The University of Arkansas has launched an online version of its writing certificate program, school officials announced Thursday.

The Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Public Rhetorics program, which the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas launched in May 2013 as an on-campus program, is designed to help working professionals improve their technical writing skills.

"We are excited to expand the reach and improve the accessibility of our program by offering the entire four-course sequence online," Adam R. Pope, visiting assistant professor of English and director of the program, said in a statement. "Opting for online delivery of courses helps us meet our goal of creating a graduate certificate program that is flexible enough to fit into the already hectic lives of working professionals and those seeking to return to the workforce with an updated skillset."

The certificate program consists of a four-course sequence designed to "developed the writing skills of individuals employed in technical, business, government and not-for-profit arenas," according to school officials.

Students in the program will produce a portfolio-ready final project in each course, giving them fresh materials that can be used in job applications or as documentation to justify a promotion.

People who are interested in taking courses but aren't enrolled at the university or not in acquiring certification may take the courses as non-degree-seeking students.