Format
6 required courses (100 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in one year, or up to 3 years
Professional editing is the process of reviewing and improving written documents by making or suggesting changes to improve the clarity, precision and effectiveness of the writing.
Enhance your professional writing and editing skills with this newly revised program taught by subject matter experts working in the industry. Gain a solid foundation for a career in the world of editing. Acquire an understanding of the standards, skills and tools of professional copy editors through presentations, readings, editing practice and discussion.
Explore copyediting and proofreading, learn how to use and create house style guides and style sheets, and recognize the importance of copyright, citations and references. Brush up on basic writing skills as you review parts of speech, grammar and common grammatical mistakes.
Identify comprehensive and stylistic editing problems and find solutions. Complete the certificate by creating a portfolio of work samples that show your ability to effectively carry out copyediting, proofreading and comprehensive editing that meets industry standards.
Note: program instructors use and refer to Chicago Manual of Style in class, but discuss a variety of other styles as well.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Gain hands-on experience | Demonstrate workplace competencies to potential employers
Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning and complete this program from anywhere
Information session
Interested in learning more about our Professional Editing Extension Certificate? Speak with program staff and instructors, and have your questions answered. Join us for a free virtual information session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Noon - 1 p.m. MST.
Register nowLearn more about professional writing in business
Interested in becoming more organized and effective in your business communication?
Consider our Writing and Editing for Business Certificate of Completion to help you communicate effectively in writing and correspondence in the workplace.
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Understanding Copyright course
Would you like to learn more about the principles of copyright law and the implications for your work?
The "Understanding Copyright" practical online course offers a thorough introduction to copyright law, covering its purpose, scope, and real-world applications. You will learn about the fundamentals of copyright protection, including what qualifies as a copyright-protected work, the rights of copyright holders, and the implications of copyright infringement. The course also delves into key concepts such as fair dealing, public domain, and licensing, providing a clear understanding of when and how copyrighted materials can be legally used.
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Course schedule
Course schedule by semester
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar and Punctuation Essentials | ON | ON | ON |
| Editing Fundamentals | ON | ON | ON |
| Copyediting and Proofreading | ON | ON | ON |
| Editing Portfolio | ON | ON | |
| Structural Editing | ON | ON | |
| Stylistic Editing | ON | ON |
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is ideal for individuals who are responsible for reviewing or writing professional documents and need to develop a better understanding of the standards, skills, and tools used in professional editing.
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
There is not one specific career option for people who complete this certificate. It can be used as a great addition to your resume to help you obtain a position in many different work environments, including, but not limited to:
- Communication practitioners and professionals who perform proofing and editing as part of their role
- Recent university (Bachelor of Arts, English or Communication) graduates who want to explore career opportunities in editing and develop a specialization
- Practicing writers and editors who seek to broaden and deepen their expertise and/or formally obtain a respected credential
- Anyone who wants to further develop or enhance their writing and editing skills
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Additional training and career information is available on the Editors Canada website.
The MRU Professional Editing program is also listed on the Editors Canada, External editing courses webpage.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
No, each course is designed to stand alone.
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has several graded assignments. These assignments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, group projects, discussion board posts, short answers and quizzes.
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions. Larger projects may require more time.
Is attendance required for Google Meet sessions?
No, these sessions are not mandatory, but they are recommended. Attending Google Meet sessions allows you to get to know your instructor and classmates and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about content, assignments or due dates.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Additional information
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?