certificate in creative writing

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Certificate in Creative Writing

About the Online Creative Writing Certificate

The Certificate in Creative Writing offers an innovative, collaborative course of study for those who have always wanted to unlock their creativity. Each online course is designed as a workshop in which you explore new ideas, tackle new writing tools, generate original insights and discover your own powers of expression. You create, collaboratively discuss and revise your original writing with feedback from your instructors and your peers. You also engage with a range of assigned readings and multimedia that inform and grow your innovative practice.

The Certificate in Creative Writing offers both basic and advanced workshops and appeals to students new to creative writing as well as students with writing experience who want to learn new skills. Through a series of online courses in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting, the Certificate in Creative Writing focuses on creative writing as a form of critical thinking as a way to reimagine audience and as a space of innovation. Taught by professionals in the field, our courses cultivate both individual and group learning, providing an overview of the field as well as deep dives into literary genres. These online creative writing courses are designed as hands-on, intensive study of the subtleties and power of language.

Creative Writing Certificate Requirements

The Certificate in Creative Writing is a 4-course, 4 c.u.* credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty. To earn a certificate, students complete any four courses offered, in any order.  Students who complete the basic certificate may pursue an advanced certificate (6-course, 6 c.u.*) by adding two additional creative writing courses.

Flexible Course Schedule and Tuition

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Creative Writing are offered in accelerated 8-week terms and full terms. Courses in the online certificate program are largely asynchronous with some optional synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors.

You have the option to enroll in individual creative writing courses without committing to the entire online certificate, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests. Visit the Cost of Attendance page for course tuition and fee rates.

Watch a video of a recent virtual information session to hear from the program team about the Certificate in Creative Writing.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, watch it on YouTube .

*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.

The Certificate in Creative Writing prepares you to:

• Understand how text conveys meaning across a variety of literary genres and styles
• Explore how to use innovation, flexibility, and collaboration to cultivate a creative writing practice
• Create, revise and edit your original writing in multiple literary genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting

Online Creative Writing Courses

Certificate students who complete four of the online courses listed below earn a Certificate in Creative Writing. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing by taking two additional courses.

• CRWR 1010: The Craft of Creative Writing
• CRWR 1600: Modern and Contemporary US Poetry
• CRWR 2010: Poetry Workshop
• CRWR 2400: The Art of Editing
• CRWR 2500: Writing and Meditation
• CRWR 2600: Fiction Workshop
• CRWR 2800: Narrative Collage
• CRWR 3000: Writing About Place
• CRWR 3200: Screenwriting
• CRWR 3600: Advanced Nonfiction *
• CRWR 3700: Journalism

*This course may not be offered every academic year. Check the course page or our course guide to see when upcoming terms are added.

Courses are subject to change.

See Course Tuition

Meet The Faculty

Julia Bloch

• Faculty Director, Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing
• Director, Creative Writing Program

• Director, Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing

Laynie Browne

• Poet, prose writer, teacher and editor

Scott Burkhardt

• Lecturer in cinema and media studies

Christy Davids

• Teacher, poet and assistant editor at The Conversant

Lise Funderburg

• Lecturer in creative writing

• 2017-2018 Digital Studies Fellow at Rutgers University-Camden

Dick Polman

• Povich Writer-in-Residence at the Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing (CPCW)

• Writer, editor, teacher

Zachary Tyler Vickers

Careers related to creative writing.

The Certificate in Creative Writing is designed to enhance your writing and storytelling skills and provide a framework for a creative process that can be applied to a myriad of professional roles including:

• Advertising copywriter
• Fundraising/development consultant
• Author and journalist

Creative Writing

Develop creative writing skills in multiple genres of interest including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and more. This customizable program culminates in a capstone project in which students make significant progress on a polished collection of work. This certificate can be completed online or in the classroom.

This program is perfect for...

• Those new to writing who want to explore various genres while cultivating their skills
• Writers looking to hone their craft and develop a solid portfolio of work in a particular genre
• Writers considering graduate-level writing study, including those who wish to polish pieces for submission to MFA programs
• Individuals who want to become part of a vibrant and supportive community of artists who share their passion

What you can learn.

