College credit is now available with certificate programs! Enroll now before prices increase Oct. 26.

Creative Writing Certificate Program


interlochen online creative writing certificate program

Sharpen your writing skills and become a more nuanced, intentional writer. Whether you’re looking to enhance your academic writing or refine your storytelling skills, this online certificate program will provide new inspiration and constructive feedback on your work.

Taught by a world-class faculty of writers and educators, our Creative Writing certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive college credit, high school credit, or both. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that can be taken in any order.

Introduction to Creative Writing

✔Write well-crafted fiction
✔Sketch characters with wants and fears that propel the narrative of your story
✔Write dialogue that develops your characters
✔Create vivid settings with details that are significant and support the characters
✔Write metaphors that are thematically linked to your characters and settings

Creative Writing Techniques: Nonfiction

✔Build strong creative composition skills that also improve academic writing
✔Track the evolution and function of creative nonfiction in different cultures and time periods
✔Write effective essays by understanding their key components and what drives them
✔Write autobiographical pieces using key aspects of memoirs, such as their connection to memory and narrative
✔Apply innovative techniques to create hybrid works by combining poetry, photos, sounds, or other media into your creative nonfiction

Creative Writing Techniques: Fabulist Fiction

✔Write your own fabulist fiction short stories
✔Provide positive and constructive feedback to your peers
✔Discuss the literary movements that produced fabulism
✔Identify and describe the elements of fabulism in published works

 

For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official Interlochen transcript awarding 0.5 high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of high schools nationwide

For adults and high school students:

✔ An official college transcript awarding 3 college credits
✔ Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of college and universities nationwide

Eligible high school students may earn both high school and college credit through the same certificate program.

Yes, Interlochen Online certificate programs are accredited for both high school and college credit.

High school credit is available to teens and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

College credit is available to adults and current high school students and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Accreditation from Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) are widely recognized and accepted by thousands of institutions across the country. However, we encourage students and families to consult with their school counselor or registrar in advance to determine how the credit may be applied toward graduation requirements.

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty of seasoned fiction and nonfiction authors brings a wealth of expertise and passion to guide aspiring writers on the journey of creativity and self-discovery. With our faculty’s mentorship, students unlock their potential and refine their craft in a dynamic environment, shaping their voices as writers and resulting in tangible creative works.

Jeni McFarland

Jeni McFarland

Instructor of Creative Writing

Megan Baxter headshot

Megan Baxter

Instructor of Creative Writing

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Prevent Writer's Block

Get access to How Published Authors Stay Unstuck, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

Creative writing student