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.
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.
Writers' Program Open House
Learn how we can help you achieve your writing goals in this online informative, interactive session that includes an opportunity for advising.
My UCLA Extension coursework, teachers, and colleagues have shaped my writing life, fueled the creation of my novel, and provided continual inspiration.
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.
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
Creative Writing Certificate Capstone
WRITING X 460
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
Creative Writing Certificate Capstone
WRITING X 460
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:
Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.
Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers.
You may take Creative Writing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board. Creative Writing Certificate students can also receive a customized curriculum tailored to your writing goals.
Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at writers@uclaextension.edu.
Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:
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 all UCLA Extension certificate students:
How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy
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.
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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