Graduate UMF students sit at a table working on paper.

Creative Writing Certificate

Write Your Story

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) Creative Writing Certificate helps you develop your voice through intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Working closely with practicing writers in small classes, you’ll receive personalized feedback, refine your craft, and build a portfolio that showcases your growth and prepares you for publishing, graduate study, or creative careers.

Program at a Glance

  • Learning Format: On Campus
  • Credit Hours: 15 credits
  • Cost: $329/per credit
  • Application deadlines: Year round admissions with flexible start dates
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Round classroom with engage
Round classroom with engage

What You’ll Learn

Through workshops and mentorship with practicing writers, you’ll develop your creative voice, refine your craft, and build a professional writing portfolio. Graduates will be able to:

  • Create original work in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and other genres.
  • Apply techniques such as narrative structure, characterization, imagery, dialogue, and voice.
  • Revise and strengthen writing through workshops and faculty feedback.
  • Critically evaluate creative work using writing workshop practices.
  • Produce a polished portfolio and manuscript showcasing artistic growth.

Explore Courses and Requirements

Why Get a Certificate with UMF

Advance Your Career

Build specialized skills and deepen your expertise to move forward in your profession, expand your opportunities, and increase your impact in the field.

Affordable & Flexible

Balance your career and education with a blended format with a low tuition rate of $329 per credit—one of the most affordable rates in Maine.

Learn from Working Writers

Take workshop-style courses taught by practicing writers who provide personalized feedback and mentorship in small classes.

What can you do with a Creative Writing Certificate?

Strong storytelling, communication, and creative problem-solving skills are valuable across industries. Whether you want to pursue publication, build a freelance career, or apply your writing skills in a professional setting, preparing you to create compelling content and communicate with impact. Career paths include:

  • Publishing
  • Content Creation
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Education
  • Screenwriting & Scriptwriting
  • Freelance Writing

A group of smiling students at commencement

Stack Your Certificate Into a Bachelor’s Degree

Many UMF undergraduate certificates can be applied toward a related bachelor’s degree, allowing you to build on the work you have already completed. If you decide to continue your studies, courses taken for a certificate may count toward degree requirements, helping you save time and maximize your investment.

Whether you’re exploring creative writing for personal enrichment or planning to earn a bachelor’s degree, starting with a certificate offers a flexible pathway toward your goals.

Explore Degrees

Faculty Who Know the Writing Life

Our creative writing faculty bring real-world experience as published authors and working writers into every workshop. They’ll challenge, encourage, and support you as you experiment with new forms, revise your work, and grow as a writer.
Amy Neswald
Amy Neswald

Associate Professor of Creative Writing

About Amy
Jeffrey Thomson
Jeffrey Thomson

Professor of Creative Writing

About Jeffrey
Lewis Robinson
Lewis Robinson

Associate Professor of Creative Writing

About Lewis

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
umfadmit@maine.edu
Apply Now! Request Info