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HOME > ACADEMICS > CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS > PERSUASIVE WRITING CREDENTIAL

Persuasive Writing Credential

Make an impact through storytelling
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× Notification:  Credential program applications are open: Enhance your portfolio & strengthen your skills! Application deadline is May 20, 2025.
  • Overview
  • Curriculum
  • By the Numbers
  • Faculty
  • Student Experience
  • Program Fee & Payment
  • Admissions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
Start your application

Overview

When it comes to changing hearts and minds, data isn't always enough: storytelling is essential.

Our six-week Persuasive Writing Credential program equips you with the skills to craft evidence-based policy stories that drive meaningful action. Interactive lectures and case studies help you build a toolkit for tailoring persuasive narratives to your audience's needs.

Features

  • No prior experience in professional writing or editing required
  • 100% online with interactive, synchronous lectures
  • Capstone writing project and deliverable
  • Shareable certification of completion to showcase your skills
David Presenting
Subjects

Persuasive Writing, Policy Writing

Level

All levels welcome with adaptable content and customized feedback

Duration

Six (6) weeks, approximately 6-9 hours per week

Dates

July 14 - August 22, 2025

Cost

$1,800 with various discount types

Format

100% Online with synchronous teaching

David Chrisinger
David Chrisinger

Executive Director and Writing Director in the Academic and Student Affairs office, where he leads the Harris Writing Program and the Persuasive Writing Credential Program.

Read David's full bio

“The biggest strength of the Persuasive Writing Credential was its approach—taking data-driven solutions and presenting them in a way that could affect policy. It was about taking numbers with no personality and making them accessible to people’s sensibilities."

Carly

Carly Domicolo

PWC'21, MPP'24

“Even though I don’t explicitly have a background in public policy, I felt so well-guided that it didn’t even matter. David Chrisinger often provided example texts so we could not only get a sense of the policy question but also of how to structure the specific type of writing piece we were working on.”

Ana-Clara

Ana Clara Gobbes Faira

PWC'21

“I’ll be using a policy brief I wrote as part of my PWC work for graduate school admissions. And because I pursued both of these credentials, the effect is two-pronged: not only can I analyze and understand data, but I can write effectively about these issues as well.”

Fred

Fred Lee

PWC/DAC'21

Curriculum

What You Will Learn

Answering the Three Types of Policy Research Questions

  • Before we begin to write, we must first understand how to formulate and address the three types of policy research questions: (1) descriptive, (2) evaluative, and (3) prescriptive. From there, we’ll explore how to use several human-centered design exercises to craft a compelling research statement with key questions you’ll answer with a variety of public policy documents during the program.

Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Reader

  • Once we know what kind of research needs to be conducted, we’ll delve into the intricacies of understanding the psychological diversity of your readers, which will allow participants to tailor your policy documents as effectively as possible. By the end of this program, participants will be adept at crafting persuasive and engaging policy documents that cater to the specific preferences and needs of their intended audience.

Leveraging the Four Elements of a Persuasive Policy Recommendation

  • During this module, participants will learn to organize their evidence into a comprehensive framework that effectively conveys the current state of affairs regarding their policy topic, desired outcomes, the obstacles hindering progress, and potential future developments. By mastering this framework, participants will enhance their ability to construct compelling and persuasive policy recommendations that can drive informed decision-making.

Mastering the Five Essentials of Policy Narratives

  • In this module, participants will explore the art of persuasive storytelling, drawing inspiration from Aristotle's Dramatic Arc and the five essential elements of a compelling narrative: (1) the inciting event, (2) progressive complications, (3) crisis, (4) climax, and (5) resolution. Through this exploration, participants will learn to craft policy narratives that captivate and engage their audience while effectively conveying complex policy issues and potential solutions, adding a powerful dimension to their advocacy and communication skillset.

Crafting Coherent Paragraphs & Clear and Concise Sentences

  • Persuasive writing is clear, concise, and compelling. In this module, participants will acquire the essential skills for constructing deductive, unified, and coherent paragraphs that seamlessly flow and communicate ideas effectively. Participants will also be empowered to master the art of writing concise and compelling sentences, enabling them to convey their thoughts and arguments with precision and clarity.

Telling a Personal Story to Build Solidarity & Advocate for Change

  • During the final module, participants will explore the art of personal storytelling as a powerful tool for creating empathy, fostering connections with their readers, and advocating for meaningful change in the realm of public policy.

