Writing
The undergraduate Certificate in Writing enables students in all majors to benefit from the university's wide-ranging writing programs and resources by pursuing a concentration in writing related to their majors, career goals, or personal interests. Good writing will help you in all fields of study and in any career you choose.
Why Study at Iowa?
The University of Iowa is known nationally and internationally for its writing programs, particularly for its top-ranked graduate programs in creative writing (Iowa Writers' Workshop) and nonfiction writing. In addition to those, it offers numerous discipline-based undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize writing, and several of its colleges have their own writing centers.
In addition to core courses required for this certificate, students also take courses in at least two of these areas:
- Writing for the professions
- Writing and the literary arts
- Writing and the media
- Writing in context
- Student-designated writing-intensive courses
In addition to this certificate program, the university offers a Creative Writing Track for students in the BA Program in English.
Course Work
To earn the certificate, you'll explore writing and develop your own writing skills in a range of genres and for different purposes, such as creative writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry); writing for the professions, including the arts, business, journalism, science, and many others; writing for organizations; and writing related to personal interests. You'll also participate in writing community activities.
Admission Requirements
Review Writing in the UI General Catalog for more details about admission and course requirements.
Student Opportunities
Students in this certificate may be interested in applying to live in the Iowa Writer's Living-Learning Community in the residence halls.
Application Process
Undergraduate certificate programs are available to students once they are enrolled in a degree program at Iowa, or after they have received a bachelor's degree. Review our Areas of Study to select a major.
