Advanced Certificate in Teaching of Writing
Application Deadline
- Fall: April 30 (Priority Deadline)
- Spring: October 31 (Priority Deadline)
(Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis up to three weeks prior to the start of each semester)
Program Format
- Hybrid
Program Duration
- 12 credits
The Teaching of Writing Advanced Certificate program is designed for current college first-year writing instructors, those with an emerging interest in teaching writing on the college level, or those seeking to deepen their writing instruction at the middle and high school levels as well non-traditional education settings.
The curriculum for the Teaching of Writing Certificate is a 12 credit program that consists of three 4-credit courses. Coursework in this certificate program introduces students to the field of Writing Studies, with attention to theories and scholarship that explain not only how people learn, generally, but also how writing makes meaning, and how we can invite students into these practices in ways that will enable them to become flexible and intentional language users. Certificate credentialing also intends to help college writing instructors to pursue advanced careers in community and four-year colleges.
Certificate students will reflect on their teaching practice and themselves as learners and writers, gain a theoretical background in Writing Studies, and develop philosophically supportable pedagogical approaches and “best” practices for their teaching and writing contexts. Additionally, they will engage with contemporary, critical theory about teaching; for example, course topics can include antiracist and culturally relevant pedagogies, critical pedagogies, alternative assessment methods, and collaborative teaching methods.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the program are expected to have a Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited institution and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or a grade point average of 3.0 (B) in English courses.
Application Procedures
Graduate Application:
Transcripts:
Request official transcripts from all US institutions attended to be sent to CAS. International Transcripts (For those who studied outside of the U.S.) will need to be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). The evaluation must be sent directly to CAS. There's a link in the Academic History section of the application to order your official evaluation.
Application Fee:
Submit a $75.00 non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid online via the CAS application system. Applicants who are veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves, may obtain an application fee waiver. Veteran applicants must submit proof of their Veteran/Military status (ie., DD-214, Current Military ID Card, or Deployment or Pre-separation orders). Please send proof to graduateadmissions@csi.cuny.edu. Once we receive your proof, we will issue a fee waiver.
Personal Statement:
Applicants must submit a personal statement of intent (500-700 words) describing the academic experiences that have brought you to this moment in which you have chose to pursue graduate study in Teaching of Writing and your reasons for pursuing the degree.
Letters of Recommendation:
Two letters of recommendation.
Writing Sample:
A minimum 8-10 page paper written for an English course with verified authorship. You may submit one paper or several to reach the required 8-10 pages.
English Proficiency Examination: The TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam is required of students for whom English is a second language.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum required score is 79 (Internet). For additional information or to register for the exam, please visit the TOEFL website at www.ets.org. Our institutional code is 2778.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): We will only accept the academic exam scores. The minimum required score is 6.5 (overall band). For additional information or to register for the exam, please visit the IELTS website www.ielts.org.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum required score is 53. For additional information or to register for the exam, please visit the PTE website www.pearsonpte.com.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum required score is 100. For additional information or to register for the exam, please visit the Duolingo website.