The creative writing courses at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) are open to all students with writing skills comparable to those typically learned in English Composition 111 and 203. CAPS offers a 16-unit certificate program in Creative Writing for those who want to explore in depth, and achieve significant mastery in, the art of writing fiction or creative nonfiction. Students are able to complete this certificate online, however, course availability may vary depending on the semester.

Instructors in this program are experienced professional writers, most of whom are associated with the WashU Graduate Writing Program and the Department of English. All of the craft courses are taught using the workshop model, with open discussion and detailed, constructive criticism of each student’s writing.


Business-related programs at CAPS are not accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) at WashU. Most courses are three units.

This program is offered either mostly or fully online.  Students entering the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in a program full time.  F-1 students are only permitted to enroll in one online course per semester and J-1 students may only enroll in non-credit online courses that do not count toward their degree program.  CAPS cannot guarantee face-to-face enrollment options each semester of full time enrollment, therefore cannot issue an I-20 or DS 2019 to F-1 and J-1 students for this program.  If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and wish to enroll in a CAPS program while here on a Visa, please contact our recruitment team to discuss your options for face-to-face program enrollment.  F-1 and J-1 students should not enroll in online courses or programs without first consulting the university’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS).


Learn more about the Certificate in Creative Writing program and degree requirements in the WashU Bulletin.

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