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Persuasive Writing Credential

Make an impact through storytelling
Apply Now
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× Notification: Application for 2024 programs is now open
  • 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

Duration

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

Dates

July 15 - August 23, 2024

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 students to tailor your policy documents as effectively as possible. By the end of this program, students 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, students 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, students 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, students 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, students 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, students will acquire the essential skills for constructing deductive, unified, and coherent paragraphs that seamlessly flow and communicate ideas effectively. Students 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, students 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

By the Numbers

Learn more about the Persuasive Writing Credential student 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

Student 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. 

Icons_Yellow-Speech
Synchronous Lecture Hours

The lecture hours for the 2024 Persuasive Writing Credential will be on 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 shared 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

Please note that no scholarships are available for the program. Admitted students must submit a non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit to secure their seat, and the remaining balance is due a week before the program starts. Payment is accepted via credit card through the application portal; if you require an alternative payment method, contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu.

We recommend exploring various funding options, such as support from your academic institution or employer, and seeking external scholarships aligned with your academic focus and career goals. 

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.  ants 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 “2024” - “2024 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, 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 Deadlines

 

Application Deadline

Notification

Reply Deadline

Early Action

January 23, 2024

Early February

February 27, 2024

Round 1

March 26, 2024

Early April

April 23, 2024

Round 2

April 23, 2024

Early May

May 21, 2024

Round 3

May 28, 2024

Mid-June

June 25, 2024

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 for 2023 is tailored to suit the needs of working professionals, particularly those with busy schedules. With an average age cohort of 33, 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 students have autonomy to select their topics. Plus, you will receive tailored feedback from your peer review group and the teaching team.

Does PWC assist students in preparing for publication?

Absolutely! PWC equips students with the skills, exercises, and feedback necessary for future publication submissions. Notably, several students 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 off the program fee.

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

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