Aspiring writers can improve their writing,
editing and analytical skills through a formal creative writing program.
Obtaining a certificate in creative writing through an online program
takes a relatively short amount of time, yet it provides thorough
instruction on the craft of writing and of providing constructive
feedback on others' work.
Overview of Online Certificate in Creative Writing Programs
Beginning or professional
writers
can refine their writing skills through an online creative writing
certificate program. Besides writing, students learn to analyze others'
writing and to give and receive feedback. These are all useful skills in
any job market. Some creative writing certificate programs require that
applicants have a bachelor's degree.
Online creative writing certificate programs usually allow students
3-5 years to finish their education. However, because students take just
7-12 classes to successfully complete the program, a full-time student
could complete the certificate program in 3-6 semesters. Because a
creative writing program involves the basic tasks of word processing and
online communication, such as e-mail or an online forum, it's entirely
possible for students to take a creative writing certificate program
totally online.
To earn an online creative writing certificate, students need access
to a computer with an Internet connection, word processing software and
e-mail software. Additional software, called plug-ins, may also be
required for viewing electronic documents or watching multimedia.
Students view lessons using software that works inside a Web browser
(such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox). The software allows
students to turn in and receive assignments or to communicate with the
instructor and classmates.
List of Common Creative Writing Courses
Most online creative writing certificate programs begin with basic
writing classes. These required classes may be in traditional lecture
format or workshop format, meaning that students give and receive
feedback on each others' writing. Additional writing classes progress
through intermediate and advanced levels; they teach a specific element
or genre of writing. Each student also takes 3-5 elective classes that
focus on his or her area of interest, such as poetry, creative
non-fiction or the novel.
Beginning Creative Writing Workshop
A beginning creative writing workshop focuses on developing an idea
into a publishable work. Most students in writing workshops work on a
short story or novel. Students learn about the essential components of a
work of fiction, such as plot, character, setting and dialogue.
Learning is reinforced through writing exercises. Instructors usually
provide individual feedback on each student's work, while students learn
how to analyze and critique manuscripts, using their classmates'
works-in-progress.
Introduction to Fiction
Introductory fiction classes cover the basic structure of a work of
fiction and other elements that give fiction its depth, such as
conflict, tension, point-of-view and imagery. Students may analyze works
by accomplished writers and discuss them in class. Some instructors
require an interpretive essay or original writing from the student as
part of the final grade.
Writing for Creative Non-Fiction
In this class, students learn the many forms that creative
non-fiction can take, such as the memoir, personal essay, commentary or
editorial. They learn how the elements of a work of fiction can also
apply to creative non-fiction. Coursework usually requires the student
to write at least one personal experience as a work of creative
non-fiction. The class may also discuss and analyze the work of
well-known authors or writing that the students have produced.
Students who graduate with a certificate in creative writing have
learned how to develop, write and critique others' writing as well as
how to self-edit their own work. These enhanced writing and critical
thinking skills would be important for students pursuing employment as
editors at publishing houses, magazines or literary agencies. Graduates
can also choose self-employment, either getting paid piece by piece for
their creative writing or self-publishing their own work. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov), in May 2009, the median yearly salary for writers was $53,900.
Some schools that offer online creative writing certificate programs
allow students to apply the credits they've earned toward a Master of
Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing degree. In addition, it's now possible to
find creative writing MFA programs that are completely online.
Low-residency creative writing MFA programs, in which students are on
campus just once or twice per year for short periods of time, are
another option. MFA graduates may find employment as creative writing
teachers at a community college, university or college.
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