Creative Writing
Undergraduate Certificate
Program Overview
Our 15-credit hour certificate in Creative Writing is designed for undergraduate students who desire to gain greater competency in writing poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction. Through the study of these genres, you will build foundational skills that apply to all career paths: critical thinking, analytical reading, and clear, effective communication.
You will learn to cultivate empathy, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, developing a broad base of knowledge that will bolster any major or minor field of study.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Do you have a passion for poetry? Are you a natural storyteller? Take your writing to the next level with our in-depth certificate program in creative writing.
A certificate in creative writing adds value to your undergraduate degree and boosts your skills in the job market. At CMU, you can shape your studies to match your interests by focusing on poetry, prose or both. You’ll study with faculty who know how to get published because they’ve done it themselves. And you’ll master the techniques and skills that will make your writing sing.
You’ll also have opportunities to polish your talent beyond the classroom. We host a regular series of literary events and a visiting writer series, giving you the chance to meet literary luminaries and get feedback on your work. You can also submit your work to our literary magazine and join a number of student clubs devoted to writing.
Program Highlights
As a creative writing student at CMU, you'll:
- Study with award-winning faculty and published authors.
- Hear from prominent poets and fiction writers who come to CMU for readings and classroom visits.
- Submit your poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction work to our literary journals, The Central Review and Temenos.
- Access a supportive community of fellow writers by joining an undergraduate writing group such as Fiction Central or Poetry Central.
Careers & Outcomes
A certificate in creative writing builds the communication skills that today’s employers value most. Our graduates are ready for dynamic careers in advertising, professional writing, publishing, editing, teaching and beyond. It also prepares students for the option of studying creative writing at the graduate level in MA or MFA programs.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Global Communications Director | $87,071 |
| Public Affairs Director | $119,860 |
| College Professor/Instructor | $79,640 |
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