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Certificate Program in Writing
Natalie Lynn Harrison has published work in independent literary journals.
Graduate, Certificate Program in Writing Read Natalie Lynn Harrison's story .
Getting Started
We recommend beginning with The Craft of Reading ENGLISH X429, The Craft of Writing ENGLISH X421 or Writing Skills Workshop ENGLISH X13.
Online Availability
Courses in this certificate are offered online and in the classroom.
Duration of Study
8 courses for a minimum of 16 semester units (240 hours of instruction).
Estimated Cost
Calling all writers: join our community and get serious about your craft. Ready your work for publication or simply gain formal training. You'll read exemplary literary works and learn from published writers who provide structure, support and thoughtful feedback.
Directors of several San Francisco Bay Area M.F.A. programs helped develop the UC Berkeley Department of English–approved curriculum. Whether your goal is publication or landing a coveted spot in an M.F.A. writing program, this flexible program can meet your needs and schedule.
Required Courses
3 Course(s)
0 Course(s)
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the certificate.
We recommend beginning the certificate with the following required courses.
Electives (Literature)
2 Course(s)
Not Available
Electives (Writing Workshop)
Courses of related interest, certificate and program policies.
- Substitutions and Waivers
- Financial Aid
- Transcripts and Records
Contact Information
To contact the department office, email [email protected] .
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the Certificate Program in Writing, but a bachelor's degree is recommended.
Curriculum Requirements
The Certificate Program in Writing comprises 8 courses for a minimum of 16 semester units (240 hours of instruction), which includes 3 required courses and 5 restricted electives selected from 2 categories: literature (2 courses) and writing workshops (3 courses). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate application fee.
All courses must be taken for a letter grade. To receive the certificate, students must complete each course with a grade of C or better. All coursework must be completed within five years. The completion of two courses per year is recommended in order to maintain sufficient academic progress in the certificate.
How to Register
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register online for the Certificate Program in Writing, complete these two steps:
- Submit the online registration , and complete your student account profile if you are a new student.
- Pay the nonrefundable registration fee through your shopping cart. Please allow 3–5 business days for the registration to appear in your student account.
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated total cost of approximately $6,720 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Certificate and Award Request
Once you have completed the certificate coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your certificate. Send an email to [email protected] . After your records have been reviewed, verified and approved, your certificate will be sent to you in the mail. The review of your records is usually completed within six to eight weeks after you request the certificate.
Advisory Board
To ensure that your professional certificate is of the highest quality, UC Berkeley Extension turns to experienced writers, outstanding teachers and published authors for advisers and instructors.
Stephen Albert , M.F.A., University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, also holds an M.A. from the University of Iowa School of Journalism and a teaching credential from the UC Berkeley School of Education
Lewis Buzbee is the author of eight books of fiction and nonfiction. He also teaches in the M.F.A. in Writing Program at the University of San Francisco.
Thaisa Frank , award-winning author and instructor in the creative writing graduate programs at San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco, as well as at UC Berkeley Extension
Deborah Lichtman , Ph.D., author, teacher, curriculum instructor and former director of the University of San Francisco creative writing graduate program
Lynn Mundell , M.F.A., American University, creative writer, co-founder/co-editor of 100 Word Story , an editorial professional with 30 years of experience working in newspapers, the arts and corporations
Jane Anne Staw , Ph.D., author and teacher in the University of San Francisco creative writing graduate program, as well as an honored instructor at UC Berkeley Extension
Hertha Sweet Wong , Ph.D., associate professor in UC Berkeley's English Department and chair of UC Berkeley's Department of Art Practice
Session Time-Out
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Creative Writing Minor
Requirements.
- Five upper-division courses are required, consisting of three courses in creative writing and two courses in literature. These courses may be taken in any of the departments that offer them.
- All five courses must be taken for a letter grade. [Due to COVID-19, P grades will be accepted for Spring 2020 approved courses from all schools and Fall 2020/Spring 2021/Summer 2021 approved courses from UC Berkeley only. P grades were allowed for fall 2022 courses taken at UC Berkeley only due to the strike.]
- At least three of the five courses and at least two of the three writing courses must be taken at UC Berkeley.
- Only one course may be used to satisfy both a minor and a major requirement. If completing multiple programs, only one minor’s course may overlap with one major’s course.
- A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in upper division courses is required for the minor.
- Work for the minor must be completed within your major program’s College’s unit ceiling. For example, students in the College of Letters and Science have a 130-unit ceiling. Check your College websites for details.
See the Literature and Creative Writing courses for lists of applicable courses offered by participating departments. Courses not on these lists may be counted toward the Minor with the approval of the Creative Writing Minor Faculty Adviser.
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