Writing, Certificate
Sharpen your writing to better communicate clearly, persuade audiences and stand out across fields including business, health care, law, education and public service. Graduate with tangible work samples ready to share with employers, graduate schools or professional programs.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Writing undergraduate certificate description
The certificate program in writing offers five track options: creative writing, generalist, nonfiction writing, professional and technical writing, and publishing and editing, which can be tailored to your individual interests and career goals.
The program comprises intensive coursework that culminates in an exit portfolio, which is a collection of work that demonstrates your mastery of writing skills.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework, you can connect with fellow writers through the Canyon Voices First Draft Creative Writing Club.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 16 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
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The certificate in writing consists of 16 credit hours of coursework, of which a minimum of 13 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the certificate must be completed with a grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. |
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Students select one track and complete 15 credit hours from that track, of which 12 credit hours must be upper division.
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12 credit hours
Minimum
grade:B
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B | 12 |
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3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:B
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B | 3 |
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AMS 490 Writing Certificate Portfolio
or
ENG 495 Writing Certificate Portfolio
1 credit hours
Minimum
grade:B
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B | 1 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Revise portfolio writing samples to improve the content, structure, and clarity of their ideas in their chosen writing track.
- Write clearly, effectively, persuasively and descriptively in the format of their chosen writing track.
Revise portfolio writing samples to improve the content, structure, and clarity of their ideas in their chosen writing track.Enrollment requirements
Any ASU student in good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; scale is 4.00 = "A") who has successfully completed the first-year composition requirement (ENG 101 and 102; ENG 105; or ENG 107 and 108 with a grade of "C" or higher) is eligible to add the New College writing certificate. Students who wish to pursue this certificate should consult an academic advisor in the School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies to ensure that the appropriate set of courses is taken.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before an undergraduate degree is completed. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this writing certificate prepares you for
Certification of advanced writing skills paves the way to a vast array of career opportunities in journalism and publishing, public advocacy, military and government, elementary and secondary education, industry and management, economic development and law. Graduates are prepared for jobs as technical writers, copy editors, teachers, publishers, writers, reporters and correspondents, and script writers.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
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FAB N101
harcsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
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.
