Certificate Description

Those who wish to pursue quality graduate instruction in creative writing, but do not wish to complete the 35hour Master of Arts in Writing degree or the 65-hour terminal MFA degree, may apply to one of the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing’s Certificate in Writing programs.  

The certificate programs provide in-depth study of an area of writing so students can improve, even excel, in their chosen area of interest. Certificate students join MAW and MFA students in existing courses taught by School of Writing faculty in fiction; poetry; creative nonfiction; writing for children and young adults; writing for TV, screen, or stage.

Students may begin studies in May or November in Louisville and complete the certificate in six months, which requires about 25 hours of work per week during independent study. A nine-month option, requiring only about 12 hours of work per week during independent study, begins in May (in Louisville) or the summer virtual residency in June. Students produce the same amount of work on either schedule.

Certificate admission standards are the same as for the MFA and MAW. A BA or BS is the minimum education requirement. Graduate Certificate credits may be transferred to the MAW or MFA for one semester of credit.

The Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing offers low-residency, 15-credit certificate programs:

• The Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Writing.
• The Post-Master’s Certificate in the Teaching of Creative Writing is for those who already have a master’s degree but desire more focused instruction in the teaching of creative writing.
• The Post-Master’s Certificates in Writing Enrichment is for those who already have a master’s degree but desire continued instruction in writing.
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Playwriting
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Screenwriting
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in TV Writing
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Writing Creative Nonfiction
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Writing Fiction
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Writing for Children and Young Adults
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Writing Poetry
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Writing: Special Topics
• Post Masters Certificate in Writing Enrichment in Writing Fiction
• Post Masters Certificate in Writing Enrichment in Writing Creative Nonfiction
•