Writing and Editing for Business Certificate of Completion
Online
Having the ability to deliver clear, concise material saves time and demonstrates solid written communication skills. Revisit the basics of grammar, examine different writing styles and learn how to organize your thoughts for more effective writing in the workplace.
Benefits
- Increase your marketability in the workplace
- Update your knowledge of grammar and punctuation pitfalls
- Learn more about the professional editing industry
Complete three courses (50 Hours):
- Editing for Beginners OR Editing Fundamentals
- Grammar and Punctuation Essentials
- Effective Business Writing
The listed course hours indicate the estimated time to review the online learning units - your actual time spent completing assignments may vary.
| Tentative course schedule | Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
| Editing for Beginners | • | • | |
| Editing Fundamentals | • | • | |
| Grammar & Punctuation Essentials | • | • | • |
| Effective Business Writing | • | • | |
|
The schedule above is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration available in June. Winter schedule and registration available in November. Spring/Summer schedule and registration available in March. |
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Required Courses
Online learningWe offer a variety of online learning options. Visit our learning formats page for more information. |
Editing for Beginners
This course will introduce the fundamentals of editing, including why editing matters and how editing skills can be developed and refined. You will be introduced to the different kinds of editing (proofreading, copy editing, style editing and structural editing) and the skills and standards common to all editors. Through presentations, readings, assignment and practice, participants will gain an appreciation for what it takes to succeed as an editor. Note: if you have previously completed Editing Fundamentals (XCOM 20002) you do not need to take this course.
No textbook required.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Communications
| Subject code: XCOM 20013 | 15 Hours Fee: $429 | |
| CRN 30462 | Online | Feb. 14 - Mar. 21 |
-- OR --
Editing Fundamentals
Discover the fundamentals of professional editing and the skills and standards common to all editors. Learn why editing matters and how editing skills can be developed and refined. Be introduced to different kinds of editing (copy editing, style editing and structural editing).
No textbook required.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
This course also counts toward the Professional Editing Extension Certificate
Subject (for registration): Communications
| Subject code: XCOM 20002 | 15 Hours Fee: $429 |
| CRN 30218 | Online | Feb. 28 - Apr. 4 |
** Please note: You only need to take either Editing for Beginners or Editing Fundamentals as ONE of the three courses in order to complete this certificate. You do not have to take both courses.
Grammar and Punctuation Essentials
Brush up on basic writing skills. Review parts of speech, grammar and common grammatical mistakes. Explore sentence parts including words, phrases and clauses. Understand punctuation and common punctuation mistakes such as capitalization, abbreviations and numbers. Discuss commonly misused and misspelled words.
Recommended: Complete this course and Effective Business Writing before beginning Editing Fundamentals.
Required textbook: Ruvinsky, M. (2014). Practical Grammar: A Canadian Writer's Resource (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press Canada. Available as e-book or rental option from VitalSource. Also available at the Cougars Campus Store. Search by Term and Department (XCOM)
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
This course also counts toward the Professional Editing Extension Certificate
Subject (for registration): Communications
| Subject code: XCOM 20008 | 20 Hours Fee: $359 |
| CRN 30415 | Online | Jan. 10 - Feb. 21 |
Effective Business Writing
Develop and refine your writing skills to meet the challenges of a professional workplace environment. Learn how to write clear, concise and dynamic emails, letters and reports with competence and ease. Review common grammatical mistakes, style principles, document design, and editing basics.
Required textbook: Chandler, M. (2017). Good Writing is Good Business . Green Fuse Inc. Available at amazon.ca
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Technical & Business Writing
| Subject code: XTBW 10013 | 15 Hours Fee: $429 |
| CRN 30029 |
Online | Feb. 14 - Mar. 21 |
Textbooks may be purchased independently or at the Cougars Campus Store. Search by Term and Department (XTBW).
Dr. Richard Erlendson
Dr. Erlendson has the distinction of serving as a long-time professor in both the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies and the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension at MRU. In both faculties, he has taught professional writing, editing, reporting, design, publishing and visual communication. He is a career journalist and photojournalist, and he has received the Canadian Word Award for magazine writing. Richard has also twice been awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award at MRU. He holds master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Alberta with undergrad degrees in journalism and education.
Richard’s portfolio includes 11 published books, freelance editing for a variety of corporate clients and publishers, and freelance writing for a variety of magazines – including American Cowboy for which he once served as the Canadian Correspondent. Richard has been teaching in the Professional Editing and Technical Writing Certificate programs in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension since 2013. Courses he has taught include Editing for Beginners, Editing for Technical Writers, Editing Fundamentals, Editing Portfolio, Effective Business Writing, Grammar and Punctation Essentials, Structural Editing, Stylistic Editing, and Writing and Editing for Digital Media.
Michelle Lomberg
Michelle is a freelance editor and writer with over 25 years' experience. Her portfolio includes substantive editing, copy editing, and proofreading of K-12 and higher-education resources, trade books and marketing materials, and she is the author of 19 educational books for young readers. She has worked for clients across Canada.
Michelle holds a bachelor's degree with first-class honours in English and a master's degree in environmental design. In addition, she is certified by the Editors' Association of Canada in structural and stylistic editing. She has been teaching in the Professional Editing Certificate program since 2015.
Heather Matsune
Bio coming soon.
Contact us
For information about this program:
403.440.6861 or 1.888.392.3655
Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary AB T3E 6K6
Customize this program for your organization through our Corporate Training unit.