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Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking

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Become an expert copyeditor and leverage publishing opportunities

Offered fully online, the Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking is designed to provide students with expert advice on what publishers look for and the skills needed to become an exemplary copy editor across all types of media–including book, magazine, newspaper, and online publishing.

Note: We strongly recommend that students take Mastering English Grammar, and Fact-Checking for Accuracy before taking any other courses in the Certificate program. Please see the course descriptions below for more information.

The contributions of copy editors and proofreaders are invaluable to the publishing process. Their roles are essential to ensuring the consistency and accuracy of text and preparing manuscripts for publication. Job opportunities are available through the robust freelance market and occasionally through full-time in-house positions, and the skills are transferable to all industries that utilize written communications. Gain familiarity with the structure of publishing and digital media organizations, and the roles of proofreaders, copy editors, and fact-checkers. Learn how to recognize media bias and the importance of broadening your news sources. Become familiar with standard copyediting and proofreading symbols and terminology, style guides, house styles, and production cycles. Develop techniques to edit text for accuracy, clarity, and flow. Through hands-on practice, learn how to proof against a manuscript, utilize appropriate reference works, and solve common grammar, punctuation, and word use issues.

In order to receive this certificate, you must complete seven required courses within three years of taking the first certificate-eligible course and have a cumulative average of B or better. For advisement, please contact the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media (212) 998-7289 or sps.pwm.ce@nyu.edu.

See the Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking program outline here.

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Become an expert copyeditor and leverage publishing opportunities

Format

Online

Requirements

7 courses

Estimated Total Certificate Cost

$6,853*

*Based on course prices for AY 24-25, subject to change.

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Why This Certificate?

Become an Expert Copy Editor Across All Media

The contributions of copy editors and proofreaders are invaluable to the publishing process. Their roles are essential to ensuring the consistency and accuracy of text and preparing manuscripts for publication.

Leverage Publishing Industry Opportunities

Gain familiarity with the structure of publishing and digital media organizations, and the roles of proofreaders, copy editors, and fact-checkers. Job opportunities are available through the robust freelance market and occasionally through full-time in-house positions, and the skills are transferable to all industries that utilize written communications.

Gain Hands-On Practice

Recognize media bias and become familiar with standard copyediting and proofreading symbols and terminology, style guides, and production cycles. Edit text for accuracy, clarity, and flow. Utilize reference works and solve grammar, punctuation, and word use issues.

Expand Your Professional Networks

Learn from industry experts and engage with peers in the publishing field.

Advance Your Career with Flexible Options

The online format allows you to complete the full certificate from anywhere in the world on a timeline that fits your schedule, from 1 year (three semesters) to 3 years. Upon successful completion of the certificate, students may be eligible for up to 3 credits toward the MS in Publishing degree.

Showcase Your Expertise

Earn a prestigious Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking from NYU. Enhance your professional profile with a Digital Badge on LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Certificate Specifics

If you are looking to hone your copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking skills–which are highly sought after by book, magazine, and online publishers–then this certificate may be right for you. Through hands-on practice, learn to proof against manuscripts; use appropriate reference works; and solve common grammar, punctuation, and word use issues. Also, explore specializations in book, magazine, and digital copyediting.

There are no prerequisites. 

 

Yes, all courses can be taken à la carte.

Yes, students from all over the world take our courses. 

 

The certificate can be completed in as little as three semesters and as long as three years from the start of the first course. Courses can be taken in any order.

Please contact  (212) 998-7289 or sps.pala.ce@nyu.edu to speak with an academic advisor. 

 

General Certificate FAQ

It’s preferable if you do, but you can still declare candidacy even after taking a course. Declaring candidacy does not commit you to completing it, but you will receive a 10% discount on future NYU SPS continuing education courses.

 

Assuming the course is part of the certificate, yes, but only if the course was taken within an acceptable time frame. The academic department gives students a specific amount of time to complete a certificate. The start date would be adjusted to the first class to which we applied the discount.  

 

Yes, if a student declares candidacy for a certificate and achieves an average overall grade of B or higher in courses counting toward the certificate, they will be awarded a certificate badge upon completion, which will be shareable on their resume and LinkedIn profile.

 

No, continuing education courses and certificates do not qualify for financial aid.

Most continuing education programs do not count as credit toward a degree.

 

Please contact sps.info@nyu.edu.