Nonfiction Writing and Publishing (Graduate Certificate)
Cross-disciplinary, Interdisciplinary, Nonfiction, Publishing, Storytelling, Transdisciplinary, writing
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
The graduate certificate program in nonfiction writing and publishing teaches students 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 one's chosen fields of research.
In this interdisciplinary program, students read, study and write narrative nonfiction, including literary journalism, op-ed pieces, explanatory essays and memoirs. Students learn how to analyze the craft and stylistic decisions of professional and literary nonfiction writers and utilize these skills in their own work.
Award-winning faculty teach scholars and students to produce vivid writing that connects with a larger public; they also teach the most effective ways to get their writing out into the world, be it through blogs, online or print publications, trade books, or film and television.
This program is open to all graduate students who want to write eloquently, persuasively and memorably about their research or life experiences.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe, West Valley
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)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- writing sample
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
International students who need an F1 or J1 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- 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.
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
School for the Future of Innovation in Society
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sfisgrad@asu.edu
480-727-8787
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