• Identify your creative writing goals and develop a plan to achieve them
• Deepen your practice within a chosen genre, or explore various forms of creative writing
• Discover techniques of powerful storytelling, craft compelling characters, and write memorable scenes and stories
• Receive guidance from successful writers and workshop in a group of supportive peers

Achieve results and reach your writing goals.

Whether you are new to writing, have a specific project you'd like to get off the ground, or are preparing to apply to an MFA program, the Certificate in Creative Writing is an immersive program for developing professional writing skills.

Our fully customizable certificate honors each individual student’s journey, allowing you to pursue the coursework that is most meaningful to your specific writing goals and level of expertise. 

The program offers the opportunity to specialize in genres like poetry, short stories, novel writing, essay writing, memoir writing, or to explore writing across genres, hybrid genres, and new forms without the limitation of a prescribed curriculum. 

The only required course, the Creative Writing Certificate Capstone , allows you to compile and further refine your writing from prior coursework into a final portfolio representing the finest examples of your craft. 

Taught by a prestigious roster of instructors who are published writers and active professionals, courses in this certificate program can be taken onsite, online, or a combination of both. 

Expect more from your education.

MFA, fiction writer, author of the story collection Once Removed (UGA Press) and winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. 

4-DAY IN-PERSON INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS

Writers Studio 

Join a community of aspiring writers and jumpstart your creativity. Choose from 9 workshops taught by professionals in the fields of feature film, television, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing.

August 1 - 4, 2024 THURSDAY-SUNDAY, 10am-6pm

My UCLA Extension coursework, teachers, and colleagues have shaped my writing life, fueled the creation of my novel, and provided continual inspiration.

Certificate Curriculum

The Certificate in Creative Writing is fully customizable. You may follow a Writers’ Program sample curriculum plan based on specific writing goals, or design your own program of study.

Students must complete 21 total units comprised of the 3-unit Creative Writing Certificate Capstone course and 18 units of 400-level Creative Writing coursework.

Sample Program Tracks:

Novel I WRITING X 411.1

Novel II WRITING X 411.2

Novel III WRITING X 411.3

Novel IV WRITING X 411.4

Novel V WRITING X 411.5

Dialogue and Point of View WRITING X 462.1

Creative Writing Certificate Capstone WRITING X 460

Personal Essay I WRITING  X 422.1

Personal Essay II WRITING X 422.2

Personal Essay III WRITING X 422.3

Storytelling for Social Justice WRITING X 424.21E

Writing the Thinkpiece WRITING X 424.15E

The Art of Creative Research WRITING X 461.23

Poetry I WRITING X 431.1

Poetry II WRITING X 431.2

Poetry Toolbox WRITING X 432.10E

Prose Poetry WRITING X 432.11E

Reframing the Form WRITING X 432.7E

The "F" Word: Innovative Poetic Forms WRITING X 432.8E

Cuento Poems WRITING X 432.32E

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Students must complete 18 units of elective coursework. Select from courses numbered WRITING X 400-499 in the following areas:

Students may select courses in the following area with advisor approval:

Editing and Publishing

How to Get Started

Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.

Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers.

You may take Creative Writing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive  many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board. Creative Writing Certificate students can also receive a customized curriculum tailored to your writing goals.

Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .

Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:

• Advising : Receive a 30-minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor. During this consultation, the advisor will customize a certificate program curriculum tailored to your experience, interests, and writing goals.
• Enrollment Advantages : Receive quarterly notice when Writers’ Program courses open for enrollment each quarter and receive preferential placement on wait lists.
• Manuscript Consultation : Within six months of completing certificate program coursework, receive 50% off a one-on-one manuscript consultation with a Writers' Program instructor. Learn more .

Advanced standing at Antioch University*

Students who complete the Certificate in Creative Writing can receive Advanced Standing in Antioch University Los Angeles’s MFA in Creative Writing .

Advanced Standing allows a student to enter the MFA program with the equivalent of one semester completed. In addition, you may be eligible for Antioch’s fellowships and scholarships.

