Fiction Writing Certificate
Why does one begin to write?
The Certificate in Fiction Writing will provide students with the opportunity to develop and hone their skills as fiction writers. To become a better writer, one first needs to become a close reader. The certificate will train students how to read a text with the eye of a writer and with the intent of acquiring narrative techniques. Through this process, students will learn how to discuss a text by referencing narrative elements of craft, including characterization, plot, use of detail, setting and structure. Students will then apply these skills in creating their own works of fiction (short stories, graphic novels, poems, novels, multimedia projects, etc). Students also will be trained on how to comment on one another’s creative work in the safe and nurturing environment of a workshop.
This certificate will appeal to students from a wide variety of disciplines in the humanities and beyond who seek to experiment in the creative arts. Students in the natural sciences, engineering or business, who may have an artistic inclination, are welcome to explore their creative interests through the certificate’s diverse course offerings.
Information about the Certificate
- The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn, non-degree students with or without an undergraduate degree, and post-degree students.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for current UM-Dearborn undergraduate students.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for non-degree applicants with college degrees.
- Applicants without a bachelor’s degree are required to include a CV, a 300-500-word statement of purpose, and a 10-page fiction writing sample with their application.
- This is a stand-alone certificate.
- 12 credit hours are required to complete the certificate.
- One transfer course (3 credits hours) may count toward ENGL 223: Introduction to Creative Writing.
- A maximum of nine credit hours may count toward the certificate and the English major.
- A minimum grade of “C-” is required for each course counting to the certificate.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA in the courses counting to the certificate.
- P/F courses are not allowed.
13-16 credit hours are required:
- ENGL 223: Intro to Creative Writing (3 credits)
- ENGL 323: Advanced Creative Writing (4 credits)
- Select two creative writing courses (6-8 credits)
Beginning in Fall 2023, you can check out all requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.
- The ability to close read a work of fiction in order to learn how elements of craft (for example: characterization, point of view, tone, use of detail, use of dialogue, etc.) are used to create a story.
- The ability to write successful short stories.
- The ability to revise (and rewrite) a work of fiction.
- The ability to offer constructive criticism on peers’ work.
- Contribute to a positive and supportive writing workshop.