Creative and Professional Writing Certificate

Overview

The certificate in creative and professional writing will enhance your writing skills, introduce you to new and exciting career pathways and boost your confidence as a writer.

What Is the Creative and Professional Writing Certificate?

You’ll take one core course from the Writing Studies M.A. program, followed by four electives of your choosing. Saint Joseph's University offers a variety of professional courses, such as Writers at Work, Poetry Today and Writing for Publication, plus creative writing courses that include screenwriting, fiction writing and nonfiction writing.

What Can You Do with a Creative and Professional Writing Certificate?

Saint Joseph's University's creative and professional writing certificate is designed for anyone seeking professional development, a career in writing or communications, knowledge of publishing or guidance in portfolio development for further graduate study. Certificate holders have gone on to pursue the following career positions:

Copywriter
Technical writer
Medical writer
Novelist
Public relations manager
Journalist
Editor
Communications director

How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for a Career in Writing?

Our faculty are noted writing experts who have the experience and network to support you in your writing career. Evening classes are small and designed for working professionals. Work at your own pace by choosing one, two or three courses per term. The certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters or up to two years.

Continue on to a Master's Degree

The certificate in creative and professional writing is a stackable certificate, meaning the credits you earn can be applied toward a master's degree. Students who successfully complete the certificate program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can then take five additional courses to earn an M.A. in Writing Studies.

View Curriculum and Courses

Program Director

Tenaya Darlington, M.F.A.

Professor, Director of the Writing Studies Program

Merion Hall 113

610-660-3271

View Profile

At-a-Glance

Length	Average part-time: 2 - 4 semesters, or 6 - 12 months.
Credits	15 credits or 5 courses.
Start Terms	Spring, summer or fall.
Format	Online
Tuition for 2023-2023	$941 per credit hour. Learn more about our tuition & fees.
Stack this Certificate into a Master's Program	The credits of the creative and professional writing certificate can be applied towards the M.A. in Writing Studies.
Potential Career Paths	Certificate holders have gone on to pursue jobs such as: Copywriter Technical writer Medical writer Novelist Public relations writer Journalist Editor
Requirements	Work experience is not required. Students in the program come from many different professional backgrounds with varying experience in writing.
Admission Information	To learn more about the admission process and required materials, Graduate Admission can provide more information or answer any questions.
Financial Aid	Scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other types of financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Our Office of Financial Aid can help you understand your options.
Discount Eligibility	Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount. Completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount. Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. *note - discounts cannot be combined.
Veterans	Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

Writing Studies MA

Whether you’re looking to write a book, grow your career as a technical or professional writer, study literature, build a portfolio for a Ph.D. or M.F.A. application, or add a layer of professional development to your current training, the MA in Writing Studies program offers a unique academic experience.