Additional benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:

• Career Resources : Access UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops, networking events, and other resources.  Learn More .
• Handshake Access : Explore thousands of job and internship postings through UCLA Career Center’s online job board. Learn More .
• UCLA Alumni Association Membership : Upon completing your certificate, join the nationwide Bruin family as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn More .
• Graduation Celebration : Attend the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate your achievements. Learn More .
• UCLA Recreation Facilities : Enjoy access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate. Learn More .
• Bruin ID Card : Obtain an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card for additional student-related benefits. Learn More .

How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy

• Click the Apply Now button below
• Login or create a new student account
• Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
• On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application. 
• Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application. 

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

Estimated program tuition, estimated program textbook/materials.

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships Available

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VA Benefit Eligible

Federal Financial Aid

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our  Financial Aid page.

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• Creative Writing

Professional Certificate

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About the Creative Writing Program

Delivery method.

• Live Online

Required Courses

Students must complete all 5 courses listed below. Classes can be taken in any order.

Grammar Lab WCWP-40234

Units:  3.00

Grammar Lab (WCWP-40234)10 Weeks | OnlineThis ten-week online Grammar Lab course is skillfully designed to meet the needs of all students. It is beneficial for those with little grammar experience and...

Upcoming Start Dates:

The art and craft of creative writing wcwp-40107.

The Art and Craft of Creative Writing 10 Weeks | Online Course Description/Goals: Creative writing begins when the spark of an idea ignites the fuel of language. The writer picks up a pen or presse...

Developing Unforgettable Characters WCWP-40245

Units:  2.00

Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or memoir, characters are what draw your reader in and make them care enough to read on. This course offers methods for creating three-dimensional chara...

Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part I WCWP-40142

Within you there dwells an innate sense of storytelling and a unique voice with which to tell your stories. In this course you will explore writing techniques to help you locate and refine the natura...

Writers' Workshop: Read and Critique WCWP-40252

­­­Literary criticism is not a form of negatively critiquing a writing piece, but rather conscientiously and carefully analyzing written works through various lenses. Reading and critiquin...

Students must choose minimum 2 units of Literature from any of the classes below

Women and Madness LIT-40069

In the 19th century, a strange marriage of art, literature, science, and psychology catapulted society’s obsession with the archetypal madwoman into the mainstream. Pathologies that had once been used...

Gender Identity and Literature: Him, Her, Us LIT-40071

Gender is infinitely more intricate than the biological question of sex. Uncover the cultural, social and political implications of gender identity in three powerful works. Kiss of the Spider Woman, b...

Ernest Hemingway: Titan of American Literature LIT-40064

Ernest Hemingway wrote “All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwar...

American Literature: Stories of Immigration LIT-40022

Explore this Unique Take on Immigration Stories Immigration has once again taken center stage in the national spotlight, giving artists, writers and thinkers another opportunity to consider and help r...

Glittering Wit: Three Works by Oscar Wilde LIT-40099

Famous, and infamous, for his brilliant turn of phrase, seething social commentary and flamboyant personality, Oscar Wilde was the toast of the literary world throughout the 1880’s and 1890’s. Join us...

History of Children's Literature LIT-40093

Gain a deep understanding of the history of children s literature by studying classics of post-enlightenment writing for children. This course provides children s book writers, illustrators and enthus...

Students must choose 12 units of electives from any of the classes below

Novel Writing I WCWP-40187

The greatest challenge to writing a first novel may be deciding where to start. This course will help you write an engaging first paragraph and a draft of at least the first chapter. You may also work...

Novel Writing II WCWP-40297

Are you ready to develop a significant portion of your novel? This workshop will bring you valuable feedback on your work, including suggestions for revision. Class discussion will focus on the struct...

Novel Writing III WCWP-40254

This class will prepare you for the big picture review of your novel. With the use of contemporary and classic novels as examples, you will evaluate the progress on the plot arc and character developm...

Creative Non-Fiction

Memoir writing wcwp-40200.

