Non-Credit Certificates Online

Editing

Curriculum

Become an In-Demand Editor

Editing is a multidimensional discipline that shapes how information flows through complex systems. It is a hybrid of traditional craft and technological savvy. Our sought-after Editing Certificate program is designed to build skills for career advancement in a variety of roles including editors and writers across a plethora of industries from academia and journalism to marketing and law as well as proofreaders, freelancers, publishers, and beta readers. Our curriculum builds both fundamental and specialized skills, creating a robust body of work that demonstrates real-world expertise and provides the professional foundation needed to become an in-demand editor in today’s publishing landscape.

By the end of the editing program, you will have learned to:

  • Master The Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Refine your command of grammar, syntax, and style.
  • Develop advanced copyediting skills. 
  • Learn to edit for clarity, coherence, and impact.
  • Understand the full publishing process.
  • Understand the full developmental editing process.
  • Develop strategies for approaching a project.
  • Navigate and implement emergent marketing technologies.
  • Enhance proofreading and fact-checking abilities.
  • Successfully run freelancing services.
  • Edit electronically with tools and platforms.
  • Effectively work with authors.

The CMOS Is Published Here

Learn the latest updates in The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), published at UChicago since 1906. We offer the most comprehensive and reputable Editing certificate program in the nation. Be among the first to learn and apply the updated standards and be a go-to resource using the essential guide in the field.

Correcting spelling and grammar mistake.

Editing Certificate Program Structure

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Duration: The program can be completed in as few as nine months, allowing you to gain valuable credentials in a relatively short time frame. Each course ranges from four to seven weeks in length. However, you can also progress at a pace that suits your personal and professional commitments.

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Interactive Learning: The program includes live weekly synchronous sessions, interactive discussions, and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with instructors and peers, simulating the teamwork and communication skills essential in copyediting.

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Course Format: Courses are offered online, providing the convenience of learning from anywhere. In addition to weekly synchronous sessions, remote students are expected to read texts and complete assignments between synchronous appointments, allowing you to balance your studies with work and other responsibilities.

Earn Credentials in Editing

A digital course badge is awarded at the successful completion of each course and a certificate of completion after all certificate requirements are met.

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Enhance Writing with Expert Editing

An Editing Curriculum That Helps You Stand Out

The in-demand Editing certificate at UChicago provides students with the opportunity to learn about emerging technologies and marketing tools that dramatically affect publishing professionals today.

  • The program consists of four required courses and one elective course.
  • Class sizes of ten to twenty students per course.
  • An online course guide is offered as an overview of the editing profession and community hub for students to connect and share resources throughout their time in the program.
  • Students will need access to Microsoft Word 2016 or later for program completion.

Online editing core courses (choose 4)

To earn credentials from UChicago, you must successfully complete all four core editing courses in the certificate program. Please refer to our list of available options below for course information and availability.

Online editing elective courses (choose 1)

Editing certificate courses cover a wide array of technical skills and editing standards based on the CMOS. In addition to the focus on manuscript editing in core courses, students can take electives and learn about the emerging technologies and marketing tools for specializing areas of development.

Sharpen Your Focus with Standalone Courses

You can build upon your credentials in standalone courses that complement our Editing certificate program and provide tailored learning paths that meet the needs of the evolving job market.

  • Fact-Checking for Editors: starts April 7.
  • Working with Authors: starts August 4.
  • Editing for Lawyers: starts October 6.

More information coming soon.

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Copywriter and editor using a laptop in an office.

Gain the Skills You Need in Modern Editing

The Chicago Manual of Style originated at UChicago. It remains the essential editing guide. Strengthen your skills with us.

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