Natalie Lynn Harrison
has published work in independent literary journals.
We recommend beginning with The Craft of Reading ENGLISH X429, The Craft of Writing ENGLISH X421 or Writing Skills Workshop ENGLISH X13.
Courses in this certificate are offered online and in the classroom.
8 courses for a minimum of 16 semester units (240 hours of instruction).
$6,720
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.
There are no prerequisites for the Certificate Program in Creative Writing, but a bachelor's degree is recommended.
The Certificate Program in Creative 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.
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register online for the Certificate Program in Creative Writing, complete these two steps:
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.
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 extension-letters@berkeley.edu. 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.
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