Creative Writing, Certificate

Location(s): California Campus, Clarion Campus, Edinboro Campus, Online

A certificate in creative writing allows students to compile a portfolio of original writing in a variety of literary genres. By completing workshop courses at the introductory and advanced levels, students will practice the techniques common to all good writing, apply a variety of styles and approaches unique to individual genres, situate their creative texts in a larger literary tradition, and deepen their experience of writing as an artistic discipline.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Make appropriate choices regarding form, diction, style, structure, and mechanics to produce compelling literature that ruptures, or aligns with, the conventions of a chosen literary genre.
Critically read and analyze “mentor” texts in a variety of literary genres to acquire an understanding of successful creative writing technique.
Develop a critical and theoretical vocabulary to assess creative texts.
Develop an understanding that original literature emerges from a complex matrix of social, historical, and aesthetic contexts.
Compile a revised portfolio of creative work that can help prepare alumni for the rigors of graduate study or professional employment in the fields of writing, editing, or publishing.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite: ENGL 1200 - College Composition

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses

ENGL 2400 - Introduction to Creative Writing Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 4400 - Studies in Advanced Creative Writing Credit Hours: 3
Choose one from:
ENGL 3400 - Studies in Poetry Writing Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 3410 - Studies in Fiction Writing Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 3420 - Studies in Nonfiction Writing Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 3430 - Studies in Screenwriting Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 3440 - Studies in Drama Writing Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 3450 - Studies in Graphic Novel Writing Credit Hours: 3
Choose one from:
ENGL 2205 - Writing in the Genres Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 2270 - Digital Storytelling Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 4000 - Publishing Workshop Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 4200 - Writing, Editing & Style Credit Hours: 3
OR Additional 3400-level Creative Writing course