OSU’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program prepares non degree-seeking students for all kinds of situations, from making your own hard cider to serving as a hospital interpreter. Now—thanks to efforts from Associate Professor Ehren Pflugfelder, former PACE content strategist Rich Collins, and Instructors Liz Delf and Emily Elbom, among others—you can pursue a certificate in Technical Writing. The certificate includes six short courses, from a free, self-paced introductory module, to courses on writing manuals, technical editing, and user-centered design. It has proved popular from the get-go, with over 2,400 students enrolled so far.
The certificate’s popularity speaks to a demand for courses that target a different kind of learner than we might expect in our classrooms in Corvallis, or online via Ecampus. “This form of educational extension can be especially powerful for people looking to make a pivot in their careers,” Pflugfelder said, or those who “might not want, or be able to afford, a BA/BS degree.”
For Delf and Elbom, who helped to develop the curriculum and teach its courses, the diversity of learners the certificate draws is part of its special appeal. “It’s been cool to see the wide variety of learners who join the course,” Delf said, “from teachers to engineers to government employees! They bring valuable perspective and real-world examples to our discussions.” For Elbom, tracking student development across the six courses has been fulfilling. “I really enjoy interacting with students over multiple courses,” she said, “and watching them grow in their abilities.”
Feedback from the student side is equally positive. “Adult learners tend to want to know, ‘What’s in it for me?’” Jessica Ginet, who recently completed the certificate, said. “For me, the fact that the concepts and techniques applied immediately to my job meant a lot. No wasted time; just focused instruction.” Looking ahead, Pflugfelder and others are planning to update the course material to reflect the very latest research in the field and look forward to helping even more students reach their goals, whatever their circumstances.