creative writing certificate

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. 

The Write Process Podcast

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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. You may take creative writing courses without committing to the program. However, establishing candidacy in the program allows you to receive a customized curriculum suited to your writing goals along with many benefits exclusive to our certificate students.

Exclusive benefits for Writers' Program certificate students:

• Receive a 30 minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor, who charts out certificate program curriculum based on your level of experience, interests, and writing goals.
• Receive advance notice of upcoming Writers’ Program courses and enroll before the general public each quarter.
• Receive preferential placement on wait lists.
• Within six months of the completion of certificate program coursework, receive 50% off a one-on-one manuscript consultation . 
• Interact, network, and share writing tips with fellow certificate program students through the Writers’ Program Certificate Students private Facebook group.

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 UCLA Extension certificate students:

• Access to  Handshake , UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings.
• Become a member of the  UCLA Alumni Association  (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family.
• Join us for the annual UCLA Extension  Graduation Ceremony  on campus to celebrate all your hard work.
• Get access to  UCLA Recreation  facilities as a student affiliate.**
• Open an affiliate/Guest UCLA  Bruin ID Card ** for a number of student-related benefits.
• Access to UCLA Extension’s  Career Resources  including online career coaching, workshops and networking events.

How to Apply: New Students

• 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. 

How to Apply: Fiction or Creative Nonfiction Certificate students enrolled prior to June 1, 2020

To start, please review the  FAQ’s for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction certificate students .

• To transfer to the new Certificate in Creative Writing, please complete this form . 
• To finish your original Fiction or Creative Nonfiction program, no action is necessary.
• Unsure which program better suits your writing goals? Our Student Affairs Officer, Carrie Truong can be reached at  [email protected] .

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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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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Certificate in Creative Writing

About the Online Certificate in Creative Writing

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 creative writing courses are designed as hands-on, intensive study of the subtleties and power of language.

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.

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 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

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

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

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Our certificate of higher education in arts and humanities introduces you to creative writing and a variety of literary works. Complete in as little as one year and count the credit gained towards a future diploma or honours degree.

Certificates of Higher Education (2)

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• Certificate of Higher Education Open

Other Creative Writing courses

• Creative Writing Degrees
• Creative Writing Diplomas

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Creative Writing Certificate

Overview 

If you are an aspiring writer looking to get serious about your craft then the Creative Writing Certificate program is designed for you. Take advantage of an opportunity to explore a variety of genres, improve your writing, and develop the tools to master a significant writing project. 

The Creative Writing Certificate offers a series of writing courses in a variety of genres that enables you to focus your learning on the techniques of creative writing. The program offers you practical guidance in how to generate ideas, take that spark of inspiration to the page, advance your writing skills and explore your creativity while offering advice about publishing and being a writer.

Through the program you will:

• Examine the elements of creative writing and practice them through in-class writing exercises and the development of a writing portfolio
• Give and receive effective feedback through workshopping your writing with your peers and with feedback from your instructor
• Build a portfolio of your writing samples and develop a writing practice

The Creative Writing Certificate program consists of six courses: two required courses, a choice of three electives, and a final capstone project. Course activities include peer workshopping, reading, and story revision. All program instructors are experienced writers with published works.

With a total of six courses to complete, this certificate will provide you with the knowledge and skills to create your own literary works.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to: 

• Trace the historical development of a genre over time and observe how it has adapted according to social, historical, and literary trends
• Examine and discuss creative writing elements used by published authors across a variety of genres and apply them to your own writing
• Consider the effectiveness of writing from different and varied points of view
• Define what it means to read “closely” and read and respond to close readings of various genres of literature
• Discuss different genres from both a technical and literary perspective
• Receive and give feedback through the workshopping of creative work
• Discuss the challenges inherent in writing true stories and the ethics of creative non-fiction
• Explore creative writing from a Canadian Perspective
• Identify the importance of revision in producing publishable work
• Develop a writing practice
• Identify resources for writing and publishing
• Read aloud for an audience

This certificate will compliment careers and work in the following areas: 

• Content writer 
• Book reviewer
• Copy editor or digital copywriter
• Editorial assistant
• Blog writer
• Technical writer
• Marketing professional
• Communications professional

This program requires the completion of two required courses, three electives, and one capstone project. Required and elective courses may be taken in any order. The capstone project must be taken after completion of five other courses.

remote - synchronous

Enrolment is on a course-by-course basis and there is no application required. This program is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. Course availability changes each semester. It is recommended you submit notification requests for each course in the program to be informed when registration opens. Course registration closes before the start of the semester.

Complete two required courses, three electives, and one capstone project. Request your parchment through the OpenEd Student Portal once all requirements are met.

You can take up to 5 years from the start of your first course to complete and receive the certificate.

The price per course is currently $549. Course prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed. The total cost of the program may vary.

Additional Information 

If you would like additional information about this program, please contact our  Main Office . 

Sponsoring Partner 

School of English and Theatre Studies, College of Arts  

Required Courses

2 Course(s)

• 7000011 Introduction to Creative Writing
• 7000014 Creative Writing through Reading

3 Course(s)

Students will choose three electives.

