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 in Creative Writing (6-course, 6 c.u.) by adding two additional creative writing courses.
Flexible Course Schedule
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. All Penn LPS Online courses are taught at the undergraduate level by Penn 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.
Read more about the Certificate in 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
Curriculum
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.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing Certificate | ||
| Select 4 CU from the following: | 4 | |
| The Craft of Creative Writing | ||
| Modern and Contemporary US Poetry | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| The Art of Editing | ||
| Writing and Meditation | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Narrative Collage | ||
| Writing About Place | ||
| Screenwriting | ||
| Advanced Nonfiction | ||
| Journalism Workshop | ||
| Total Course Units | 4 | |
Courses are subject to change.
Advanced Certificate
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.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following not used for the Basic Certificate | 2 | |
| The Craft of Creative Writing | ||
| Modern and Contemporary US Poetry | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| The Art of Editing | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Writing and Meditation | ||
| Writing About Place | ||
| Screenwriting | ||
| Advanced Nonfiction | ||
| Journalism Workshop | ||
| Total Course Units | 2 | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.