Technical & Professional Writing Program - San Francisco State University
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FAQ'S about the TPW Certificate


Q: Do I qualify to enter the certificate program? A: Yes, if you already have a Bachelor's degree or if you have completed at least 56 units of transferable college course work. No other requirements or approvals are necessary. (See How to Register.)

Q: Do I need to apply to the certificate program? A: No. You can just enroll in the required courses. However, it would be a good idea to come in for advising early in your first semester. You also should come in to set up an advising worksheet if you plan to enroll in a course limited to TPW students.

Q: How long does it take to earn the certificate? A: That depends. Most students attend part-time and take a year-and-a-half or two years to finish. Going full-time, and with approval from the TPW Director, you may be able to finish within one calendar year. 

Q: How much does it cost to earn the certificate? A: That depends on your enrollment and residency status, as well as on the number of units you enroll per semester. See SFSU tuition and fees information and Open University fees information for details. 

Q: If I am an SFSU undergraduate with another major, can I also earn a TPW certificate? A: It would make more sense for you to earn a TPW minor, which has the same course requirements. 

Q: If I can earn the certificate, do I really need a B.A.? A: It's recommended. Having at least a bachelor's degree is pretty standard for professionals in the field. Not having one could hurt your long-term career prospects. 

Q: How do I apply for the certificate? A: After you complete the required courses, you will need to fill out a form available in the TPW Program office (HUM 414) and write a check for the small application fee. Submit the form and the check, along with your transcript (and any final grade reports) to the TPW Director. Processing takes several weeks.

 


Most recent update: January 7, 2004

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Contact: Technical & Professional Writing Program  Email:  tpw@sfsu.edu
Phone: 415-338-7025 Office: HUM 414