• 7000012 Writing Short Stories
• 7000013 Writing Poetry
• 7000015 Writing a Novel
• 7000016 Writing Mystery
• 7000017 Playwriting
• 7000018 Young Adult Writing
• 7000019 Writing Creative Non-Fiction
• 7000020 Writing Dialogue
• 7000022 Writing for Children
• 7000023 Writing Flash Narratives
• 7000024 Writing your own Story

1 Course(s)

• 7000021 Creative Writing Capstone Project

Session Time-Out

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Creative Writing Certificate

A certificate program for aspiring writers

Best-selling novels, blockbuster movies and award-winning poems all start with an idea…but the crucial next step of creating words to convey and express those ideas can be daunting. Our customizable Creative Writing Certificate program provides individualized guidance from experienced instructors who have published works in multiple genres. Explore methodologies across all writing categories as you refine both your personal style and voice utilizing the most effective tools and techniques. Schedule flexibility combined with a variety of elective options allows you to tailor the curriculum based on personal interests and skill sets. Build your platform and grow your brand as you work to successfully achieve your writing goals.

The following types of students will benefit from this program:

• Working professionals looking to bolster their writing skills
• Aspiring authors eager to become published
• Hobbyists seeking to hone their craft

Program objectives

After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of professional writing techniques spanning all aspects of the writing process
• Utilize the practical knowledge of how to grow their platform, evaluate the commercial potential of their work, and move toward publishing
• Create a tangible testament to their academic achievement in the field

Certificate requirements

To receive the certificate, students must:

• Complete all four (4) of the core courses
• Complete at least three (3) elective courses
• Attend at least 80% of the class sessions in each course
• Satisfy all program requirements within 18 months

All courses are also offered open enrollment, meaning anyone can register for them regardless of affiliation with Emory or desire to complete the certificate program. Students must apply for and be accepted into the Advanced Revision Workshop .

View writing submission guidelines . 

Certificate overview

Duration 12-18 months

Cost $3,045

Time commitment 84 hours

Are you an employer?

Students should complete the four (4) required courses in the order listed below.

Students must complete three (3) of the following electives before, during, or after the required courses.

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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 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 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 courses are designed as hands-on, intensive study of the subtleties and power of language.

The Certificate in Creative Writing is a 4-course, 4 course unit 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 course unit) by adding two additional courses from the advanced course list.

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Creative Writing are offered on accelerated (8-week) and classic (11- or 12-week) schedules. Courses in the certificate program are largely asynchronous with some optional synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors. For more information about specific course dates, please visit the Course Schedule  page.

You have the option to enroll in individual courses without committing to the entire certificate, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests.

For more information: https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/certificates/creative-writing

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

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.

Courses are subject to change.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

The Advanced Certificate in Creative Writing is a 6-course, 6 course unit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty. To earn a certificate, students complete any four courses offered, in any order. 

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Creative Writing are offered on accelerated (8-week) and classic (11- or 12-week) schedules. Courses in the certificate program are largely asynchronous with some optional synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors. For more information about specific course dates, please visit the  Course Schedule  page.

For more information:   https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/certificates/creative-writing

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Graduate Certificate Admissions and Process

Students must apply and be admitted into the Graduate Certificate to be eligible to receive a Graduate Certificate. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Certificate Director prior to applying. 

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• University Admission Requirements, including English Proficiency      
• Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements     
• ​​ Application Process 

Additional Admissions Requirements

In addition, must also submit the following with the application form:

• a writing sample

Curriculum Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

Required Courses (6 credit hours):

Select two of the following graduate courses:

• CRW 6164 The Craft of Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• CRW 6130 Fiction Writing Credit Hours: 3
• CRW 6352 The Craft of Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• CRW 6331 Poetry Writing Credit Hours: 3
• CRW 6231 The Craft of Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3
• CRW 6236 Nonfiction Writing Credit Hours: 3

Elective Courses (9 credit hours):

Select three additional courses from either the list above (if not already taken) or the courses listed below. 

• ENG 6018 Studies in Criticism and Theory I Credit Hours: 3
• LIT 6096 Studies in Contemporary Literature Credit Hours: 3
• LIT 6934 Selected Topics in English Studies Credit Hours: 1-6 approved by the Creative Writing Coordinator or Graduate Director
• Any 6000-level literature course or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Certificate Director.

Graduate Certificate Time Limit

Five (5) Years.

Graduate Certificate Completion

For procedures to confirm completion of the Graduate Certificate, please refer to the  website .

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Creative Writing Certificate

*Not a baccalaureate degree program

The English Department now offers a Creative Writing Certificate. The certificate welcomes students of any major. The new Creative Writing Certificate is specifically designed to support young writers. Our distinctive mentorship program encourages conversations between faculty and students, between peer writers, as well as the many guest writers who visit UB each semester in our nationally regarded Exhibit X Fiction and Poetics Plus Series.

Department of English

Dimitri Anastasopoulos Director [email protected]

Last updated: January 30, 2023 11:50 am EST

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