Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Mar 16, 2024

Creative Writing harnesses an important area of human creativity – fiction. Whether it's writing and editing books, scriptwriting, creating content for video games, and/or other creative outlets, this is a formal look at the technical and processual side of human creativity.

An online Creative Writing Graduate Certificate is a suitable educational pathway for those wishing to write their own novels or publish and edit professionally. This is also a relevant qualification for educators who wish to teach creative writing.

What Are the Online Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Creative writing is an important area; most colleges around the U.S. offer academic study in some form. If you are considering an online Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, you will be expected meet the school's admissions criteria. While this will vary by program, most will ask that you fulfill the following:

A bachelor's degree in a related subject such as English language, literature, etc.
A master's degree in a related, relevant subject
A GPA of 2.5 or above. Some schools may ask for 3.0 or higher
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
A sample (usually ten pages) of a creative writing project
If English is not your first language, you will be expected to provide English communication evidence through certification: PTEA, IELTS, and TOEFL, though some accept ELS112 and DuoLingo
2-3 letters of recommendation. Academic recommendations preferred, but employer references may also be accepted
Application fee
Written personal statement/essay in addition to the creative writing sample

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Online Creative Writing Graduate Certificates include coursework in advanced literature and writing techniques, and may also include elective coursework. Classes titles may include:

Introduction to Creative Writing
Poetry: Writing & Critiquing
Studies in Genre
Craft of Creative Writing
Modern and Contemporary US Literature
Modern and Contemporary US Poetry
Studies in English Language Novels
Developing Writing Skills
The Craft of Reading
The Art of Editing
Writing About Place
Contemporary & Alternative Voices
Essay Writing
Screenwriting
General Nonfiction Writing
Science Writing
Memoir Writing & Editing
Journalism & Media
Workshops
Capstone Project

Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Careers

An online Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing opens the doors to many fulfilling writing careers. Pathways with this grad cert in hand may include:

Screenwriter: Screenwriters write scripts and screenplays for adaptation for the movie and television industries.
Creative Director: A creative director works in TV, movies, and stage, to direct the creative production and have final say on creative decisions.
Copywriter / Content Writer: Writing marketing collateral or other sales material, a copywriter crafts sales pitches in emails, blogs, leaflets, and more to persuade potential customers and/or to get a brand's message across.
Newspaper / Magazine Editor: You could work as an editor for print media including newspapers and magazines, making final editorial and publishing decisions.
Copy Editor / Proofreader: With your skill in structure, grammar, and syntax, you can find work editing the creative content of others. Copy Editors advise on content while proofreaders correct errors.
Publishing Agent: Helping writers get representation in publishing houses and negotiate contracts.
Author / Novelist: This may be the first career choice that comes to mind for creative writing graduates – writing and publishing books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.
Reviewer: Magazines, websites, newspapers hire reviewers of new media. Book reviewers will critique the style and the content.
Creative Writing Teacher: If you are already a teacher or educator, earning a grad certificate in Creative Writing can open exciting opportunities to teach the discipline at the high school or college level, or even in adult continuing education.