Certificate

Professional Fiction Writing

From short stories to novels, examine the art of writing fiction and develop your own distinctive voice. Designed for aspiring writers, this certificate helps you explore various popular genres and influential masterworks while you progress toward mastering the fundamentals of the writing craft. Learn to create a unique presence in the creative marketplace as you work toward becoming a published author.

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At a Glance

Classes Begin
January 8
Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
4 Course Certificate
Tuition
$12,896
Time
As few as 6 months
6 Course Certificate
Tuition
$19,344
Time
As few as 12 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Chris Heriza
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Chris Heriza

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Identify and analyze key elements of strong fiction


Apply knowledge of fundamental techniques and genres to your own creative work


Give and receive constructive critiques that clarify your values and enhance your skills

Curriculum

Specialized Graduate Certificate in Professional Fiction Writing requires completion of 16 credit hours (4 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Concentration Courses

Sample Schedule

Finish a graduate certificate in as few as six months or take up to a year. Choose your time to completion to get a better sense of what your schedule will look like during your certificate program.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
4-Course Certificate Classes 2 2 0 0
6-Course Certificate Classes 3 3 0 0

Interested in a master's degree?


Explore our Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing with a concentration in Professional Fiction Writing.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Professional Fiction Writing


According to Publishing Perspectives, 81% of Americans want to write a book, but how many actually possess the skills and determination to achieve the dream?


According to the Association of American Publishers, the U.S. book and journal publishing industry generated $28 billion dollars in revenue last year, massive growth primarily due to the increasing popularity of audiobooks.


The International Trade Administration Top Market Reports found that the U.S. publishing industry is the largest in the world. PwC forecasts that total global consumer book revenue will continue its upward trajectory.

Job Titles

Writer
Editor
Editor
Screenwriter
Copywriter
Teacher
Blogger
Writing Coach

Writer and Author Salary: National Average

$61,820
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission logo
Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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