Graduate Certificate Admissions

Admission requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited school (no specific major
required)
Appropriate academic record (above-average grades in under-
graduate writing and communication courses)
Acceptable writing ability (as demonstrated on a written essay)
Some relevant work experience (preferred)

Transfer of credits

Courses from other institutions cannot be counted towards the Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication.

Admission deadlines

Applicants can be admitted to the certificate program by the following deadlines:

	for Fall Semester	August 1

	for Spring Semester	December 1 (of the preceding year)

	for Summer Semester	Applicants are not accepted to begin the basic certificate program in Summer Semester.

Admission procedure

By the deadlines listed above, applicants must submit the following to the respective offices:

	SPSU Admissions Office
	•	SPSU application form for certificate programs (this is a different form from the application form for degree programs). You can apply online or complete a paper application.

	•	Application fee ($20, non-refundable; make checks payable to Southern Polytechnic State University)

	•	One official transcript sent directly from each college or university attended

	•	Certificate of immunization (sign the waiver at the bottom of the form)


	•	Three letters of recommendation (NOT the reference forms in the application) from supervisors, clients, professors, or professional colleagues (letters from friends or relatives are not appropriate)

	•	Essay focusing on why the applicant has chosen an online learning environment for a graduate certificate in technical communication (essay should be at least 2 pages, double-spaced, and typed)

	•	Signed Memorandum of Understanding acknowledging that you understand that successful completion of the certificate program is not a guarantee of admission to the master's program

	English, Technical Communication, and Media Arts Program Office
	•	Essay written under proctoring (written in a specified length of time in response to an assignment given at the time). Contact the Program Assistant, Donna McPherson, to schedule a time to write the essay.

International Students: International students who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school in the United States must submit the following materials along with their application:

1. An official English-translated transcript of college-level
education

2. Applicant's TOEFL scores

3. An affidavit indicating financial security.

For further information on admissions or to request an application, please contact Donna McPherson at 678-915-7202.

The English, Technical Communication, and Media Arts Department is a part of Southern Polytechnic State University and can be contacted at TCOM@spsu.edu.
1100 South Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060-2896
Tel: (678) 915-7202 FAX: (678) 915-7425