Creative Writing Certificate of Achievement
The Creative Writing Certificate of Achievement at Cuyamaca College helps students develop their literary voices through the study and practice of creative writing across multiple genres. Students read and analyze works by established and contemporary authors, create and revise original pieces, and participate in workshops and public readings. The program also introduces students to pathways for publication—from self-publishing to professional submission—offering a flexible option for writers pursuing personal, academic, or career goals. A total of 16–19 units is required to earn the Certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Create and refine original creative work in multiple genres, demonstrating control of language, form, and style.
- Apply critical and editorial skills to evaluate, revise, and strengthen both their own writing and the work of peers through workshop and feedback processes.
- Evaluate creative writing as an artistic, cultural, and professional practice, drawing connections between their own work and the broader literary community.
- Develop a cohesive creative portfolio that reflects growth as a writer and readiness for publication, performance, or further academic study in creative writing or literature.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL-C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL-C1002 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENGL-126 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENGL-130 | Short Fiction Writing I | 3 |
| ENGL-140 | Poetry Writing I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| Short Fiction Writing II | ||
| Short Fiction Writing III | ||
| Short Fiction Writing IV | ||
| Poetry Writing II | ||
| Poetry Writing III | ||
| Poetry Writing IV | ||
| Women, Gender, and Sexuality in Literature | ||
| Introduction to Film as Literature | ||
| Fantasy and Science Fiction | ||
| Chicana/o Literature | ||
or ETHN-236 | Chicana/o Literature | |
| Black Literature | ||
or ETHN-238 | Black Literature | |
| Cooperative Work Experience in English | ||
| Total Units | 17-20 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Students who complete only the major requirements above qualify for a Certificate of Achievement. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.