Certificates of Graduate Study in Writing Arts

Certificates of Graduate Study (COGS) offer students a unique opportunity to study highly specialized topics in writing. Students enrolled in the MA in Writing may simultaneously receive certificates by taking electives within one of our current concentrations. Alternatively, students may apply for a certificate program without committing to the full MA. Students will enjoy the benefits of small classes, dedicated instructors, and talented fellow students. Courses completed as part of a COGS may be applied to the MA in Writing program if students later decide to pursue the degree.

We currently offer three certificates:

• Creative Writing
• Editing and Publishing for Writers
• Writing, Composition, and Rhetoric

Creative Writing

By participating in a curriculum that combines the model of the writing workshop with the study of craft through a close reading of published texts, students will engage in the advanced practices of the genres of their choice. They will learn to engage in a process of composition that, when combined with the development of a critical vocabulary, allows students to give, receive, and use criticism in their revisions. As they discover and develop their individual style, voice, and literary vision, they will acquire the discipline and the creative and organizational strategies necessary to prepare and advance them toward publication.

Requirements:

To attain a Certificate of Graduate Study in Creative Writing, a student must successfully complete three creative writing electives. Course offerings may vary by semester; applicable courses include:

• Writing Stories for Children And Young Adults (MAWR 01623)
• Poetry Workshop (MAWR 02505)
• Creative Nonfiction Workshop (MAWR 02515)
• Writing the Novel (MAWR 02520)
• Writing the Memoir (MAWR 02523)
• Writing Genre Fiction (MAWR 02525)
• The Essay: Art and Craft (MAWR 07500)

Additional special topics or newly added courses may also apply. Speak with the Program Coordinator to confirm course eligibility.

Editing and Publishing for Writers

Due to recent changes in the publishing industry (corporate mergers, ever-advancing publishing technologies, radical alterations in traditional book distribution and bookselling) writers are now compelled to be excellent editors and marketers of their own work. Utilizing a curriculum that combines advanced editing and revision of works in various genres (i.e. short stories, novels, poetry, articles and essays), along with the hands-on opportunities in classes, students will acquire a necessary understanding of contemporary editing and publishing procedures in a variety of print and digital environments, including periodicals, and digital and book publishing, as well as the discipline and organizational strategies necessary to prepare and submit a variety of types of work for publication.

Requirements:

To attain a Certificate of Graduate Study in Editing and Publishing for Writers, a student must successfully complete three of the following courses. Course offerings may vary by semester; applicable courses include:

• Editing the Literary Journal (MAWR 01566)
• Writing Freelance Features (MAWR 01557)
• Professions in Publishing (MAWR 01567)
• Master of Arts in Writing Internship (MAWR 03520) 
  • with Glassworks or Singularity Press

Additional special topics or newly added courses may also apply. Speak with the Program Coordinator to confirm course eligibility.

Writing, Composition, and Rhetoric

This Certificate program is designed for language arts and college composition teachers (current and future) seeking to enhance their knowledge of contemporary theories, issues, and practices in writing and writing instruction.

Requirements:

To attain a Certificate of Graduate Study in Writing, Composition and Rhetoric, a student must successfully complete three of the following courses. Course offerings may vary by semester; applicable courses include:

• Practicum in Teaching Composition (MAWR 01575) (Note: available to Teaching Experience Program students only; application required.)
• Issues in Composition Studies (MAWR 01549)
• Assessment of Writing (MAWR 01556)
• Writing Difference (MAWR 01630)

Additional special topics or newly added courses may also apply. Speak with the Program Coordinator to confirm course eligibility.