Develop Your Writing Portfolio

Build a writing portfolio showcasing persuasive, evidence-based storytelling. Create high-value pieces like policy briefs, memos, op-eds, grant proposals, and personal statements through case studies, lectures, peer groups, and coaching. Use your portfolio to pitch, publish, demonstrate academic readiness for grad school, and apply for public policy or consulting roles.

Sample-Syllabus-PWC

2023 PWC Sample Syllabus

Download the Syllabus

Sample Schedule


   Monday & Wednesday Evenings
Week One

Answering the Three Types of Policy Questions

Week Two

Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Reader

Week Three

Four Elements of a Persuasive Policy Recommendation

Week Four

Mastering the Five Essentials of Policy Narratives

Week Five

Crafting Coherent Paragraphs & Clear Sentences

Week Six

Making More Valuable Policy Recommendations

Week Seven

Finals Week

By the Numbers

Learn more about the Persuasive Writing Credential participant cohorts:

60
+

PWC Alums Worldwide

10

Countries Represented

33

Average Age of Cohort

97
%

Program Satisfaction Rate

Faculty

 
David Chrisinger

David Chrisinger is the Executive Director and Writing Director of the Writing Program and Lecturer at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. He is also the author of Public Policy Writing That Matters, a book for analysts, advocates, and policymakers who are passionate about using writing to effect real and lasting change.

David Chrisinger

Faculty Profile

David Chrisinger

“The most important reason to do a persuasive writing credential here at the Harris School is because it'll give you the tools that you need to be successful, regardless of what situation you find yourself in. Whether you're applying for graduate school, you're trying to pivot in your career, or you want to make an impact in public policy.”

Read David Chrisinger's Profile

Participant Experience

 

Icons_Yellow-Calendar
Time Commitment

You can anticipate a commitment of approximately 6-9 hours per week. This weekly estimate is based on three hours of live lecture, two hours for assignments, and two hours of live office hours with faculty, teaching assistants and peer group review.

Icons_Yellow-Website
Virtual Format

The lectures are 100% virtual with synchronous, interactive sessions conducted via Zoom. You can expect active engagement with faculty and peers each session. The virtual program allows you to engage with the class from anywhere with a stable internet connection. 

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Synchronous Lecture Hours

The lecture hours for the 2025 Persuasive Writing Credential will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).

Documenting your PWC Achievement

Participants will receive two documents, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program:

Credential Award

Participants will receive a Certification of Completion, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program. The Certification of Completion will include the grade earned. The certification can be shared in future job applications, graduate school applications, or on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.

UChicago Harris Credential Alumni LinkedIn Group

Upon program completion, you'll receive an invitation to join the UChicago Harris Credential Alumni LinkedIn group. This provides a platform for ongoing connection with your cohort and the wider Harris Credential community, where you can stay updated on news and receive our quarterly alumni newsletter.

Program Fee & Payment

The program fee is $1,800. We are excited to offer partial discounts to early action applicants, UChicago community members or group-registered applicants. In addition, we encourage applicants to explore funding sources from your academic institution, employer, or external scholarships.

Audience

Program Fee

General Applicant

$1,800

Early Action Applicant

$1,500

Current UChicago students, staff or alumni

$1,000

Organizational Sponsorship for 3+ Applicants

Contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu to discuss group rates

If enrolling in two or more credential programs during the same cycle

Receive an additional 20% discount on the program fees (After the initial discounts and scholarships)

Once being admitted, participants will secure the seat by submitting a $500 USD enrollment deposit, which is non-refundable and applies toward your total program fee. The remaining program fee balance will be paid before the program starts. Detailed payment instructions will be provided to admitted participants via email.

Starting in April 2025, the application for admission to the Persuasive Writing Credential will include a supplemental essay prompt for applicants who wish to be considered for the Community Impact Scholarship. Essays will be evaluated by the Harris Credential Programs admissions committee. Applicants who are admitted and demonstrate eligibility for the Community Impact Scholarship will receive the award, which will be granted at the time of admission.

Check out our blog post for financial planning tips.

