space permitting. However, students are encouraged to spread the work over their junior and senior years if they can.

Note: If you wish to take English 379 and 380 concurrently, you must contact one of the PWTC program directors to request an override. All students enrolled in the program are encouraged to consider enhancing their background with courses from the Information Technology Program.

Can I double dip?

Two of the program's courses may count as electives toward the English major; three count as general graduation credits. PWTC students who complete the certificate will receive credit for the I.E. requirement (which English 382 satisfies).

Students pursuing the IT Minor should speak with the IT minor advisor about your course plan to make sure you are not exceeding their limits on double dipping.