Certificate in Creative Writing
University College's creative writing courses are open to all students who possess writing skills comparable to those typically learned in English Composition 101 and 102. However, for those who want to explore in depth and achieve significant mastery in the art of writing poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, University College offers a 15-unit Certificate Program in Creative Writing.
Students may specialize in any one of the three genres: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Each student will take five three-credit, advanced level (300 or higher) courses, including three courses devoted to mastering the craft of writing in the chosen specialty genre, one course primarily in reading and analysis of the literature in that genre, and one course in a second genre.
Instructors are experienced professional writers, most of whom are associated with the Washington University Graduate Writing Program and the Department of English. All of the craft courses are taught on the workshop model, with open discussion, and detailed, constructive criticism of each student's writing.
Policies and Procedures
Courses taken toward a University College undergraduate certificate program may be applied to a University College bachelor of science degree, as distribution, general elective, or major elective courses. A maximum of 6 units of course work from a University College undergraduate certificate may be used as core major courses in a University College bachelor of science degree.
Sample Courses
- Poetry Writing (U11-316)
- Fiction Writing (U11-317)
- Fiction Seminar (U11-318) (Prerequisite: U11-317, or one published work)
- Nonfiction: Reading and Writing the Memoir (U11-3151)
- Nonfiction Writing: The Varieties of Nonfiction (U11-3135)
- The Art and Craft of the Essay (U11-320)
- The Art of the Personal Essay (U11-323)
Please review the English Composition course listings in University College for current offerings.
Students with little previous experience in creative writing are encouraged to begin with a 200-level writing course or workshop as a foundation for the more advanced courses that will count toward the certificate.
To apply, please:
1. Click the link for a printable Application for Admission to the certificate program, print it out, and fill it out.
2. Attach a sample of your writing, whether in poetry (3 poems), fiction (1 or 2 stories, depending on length) or prose non-fiction (1 or 2 pieces, depending on length).
3. Include a 150- to 200-word essay describing your past experiences in creative writing and your reasons for applying to the program.
4. Request a letter of reference from a teacher or instructor, and have him or her forward the letter to the address on the Application for Admission form.
5. Mail your application package, plus the $35 application fee, to the address on the Application for Admission form.
For more information, contact University College via E-mail at ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu , or call (314) 935-6793.
Each June, Washington University holds the Summer Writers Institute, a two-week intensive creative writing experience for writers of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Participants may earn 3 college credits. Call (314) 935-6759 to get on the mailing list.