Many of us have had fascinating lives, whether lived inwardly or outwardly, during childhood long ago or in the past decade. But when it comes to writing a memoir, where do we begin? The day of our bi...

Self-Editing and Publishing for the Web WCWP-40313

The ability to edit your own written work is a skill that s highly valued by employers and publishers. This class focuses on strengthening your writing for the web using journalistic techniques. Wheth...

News and Feature Writing WCWP-40276

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the purpose of journalism and the fundamentals of news and featue writing. In this ever-changing media landscape, one thing can remain constant: an indiv...

The Writer's Art of Interviewing WCWP-40123

Effective interviewing techniques translate to writing that is clear, lively, and depending on the writer s mission instructive or entertaining. This course will encompass all the integral compone...

Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part II WCWP-40338

This course is a continuation of Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part I. In this course students will continue to build upon the story they created in the first section of this series of clas...

Children's Writing

Writing children's picture books wcwp-40261.

Let the wild rumpus begin! Do you dream of imaginary lands and mythical creatures? Learn how to inspire a child s imagination by giving them the tools necessary to explore the world around them. The ...

Writing for Children I: Introduction WCWP-40186

Have you ever told yourself that someday you will write a children s book? Now s your chance! Join us as we demystify the writing process and examine the wide variety of books offered to children: pi...

Writing for Children II: Intermediate WCWP-40315

Revision is the key to improving your work to reach the next level: publication. But often the hardest part is to figure out which words to cut, which to leave in, and how to tighten up the rest. Thi...

Writing for the Middle Grade/YA Reader WCWP-40274

Discover how successful middle grade and young adult books are crafted, and begin to plot out and write a tale of your own. In this course, we will consider how a plot works, what makes a compelling ...

Writing Non-Fiction and Informational Books for Children WCWP-40327

The market for children s nonfiction and informational books and articles has never been better. In this course, which can be taken by those familiar with writing for children and those just beginnin...

General Electives

Forms of poetry wcwp-40308.

Amy Lowell wrote, "No one expects a man to make a chair without first learning how, but there is a popular impression that the poet is born, not made, and that his verses burst from his overflowing he...

Nature Writing: The True Muse WCWP-40342

Nature Writing: The True Muse (WCWP-40342)6 Weeks | Online As writers, we are the witness and voice of our time, and as such, we are invited to translate what we experience to share and celebrate wit...

The Business of Writing

Building a business around writing wcwp-40321.

Units:  1.00

There a many avenues to building a business around writing. In this short course we will briefly discuss various possibilities including becoming a book author, freelance writer for hire, or journal...

The Art and Business of Blogging WCWP-40334

In this course students will learn the art of writing for an online audience, how to create a basic Wordpress site, insert blog posts, edit, and brand their blog. This course will also touch on how to...

Conditions for Admission

Students should have a native level of fluency in English and be able to write clear, logical and grammatically-correct sentences.

Certificate Guidelines

The program consists of earning at least 28 quarter units in Creative Writing and related courses. Students should be able to complete the entire certificate program in 2.5 years or less depending on their work load.

Students must pass all 14 units of required classes, 2 units of Literature, and choose 12 units from our listed electives in order to receive the certificate.

Advisory Board

Benjamin Doller

Professor and Author

UC San Diego

Author and Professor Emerita of Writing and Literature

University of CA, San Diego

Judy Reeves

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At a Glance

Classes Begin June 17

Term Length 10 Weeks

4 Course Certificate Tuition $13,344

6 Course Certificate Tuition $20,016

Format Asynchronous and Hybrid Online

  Admission No GRE or GMAT

  Duration As few as 6 months

  Duration As few as 12 months

Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Chris Heriza 303-871-4785 Schedule an appointment Email me

Free Application

University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You’ll Learn

Annual Schedule 5

Which certificate is right for me?

• 4-Course Certificate
• 6-Course Certificate

Concentration Courses

Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

Elective Courses

Popular electives for students in the Professional Creative Writing program include:

Electives may be chosen from among all courses in the Professional Creative Writing program. You may also select courses from other University College graduate programs with approval from the academic director.

Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals, and your advisor will obtain any necessary approvals from the academic director.

MORE ELECTIVES

More Electives 5

Featured Instructors

View Instructors 5

Patricia Dubrava Keuning

Linda Sanders

L.A. Jennings

Joseph Hutchison

Jonah Bornstein

Jenn Zukowski

Jeff Schwartz

Hilary Leftwich

Sample schedule.

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Interested in a master’s degree?

Take a course before you apply, career outcomes, predicted outcomes for graduates of professional creative nonfiction writing, writer and author salary​: national average, (u.s. bureau of labor statistics), get ahead with career services.

One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews

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Career Services 5

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Professional Creative Writing

Flexible online classes.

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Accreditation

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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Certificate Program in Writing

Natalie Lynn Harrison has published work in independent literary journals.

Graduate, Certificate Program in Writing Read Natalie Lynn Harrison's story .

Getting Started

We recommend beginning with The Craft of Reading ENGLISH X429, The Craft of Writing ENGLISH X421 or Writing Skills Workshop ENGLISH X13.

Online Availability

Courses in this certificate are offered online and in the classroom.

Duration of Study

8 courses for a minimum of 16 semester units (240 hours of instruction).

Estimated Cost

Calling all writers: join our community and get serious about your craft. Ready your work for publication or simply gain formal training. You'll read exemplary literary works and learn from published writers who provide structure, support and thoughtful feedback.

Directors of several San Francisco Bay Area M.F.A. programs helped develop the UC Berkeley Department of English–approved curriculum. Whether your goal is publication or landing a coveted spot in an M.F.A. writing program, this flexible program can meet your needs and schedule.

Required Courses

3 Course(s)

0 Course(s)

You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the certificate.

We recommend beginning the certificate with the following required courses.

Not Available

Electives (Literature)

2 Course(s)

Electives (Writing Workshop)

Courses of related interest, certificate and program policies.

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Contact Information

To contact the department office, email [email protected] .

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the Certificate Program in Writing, but a bachelor's degree is recommended.

Curriculum Requirements

The Certificate Program in Writing comprises 8 courses for a minimum of 16 semester units (240 hours of instruction), which includes 3 required courses and 5 restricted electives selected from 2 categories: literature (2 courses) and writing workshops (3 courses). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate application fee.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade. To receive the certificate, you must maintain an overall minimum 2.5 grade point average, with a grade of C or better in each course. All coursework must be completed within five years. The completion of two courses per year is recommended in order to maintain sufficient academic progress in the certificate.

How to Register

By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register online for the Certificate Program in Writing, complete these two steps:

• Submit the online registration , and complete your student account profile if you are a new student.
• Pay the nonrefundable registration fee through your shopping cart. Please allow 3–5 business days for the registration to appear in your student account.

Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated total cost of approximately $6,000 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.

Certificate and Award Request

Once you have completed the certificate coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your certificate. Send an email to [email protected] . After your records have been reviewed, verified and approved, your certificate will be sent to you in the mail. The review of your records is usually completed within six to eight weeks after you request the certificate.

Advisory Board

To ensure that your professional certificate is of the highest quality, UC Berkeley Extension turns to experienced writers, outstanding teachers and published authors for advisers and instructors.

Stephen Albert , M.F.A., University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, also holds an M.A. from the University of Iowa School of Journalism and a teaching credential from the UC Berkeley School of Education

Lewis Buzbee  is the author of eight books of fiction and nonfiction. He also teaches in the M.F.A. in Writing Program at the University of San Francisco.

Thaisa Frank , award-winning author and instructor in the creative writing graduate programs at San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco, as well as at UC Berkeley Extension

Deborah Lichtman , Ph.D., author, teacher, curriculum instructor and former director of the University of San Francisco creative writing graduate program

Lynn Mundell , M.F.A., American University, creative writer, co-founder/co-editor of  100 Word Story , an editorial professional with 30 years of experience working in newspapers, the arts and corporations

Jane Anne Staw , Ph.D., author and teacher in the University of San Francisco creative writing graduate program, as well as an honored instructor at UC Berkeley Extension

Hertha Sweet Wong , Ph.D., associate professor in UC Berkeley's English Department and chair of UC Berkeley's Department of Art Practice

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Creative Writing Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Do you have a story to tell? Are you interested in developing your creative writing skills? If you want to be actively engaged in graduate-level creative writing classes and hone your talent as a writer, then the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing might be for you.

