Creative Writing

Go from practiced to polished.

One of the nation's most prestigious open-enrollment creative writing programs.

Creative Writing at UCLA Extension

Whether you're looking to improve your writing for personal fulfillment, want to be published, or are preparing to apply to an MFA program, the Writers' Program can help you achieve your goals. You will find a supportive community of instructors, academic counselors and fellow students to help you on your journey.

We offer a wide range of open-enrollment courses, all of which may be taken individually. A guide on where to get started is provided below.

We also offer a fully customizable 21-unit Certificate in Creative Writing where you can develop professional creative writing skills in the genre of your choice.

What do you want to create?

Genre Start Here
Novels Beginning Fiction
Short Stories Beginning Fiction
Memoirs Beginning Creative Nonfiction
Personal Essays Beginning Creative Nonfiction
Creative Nonfiction Beginning Creative Nonfiction
Poetry Poetry
Young Adult Novels Writing for Young Adults
Middle Grade Novels Writing for Kids & Middle Grade
Picture Books Writing Picture Books

See All Courses

Creative Writing Certificate

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Develop your skills in the genre of your choice, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and more.

This customizable program culminates in a capstone project where you will make significant progress on a polished collection of work.

Taught by a prestigious roster of instructors who are published writers and active professionals, courses can be taken onsite, online, or a combination of both.

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Annual Writers Studio

4-day in-person, intensive workshops in Creative Writing & Screenwriting.

Perfect for both aspiring and experienced writers looking for new inspiration.

This year's Writers Studio was held in August. The 2025 dates and registration will be provided once available.

Read about the 2024 Writers Studio

Writers' Program Consultations

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If you have a completed draft of a manuscript and need feedback for your work, consider a one-on-one consultation with a Writers’ Program instructor.

Consultations give you a full cover-to-cover read of your work, a written evaluation, and a follow-up conversation in person, via phone, or web chat.

Get Started

Expect more from your education.

Learn from Industry Leaders

MFA, fiction writer, author of the story collection Once Removed (UGA Press) and winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. 

Colette Sartor
BUILD COMMUNITY

Writers' Program Network of Writers (WP NOW)

Stay immersed in the Writers' Program community. Our optional membership program offers exclusive access to a range of discounts and benefits, including members-only networking, professional development opportunities, and course discounts. 

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My UCLA Extension coursework, teachers, and colleagues have shaped my writing life, fueled the creation of my novel, and provided continual inspiration.

Michael Sudmeier
Former Writers' Program student and Wyoming Arts Council fiction fellowship recipient

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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