About Creative Writing

Passionate about creative writing? This certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach to creative expression and provides excellent preparation for a job in the publishing industry or a degree in creative writing.

Many courses are UC/CSU transferable, and some fulfill general education requirements for CSU. The Creative Writing program offers many benefits, such as discovering your voice through artistic expression, participating in a writers’ community, and gaining experience designing, editing, and publishing our student-run literary and visual arts magazine, Forum, that serves the City College of San Francisco community, greater Bay Area, and beyond. We also host public events including our Visiting Writers Series and our community-based reading series and open mic, LitNight.

Explore Potential Careers

Studying Creative Writing can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have:

  • Social Media Manager
  • Journalist
  • Publisher
  • Grant Writer or Technical Writer
  • Author
  • Editor

Program Options 

Click on the certificate to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
Engl 35A, 35C, or 35G Introduction to Writing Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Nonfiction 3  
Engl 35L or IDST 36 Introduction to Literary Magazine or Poetry for the People 3  
One Literature Course Choose from list 3  

Total Units: 9 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
Engl 35B, 35D, 35H, or 35M Intermediate Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, Creative Nonfiction Writing, or Literary Magazine  3  
One Craft Exploration Course Choose from list 3  
Engl 35A, 35C, or 35G Introduction to Writing Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Nonfiction 3  

Total Units: 9 

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring English programs at the following institutions: 

  • San Francisco State University
  • UC Berkeley
  • UC Davis
  • UC Santa Cruz
  • UC Irvine
  • Mills College
  • California College of the Arts

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.