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Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

UTSA’s Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing adds interdisciplinary breadth to a student’s course of study while increasing the depth and coherence of a student’s work in creative writing. Given the growing interest in creative writing in liberal arts as well as non-traditional disciplines like medicine, sociology, and psychology, many students find this formal recognition of their work in creative writing to be a valuable credential in both academic and non-academic job markets. Students who are pursuing the Graduate Certificate also receive first consideration for graduate workshop registration.

Earn a Master's Degree

Are you ready to take your career and academic journey to the next level? Combine this program with another eligible certificate to earn a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies! Take advantage of the opportunity to customize your degree to align with your professional and educational goals.

• Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Funding opportunities, career options, admission & application requirements.

Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application . Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline. For international students, please note that student visas are not issued at UTSA for non-degree-seeking students, including certificate programs. For more information, visit our international students admission page .

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.

UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.

Certificate Advisor of Record

David Vance, PhD

210-458-4374

Creative Writing Certificate Program | Northwestern SPS - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

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Program Overview

Creative Writing

Creative Writing Certificate Program

Writers who are serious about their craft can create a custom course of study to prepare for graduate programs in creative writing. In this post-baccalaureate certificate program, students hone their craft, formalize their training and build a solid portfolio of work for application to MFA and MA/ PhD programs in writing. Courses are conducted as writing workshops to allow for valuable feedback from a community of fellow writers. As students analyze and write creative work and learn about the publishing world, their creative development is guided by instructors who are respected writers themselves. Students can explore a variety of writing areas, or they may specialize their course of study based on experience and discipline — fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry. Classes meet on campus in Chicago or Evanston.

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About the Creative Writing Certificate Program

Creative writing goals and courses, creative writing tuition, admission for creative writing, creative writing registration information, find out more about the creative writing certificate program, program goals.

Creative Writing post-baccalaureate certificate students will:

• Explore a range of literary works and aesthetic approaches
• Gain a rigorous background in the fundamentals of creative writing by working with established poets and prose writers
• Learn about the literary publishing industry and develop a sense of the writer's position within it
• Build a solid portfolio through the development of a regular writing practice

Required Courses

Four from the following:

• ENGLISH 206 Reading/Writing Poetry*
• ENGLISH 207 Reading/Writing Fiction
• ENGLISH 208 Reading/Writing Creative Nonfiction
• ENGLISH 307-A Advanced Fiction I
• ENGLISH 307-B Advanced Fiction II
• ENGLISH 308-A Advanced Nonfiction I
• ENGLISH 308-B Advanced Nonfiction II

In addition to the minimum of four required courses, students may complete literature courses in SPS.

Students should have some academic writing experience before starting the Creative Writing post-baccalaureate certificate.

The recommended start time for this program is fall quarter.

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Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, visit the Tuition page.

In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found at the  Admission page.

Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found at the  Registration Information page.

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Advanced Creative Writing Certificate Post-Graduate MFA Program

Build on your mfa with an advanced certificate in creative writing.

Ready to finish your story? The Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing is a low-residency program designed for students who have already completed an MFA in creative writing and wish to revise, reconceive or complete a creative manuscript.

The program has tracks in fiction and nonfiction . You’ll also have the option of choosing one of two supplementary tracks: 

• Book business and self-promotion; or
• Teaching of composition

If you haven’t earned your MFA, and would like to enroll in one of our online or campus programs, check out our graduate writing options:

• Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction
• Online MFA in Creative Writing

See Yourself Succeed with an Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing at SNHU

Mountainview’s Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing will give you the tools and resources you need to draft, edit or revise your manuscript.

