Professional Writing Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to apply to the program or Portland State University to take these courses?
No. Just register for one or more courses and
begin. You have three years to complete the program, but most students take just
three to six months.
- Do I have to take the four required certificate courses in sequence?
No, but we encourage you to do so.
- Can I take any of these courses individually?
Yes. All courses are available individually.
You are under no obligation to complete the whole program.
- How can I register for courses?
Most people register online using our
Schedule/Registration page. Click on the course title and then click "register
online" for the course you want. You can also register by phone at 503-725-4832
(8am-5pm) or fax us at 503-725-5585.
- Can I register now and pay later?
No. You must pay for all courses at the time of registration.
- What does noncredit course mean?
Our courses do not give academic credit that
can be used toward earning a degree. Our courses offer Continuing Education
Units (CEUs), which are useful for earning or retaining professional
certifications.
- What is a CEU?
The continuing education unit (CEU) is a
nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in the classroom
during noncredit learning. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU. The
CEU provides a permanent record of the educational accomplishments of an
individual who has completed significant noncredit education and career-enhancement
experiences.
- What other costs should be expected? Are textbooks and a laptop required?
Course fees cover all costs. Books or
other course materials are supplied at class. Laptop computers are not necessary.
- Where are classes held?
- Can these classes be brought onsite?
Yes. Contact Vincent Fritzche at
vincentf@pdx.edu to bring any seminar or program onsite.
- What should I do in case of inclement weather?
All Professional Development Center courses and
seminars are canceled when Portland State is officially closed due to weather. Please
contact the office at 503-725-4820 for instructions on cancellations and make-up
sessions. To determine if the campus will be closed, call 503-725-3000 (Portland State
Information Line) or listen to your local radio news station.
- What is your refund policy?
Notification of withdrawal or drop must be given, and
requests for refunds for noncredit courses must be received, at least one week prior to
the first class session. Refunds are not given after this time. Withdrawal or drop must
be done by email to
pdc@pdx.edu or to your program manager’s
email address.
- How do I request my certificate?
If you have completed the training requirements for the
Professional Writing Certificate, fill out the form to
request your
program certificate. We will review your record and mail your certificate within
approximately two weeks.
