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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
April 1

Term Length
10 Weeks

4 Course Certificate
Tuition

$12,896

6 Course Certificate
Tuition

$19,344

Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online

 
Admission
No GRE or GMAT

 
Duration
As few as 6 months

 
Duration
As few as 12 months

Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Brian Cicero

Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Free Application

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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

Concentration Courses

Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
PWRI 4010 Writing Fiction: Foundational Concepts, Skills, and Practice
PWRI 4020
Writing the Short Story
PWRI 4030 Writing the Novella

Graduate Certificate in Professional Fiction Writing requires completion of 24 credit hours (6 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit
Student Success Course.
4
Concentration Courses
 
 
2
Elective Courses
 
Concentration Courses

Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
PWRI 4010 Writing Fiction: Foundational Concepts, Skills, and Practice
PWRI 4020
Writing the Short Story
PWRI 4030 Writing the Novella
Elective Courses

Popular electives for students in the Professional Creative Writing program include:

PWRI 4140 Natural Science and Literature
PWRI 4340 Literature to Film
PWRI 4410 Writing and Healing
PWRI 4420 Writing as Translation
PWRI 4500 The Writing Life: Concepts, Practices, and Professionalism
PWRI 4510 Literary Genres for Writers
PWRI 4520 The Writers Workshop
PWRI 4540 Children's Literature: From Picture Books to Books for Young Adults
PWRI 4560 Writing Books for Children
PWRI 4600 Breaking the Chains of Genre: An Exploration of Hybrid Literature

Electives may be chosen from among all courses in the Professional Creative Writing program. You may also select courses from other University College graduate programs with approval from the academic director.

Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals, and your advisor will obtain any necessary approvals from the academic director.

Featured Instructors

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

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

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

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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

Professional Creative Writing

“The writing assignments at that level really helped elevate my writing. It made me more keenly aware of the editing process as well as some more practical purposes.” —Bobby LeFebre, graduate.

Flexible Online Classes

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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.

Online Experience5

Accreditation

 


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.

Take the Next Step

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