• An award-winning, nationally-recognized faculty
• A curriculum designed to help each student revise an excellent, publishable book
• A vibrant and supportive creative writing community
• Biannual residencies at the picturesque Mountain View Grand
• Visiting authors, agents, and editors in attendance at each residency
• Awards and scholarships
• Highly competitive tuition costs
• No GRE required

Admission Requirements

To qualify for this program, all applicants must first successfully complete one of the following:

• SNHU’s Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction
• SNHU’s Online MFA in Creative Writing
• Any other MFA program in creative writing

SNHU requires an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or equivalent) for admission.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our two 22-week graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within 2 weeks of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply begin by completing our online application form .

How to apply

• Submit the Program Application Form .
• Submit an official transcript from the college or university that conferred your MFA degree. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected] . If you received your MFA at SNHU, you do not need to submit a transcript.
• Submit a 20- to 30-page, double-spaced writing sample, using 12 pt. font, in fiction or nonfiction. If fiction, your writing sample may consist of a novel excerpt, a story or multiple stories. If nonfiction, it may consist of a memoir excerpt, a creative essay or multiple creative essays.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer credits from a previously completed creative writing MFA program as appropriate. But transfer credits may not be applied to Creative Manuscript I or Creative Manuscript II, as the main focus of the advanced certificate program is advanced-level work on a creative manuscript that builds on the work already completed on a creative manuscript in an MFA program.

The Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing offers a supportive community of experts and peers who can help you craft your story. Our full-time faculty members have won numerous awards – including two Whiting Awards – published bestsellers, had their work featured in Granta ’s Best Young American Novelists, and received international acclaim in every literary category from young adult to lyric essay to crime. Their work appears in such forums as The New York Times Magazine and Best American Short Stories . In our mentorship-based teaching model, faculty work one-on-one with students, helping each student find a literary voice, master craft and produce a manuscript worthy of publication.

The program takes one year to complete. Students attend two residencies (one in June, one in January) and enroll in two semesters, each approximately 5-months long, with the outcome of revising, reconceiving or completing a creative manuscript of the highest possible literary merit, ideally ready to be represented by an agent for publication.

Advanced Creative Writing Certificate Cost

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs  low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.

Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more.

This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans  page.

University Accreditation

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CIP: 23.1302 School of Liberal Arts, 505-428-1370

This program concentrates on the development of creative writing and editing skills to prepare students to apply to a program in creative writing, submit a manuscript for publication or work in the publishing field. In order to be admitted into the certificate program students must take ENGL 1110    or be granted permission. Certificate eligible for Financial Aid.

Students can earn the following degree related to this certificate:

• English-Creative Writing, A.A.    
• Liberal Arts, A.A.    

Students can follow the Program Maps(s) lised below to complete this degree:

• Creative Writing, Certificate - Program Map    

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in at least one form of creative writing (poetry, fiction, memoir).
• Employ the conventions of different forms of creative writing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in editing and publishing skills.

Program Requirements: (18 Credits)

Choose from the following:.

• ARTS 1123L - Book Arts Credits: 3
• ARTS 1142L - Creative Expression Credits: 3
• ENGL 1320 - Exploring Creative Writing Credits: 3
• ENGL 1410 - Introduction to Literature Credits: 3
• ENGL 1998 - Writing/Communications Internships Credits: 1-3
• ENGL 2320 - Introduction to Fiction Writing Credits: 3
• ENGL 2330 - Introduction to Poetry Writing Credits: 3
• ENGL 2340 - Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Writing Credits: 3
• ENGL 2367 - Intermediate Multi-Genre Creative Writing Workshop Credits: 3
• ENGL 2560 - Introduction to Native American Literature Credits: 3
• ENGL 2998 - Literary Magazine Internship: Santa Fe Literary Review Credits: 3
• FDMA 1120 - Desktop Publishing I Credits: 3
• FDMA 1560 - Screenwriting I Credits: 3

Total 18 Credits Min.

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Creative Writing, Advanced Certificate

Dr. brigitte byrd,  coordinator.

[email protected]

Creative Writing in the Digital Age, Advanced Certificate

The Certificate in Creative Writing in the Digital Age will develop skilled writers who are technologically savvy by providing them with knowledge and skills necessary to create, publish, and market creative works.

