Nonfiction Writing and Publishing (Graduate Certificate)
Quick facts
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Certificate description
The graduate certificate program in nonfiction writing and publishing teaches you the art of telling true stories. The program is based on the belief that work done within the university is most impactful when it can be shared in a clear and compelling way with audiences beyond your chosen fields of research.
In this interdisciplinary program, you read, study and write narrative nonfiction, including literary journalism, op-ed pieces, explanatory essays and memoirs. You learn how to analyze the craft and stylistic decisions of professional and literary nonfiction writers and utilize these skills in your own work.
Award-winning faculty teach you to produce vivid writing that connects with a larger public; they also teach the most effective ways to get your writing out into the world, be it through blogs, online or print publications, trade books, or film and television.
This program is open if you are a graduate student who wants to write eloquently, persuasively and memorably about your research or life experiences.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
15 credit hours
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours)
HSD/HPS/HST 520 Masters of Nonfiction (3)
HSD 521 Writing True Stories that Matter (3)
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Read, analyze, and synthesize works of journalistic or literary nonfiction and create individual works based on key concepts.
- Demonstrate an understanding of nonfiction writing and publishing conventions and the ability to write for diverse nonacademic audiences.
Read, analyze, and synthesize works of journalistic or literary nonfiction and create individual works based on key concepts.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who attended school outside of the U.S. must hold a bachelor's degree, graduate degree or equivalent from an institution that is officially recognized by that country. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program. Applicants are encouraged to enroll in a graduate degree program in conjunction with this certificate but are not required to do so.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
According to Forbes, storytelling is the most important skill in today's job market. Of the many sources of information in the world, people who write compelling stories are best heard.
Graduates with this skill are more attractive to employers both in academia and the private sector. Expertise in writing and storytelling are in demand in many fields, including business, media, entertainment, politics and community organizations. Strong writers and vivid storytellers are particularly valuable to businesses and institutions relying on narrative-based strategies to engage and grow audiences online.
Graduates may pair the certificate with other degrees to create stronger career opportunities.
Career examples include:
- communications specialist
- content strategist
- editor
- public relations manager or specialist
- screenwriter
- social media manager
- video game designer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Innovation Futures
|
ISTBX 3rd floor
sfisgrad@asu.edu
480-727-8787
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
