How to Apply

Applying to the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and User Experience Design is a simple two-step process that consists of two components:

  • An application to the Graduate School
  • An application to the Graduate Certificate Program

The certificate program has a rolling admissions window, so applications can be submitted at virtually any time during the year. With that said, the Graduate School has a few application deadlines that will dictate your first eligible semester for course enrollment. Below, you'll find the current deadlines for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters:

  • Fall semester: August 1st
  • Spring semester: December 1st
  • Summer semesters: April 15th

Below you will find more information about the specific application processes for the Graduate School as well as the Graduate Certificate Program.

Applying to the Graduate School

Your application to the Graduate School can be completed almost entirely online via the university's application hub, located at https://application.uark.edu/. The application process will collect your personal information and degree program preferences via the portal, but you will need to mail transcripts for every university or college you've attended (per Graduate School policy) and pay a registration fee that is currently set at $40.00. 

When filling out the "Application Details" section of the form, please follow the steps below to make sure your application is processed correctly:

  1. Choose the term you'd like to begin studying using the "Application Term" drop down menu. Please keep in mind the deadlines listed above for Graduate School applications. 
  2. Choose "Graduate Certificate" in the "Academic Level" drop down menu. 
  3. Choose "Online (100%)" in the "Program Delivery Type" menu.
  4. Choose "Technical Writing and User Experience Design(GC)" in the "Academic Plan (Major)" drop down menu. 

Please note, while there is a space listed to submit test scores, the graduate certificate program does not require the GRE or MAT.

Applying to the Graduate Certificate Program

Separate from your application to the Graduate School, you will need to send in an application to the Graduate Certificate Program. This application will primarily consist of a Statement of Purpose that describes your interest in the program.

In short, we're wanting to know why you want to join our program, what you're hoping to take away from it, and why you think the program will be a good fit for you. The statement should be around 1 page, single-spaced. If you feel the need, you can go a bit longer, but statements over 2 single-spaced pages will not be accepted. 

Statements of Purpose should be emailed to Dr. Pope (arpope@uark.edu) using the title "Statement of Purpose" and including the following information:

  • Your Statement of Purpose, attached as a PDF
  • Your name and contact information
  • Your target term for starting the program

Once your statement is received, expect to get a confirmation email confirming its arrival.

Notification of Acceptance/Denial

Once your application from the Graduate School is processed and sent to the Department of English, it will be evaluated alongside your Statement of Purpose. Any delays in submitting your statement will potentially delay your acceptance into the program.

If your application is approved, it will be passed back to the Graduate School, who will send you an official invitation to join the certificate program. Around the same time, you can expect an acceptance letter from the program director. 

If your application is denied or deferred, you will receive an email with a brief explanation of the program's choice.