Certificate in Creative Writing | Requirement Checklist (pdf)

What is the Writing Certificate?

The Writing Certificate is a program of courses, offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, Department of English, designed for students interested in completing advanced work in writing and editing. You may earn a certificate by completing courses in American Ethnic Studies, Creative Writing, Journalism , or Professional Writing (business/technical). The certificate is an excellent supplement to any career field, and it provides vital coursework and experience for students who want a career in writing.

Why pursue the Writing Certificate in Creative Writing?

The Writing Certificate in Creative Writing is designed for students who wish to write poems and/or fiction, to improve their writing and abilities through workshops taught by practitioners, and possibly to go on to graduate programs in creative writing and careers that are involved with literature, such as teaching and editing.

Who can apply for the Writing Certificate in Creative Writing?

Matriculating and non-matriculating students can apply for the Writing Certificate in Creative Writing.

What are the requirements?

Each certificate requires a minimum of 27 hours of approved courses, in which students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. At least six of the 27 hours must be earned in the three-quarter, 600-level sequence of Senior Writing Seminars in either fiction or poetry. See the checklist for complete requirements. (Note: you may take any combination of courses in fiction and
poetry, but you must take at least 9 hours in one genre to be admitted to the senior seminar in that genre.A student who completes the seminar requirements, as well as the appropriate prerequisites, in
more than one track can receive a certificate for each specialization.)

 When and how should I apply?

You may take courses in a certificate program without registering for the certificate (though you should check with the instructor about any prerequisites for a given course). If you would like to pursue the certificate, you should register for it as soon as possible but no later than the beginning of your junior year. Ideally, you should begin taking writing courses in your chosen certificate program in your sophomore year.

To register, fill out a registration form, available in 248 McMicken (the main English Department office). Return the form to a staff member in 248 McMicken and make an appointment to meet with the area coordinator for your certificate (students may be asked to supply writing samples with their application). As you complete your courses each quarter, come by 248 McMicken and have a staff person update your file.

When do I receive the Writing Certificate?

In the first two weeks of the quarter in which you will be graduating, notify the coordinator of your particular certificate program and the staff in McMicken 248 that you will be completing the certificate. After your coursework is complete and your records have been verified, the certificate will be recorded on your transcript and the certificate will be mailed to you. Non-matriculated students will receive the certificate when they complete all the requirements. Certificates are generally mailed once a year, usually in June.

For further information about the Writing Certificate in Creative Writing, contact

Brock Clarke, Director
Creative Writing Certificate Program
350H McMicken Hall
(513) 556-0924
clarkeba@email.uc.edu

Elliston Poetry Readings

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