This program will take students beyond traditional creative writing by introducing them to the production of digital content for multi-platform delivery. The certificate will prepare students for careers such as web content writer, digital copywriter, professional blogger, social media specialist, editorial assistant, magazine journalist, columnist, writer/author, creative director, publishing copyeditor/proofreader, and other professions in education, the arts, public relations, and business, especially the publishing business.

Students in this program will achieve the following outcomes:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Engage the creative process with experimentation and problem solving to produce original works in multiple genres.
• Interpret the effects of technical craft elements in published literary works.
• Acquire expertise in designing digital and print texts.
• Apply the peer review workshop process to explore, develop, and revise original writing.
• Demonstrate social responsibility and ethical behavior toward the creation of original works in a culturally diverse world.
• Create an e-portfolio composed of traditional creative writing pieces and content for digital/multi-platform delivery.
• The certificate is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited international institution.
• Students will complete an application form from the School of Graduate Studies at Clayton State University.
• Students will be required to complete 15 course credit hours from a select menu of courses.
• The certificate is offered 100% online and can be completed in one year. These credits may not include any required graduate courses in students’ degree programs. Electives in students’ graduate degree program may count toward the certificate.
• Since students in the program are considered non-degree seeking, financial aid is not available. 
• Students are expected to observe School of Graduate Studies and University Graduate Rules, Regulations and Academic Policies. Students are expected to maintain Good Academic Standing, which is defined as a minimum institutional GPA of 3.0.

Program Requirements

Students will select five (5) courses from the list below. Each course is a 3.0 hour-credit. Each course will include material feeding into an e-portfolio.

Creative Writing Certificate Program

Illustration by valerie tran, announcements, admission applications.

The deadline for applying to the Creative Writing Certificate Program was March 1.  We are no longer accepting applications at this time.  The next application window is September 1 - October 1, 2024.

Creative Writing Certificate Program End-of-Semester Reception and Readings

Please join us on Wednesday, May 1 , in the Joynes Reading Room (Carothers Residence Hall) for our end-of-semester celebration.

Reception begins at 12:30pm with food and refreshments.

Writing Awards and Readings begin at 1:00pm

Creative Writing Honors Thesis Readings begin at 2:00pm.

Please feel free to come to all or part of the program.  Family and friends are welcome!

Writing Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to the Winners of the Kruger Fellowships and Parker Prizes for student writing. 

KRUGER Fiction 

1st Place     Lara Palmqvist - "In Another Life"

Runner-up   Stephanie Degnore - "Where the Light Shines Brightest"

Runner-up   Varun Jawarani - "Lakshana"

KRUGER Poetry  

1st Place     Aguilar Alfredo - "After Three Beers My Tia Talks About The Border"

Runner-up   Safiyya Haider - "Assimilation Is Performance Art" 

PARKER Fiction

1st Place      Molly Tompkins - "Bolt from the Blue"

Runner-up    Charlie Sharpe - "A Horse of Course” 

Runner-up    Ashley Rummel - "The Artists" 

PARKER Poetry

1st Place      Leah Piñon - "The World Ends Through the Mirrors in Your House"

Runner-up    Boppana Pradhitha - "Alternate Methods of Crying"

PARKER Lit Crit

1st Place      Molly Tompkins - "Celestial, Beautiful, and Social Bodies" 

Runner-up    Lane Dent - “Our False Perception of Nature”,

Congratulations to all the contest winners and honors thesis students! 

Ongoing Opportunities

Check back often for more links to publishing, contest, and internship opportunities.

• Writer's League of Texas
• Texas Book Festival
• Poets and Writers Magazine
• Tab Option 4
• Tab Option 5

The Writers' League of Texas provides internship, networking, literary, and educational opportunities in Austin and around the state, as well as an annual conference featuring literary agents and editors. 

The Texas Book Festival , one of the largest in the country, takes place annually in late October / early November, but offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Poets and Writers magazine lists contests, fellowships, grants, and literary journals for writers of all levels.