Admissions

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, recent grads, and professionals worldwide, our program caters to learners of all levels. No prerequisites are necessary, making it accessible to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. To enroll, you should be at least 18 years old and have completed one year of full-time undergraduate study. A stable internet connection and English proficiency are essential for success in this program.  We welcome applicants across all walks of life including undergraduates, graduates, recent grads, and professionals worldwide to join our program. The online application is free and convenient to complete.

Eligibility

  • Minimum age of 18. 
  • One-year, full-time undergraduate study completed at least one month prior to the start of the program.
  • No prerequisites needed! PWC is open to all academic backgrounds. 

How to Apply

  • Start your online application today. You can start, save, close, and return to the application prior to submission.
    • Select “2025” - “2025 Cred” - “Non-Degree” - “Persuasive Writing Credential”.
  • Motivation statement (300-word limit) describing why you want to join the program and how it will benefit your future development.
  • Resume (1-2 pages recommended).
  • Unofficial Academic Transcripts
    • Must include your full name and institution/university name. Transcripts must include the course names, dates (term and year), grades and grading scales for each year of post-secondary education (college or university).
    • Provide a transcript for each degree conferred (undergraduate and graduate).
    • Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please upload a PDF copy.
    • English translation must be submitted for all foreign language transcripts.
  • English language proficiency proof for some international applicants. See detailed requirements here.

Application Deadline

 

Application Deadline

Notification

Reply Deadline

Early Action

November 12, 2024

Late November

December 9, 2024

Round 1

January 14, 2025

Late January

February 10, 2025

Round 2

February 11, 2025

Late February

March 10, 2025

*Special Round

March 25, 2025

Early April

April 21, 2025

Round 3

April 22, 2025

Early May

May 19, 2025

Round 4

May 20, 2025

Late May

June 9, 2025

*Applicants who submit their application between February 11 and March 25 (Special Round deadline) will receive a guaranteed $300 Harris scholarship. This scholarship is granted in addition to any other discounts or scholarships they may receive. Applicants who have submitted their application before February 11 will receive an additional $300 Harris scholarship if they submit the enrollment deposit by March 25, deposit deadline.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

If the participant decides to cancel their Program enrollment, the participant must submit a request in writing at least 30 days prior to the program start date to harriscredential@uchicago.edu to receive the paid amount less the non-refundable enrollment deposit. Requests received 14 to 30 days before the Program start date are subject to a payment of 50% of the Program fee. Requests received within 14 days of the Program start date are subject to full payment of the Program fee. If the participant is unable to join the Program due to circumstances that the participant has no control or influence over, the refund amount will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the PWC FAQ section for quick answers to common program inquiries. Find valuable information about admissions, program fees, and more, ensuring a smooth and informed PWC experience. 

Is it possible to complete the PWC program while juggling a full-time job, internship, or academic courses?

Absolutely! The PWC program is tailored to suit the needs of working professionals, particularly those with busy schedules. With a majority of PWC participants in their early to mid 30s, this program is well-suited for individuals at this stage in their careers.

Moreover, being an online program, its schedule is synchronized with Chicago time, making it convenient for participants from various locations.

Will I get customized feedback for my work during the program?

There are three major assignments structured to build on one another, and participants have autonomy to select their topics. Plus, you will receive tailored feedback from your peer review group and the teaching team.

Does PWC assist participants in preparing for publication?

Absolutely! PWC equips participants with the skills, exercises, and feedback necessary for future publication submissions. Notably, several participants from our 2021 cohort successfully published pieces they began in PWC, with examples featured in the Chicago Policy Review:

  • "Reallocating Funds to Education: A Better Chance for Youth" by Carly Domicolo
  • "Venezuela's Shameful Secret" by Tamara Pilot
  • "Transparency in Diversity Action at the University of Chicago" by Guy Whittall-Scherfee

Does PWC provide scholarship or financial assistance?

While there are no scholarships available for the program, PWC offers various discounts to eligible applicants.

Applicants who apply by the Early Action deadline receive a $300 discount on the program fee.

For employer partners or workplace groups interested in a group discount, please contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu for further details.

For more financial tips, please read the blog "Financial Planning for Credential Programs".

Are there any recommended resources to review before the program commences?

Absolutely! As previously stated, David Chrisinger heads our Harris Writing Workshop, where he has established a webpage highlighting crucial advice, suggestions, and tips for effective policy writing provided by his team. Be sure to explore further at: https://writingworkshop.harris.uchicago.edu/

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