Non-Credit Certificates Online

Editing

Curriculum

Looking to Improve Your Editing Skills?

Our Editing Certificate program has a direct connection to The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), the essential guide for American English writing and editorial practices since 1906. Students in UCPE’s program will be among the first to learn and apply its updated standards. The curriculum builds both foundational and specialized skills through varied coursework, creating the experiences and practice that demonstrates real-world expertise. Whether you’re looking to break into publishing or advance your existing editorial career, this unique online program—backed by the authority of CMOS and bolstered by direct connections to the UChicago Press—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.

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 program consists of four required courses and one elective course.
  • Class sizes of ten to twenty students per course.
  • Attendance to synchronous sessions is mandatory.
  • 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)

Our unique online core courses cover a wide array of technical skills and editing standards based on the CMOS. To earn your Editing certificate from UChicago, you must successfully complete all four core editing courses. 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 including:

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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