Online Schools for Editing Professionals: How to Choose

A number of higher learning institutions offer online or blended programs in the field of editing. Students can choose from certificate or master's degree programs in editing or technical communication. These programs teach students about the basics of general editing, grammar and technical writing.

How to Select an Online Editing School

Program Levels

When selecting an online editing school, students must consider the program level suitable to their desires. Available editing programs offered online include editing or professional writing and editing certificate programs as well as master's degree programs in technical communication. Most online certificate programs take one year to complete, and students must complete at least 16 credit hours. Master's degree programs in the field take 1-2 years to finish via distance education, with students completing 30-40 credit hours depending upon the school. Online master's degree programs in technical communication often cover documentation, research and theory topics in addition to editing and technical writing areas covered by certificate programs.

Online Program Types

Students considering online editing programs may want to check whether programs are offered completely online or in blended formats and determine which one works better for them. Blended programs require students to take some classes on-site rather than entirely online. Additionally, some require students to complete a semester-long internship once courses are completed. These internships are approved on a school-by-school basis and tend to be based in publishing or technical communication companies. Schools requiring internships mandate that students complete a specific number of hours at a business within a semester, attend meetings with faculty members to discuss the progress of the internship and present a final portfolio or presentation about the experience.

List of Common Online Editing Programs

Online Certificate in Editing

Certificate programs in professional editing - which often also cover professional or technical writing in conjunction - include instruction in copyediting, composition, rhetoric, business document writing, grammar and proposal writing. Colleges and universities often offer such programs through continuing education divisions and may require that students complete specific English, literature, linguistics, speech or mass communications courses as prerequisites; some certificate programs may require that students already hold a bachelor's degree.
Post-baccalaureate editing certificate programs are aimed at students who have already worked in the editing or publishing field and wish to improve their techniques through online coursework. Blended programs of this nature might feature guest speakers who discuss the editing process and how to deal with quick turnaround schedules. Students may be required to have access to specific computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver, as well as Web-development software.

Online Master of Science in Technical Communication

Distance education technical communication master's degree programs prepare students for careers as editors, technical writers and technical trainers. Students complete courses in editing for technical publications, desktop publishing and technical documentation. Some schools may require students to complete a thesis or internship; the thesis counts for 3-4 credits and must be approved by a faculty member.
Master's degree programs in the field may require use of Adobe FrameMaker or similar publishing software. Online classes for master's degree programs may meet synchronously, although students can often complete other coursework on their own schedule. When classes aren't in session, faculty and students can communicate through discussion boards, e-mail or audio chat.