Certificate in Business Writing
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Print- Business Writing – Learn the key elements of effective workplace writing.
- Effective Copywriting – Master clear, persuasive, and engaging business communication.
- Successfully Communicating Your Message – Apply journalistic techniques to public relations writing.
Strong business writing skills are essential for professional success. Whether you're crafting reports, memos, letters, or press releases, mastering business communication helps you stand out, increase credibility, and advance your career.
This comprehensive certificate program equips you with essential writing techniques to improve clarity, professionalism, and impact. You will learn how to write structured reports and proposals that are clear, organized, and impactful. You will also develop skills to edit and proofread for clarity and precision, ensuring your writing is polished and professional. In addition, you will gain practical experience in crafting compelling news stories and press releases that capture attention and communicate key messages effectively.
By completing this certificate, you’ll develop professional writing skills that enhance both personal and organizational success.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
- Write clear, professional business documents
- Understand the principles of effective communication
- Edit and proofread with confidence
- Develop strong writing habits for reports and proposals
- Apply news-writing techniques to press releases and business content
- Business professionals and administrative staff writing reports, emails, and workplace communication
- Marketing, PR, and communications specialists crafting content and press releases
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners refining their brand voice
- Journalists and content creators sharpening their news and business writing
- Nonprofit and government professionals enhancing public engagement
- Anyone handling public relations, media outreach, or corporate communication
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.
Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.