creative writing certificate courses

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Penn's Certificate in Creative Writing An Ivy League Certificate Designed to Unlock Your Creativity

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The online Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania offers an innovative and collaborative opportunity to enhance your creative expression within a liberal arts education. Both the basic and advanced certificate courses are designed as hands-on, intensive workshops exploring the subtleties and power of language.

A Penn Tradition of Excellence

A hallmark of a Penn education and valued by students and employers, the cultivation of excellent writing skills represents an opportunity for both career advancement and lifelong self-expression.

The online Certificate in Creative Writing offers both basic and advanced workshops for students new to creative writing as well as students with writing experience who want to learn new skills.

Results-Focused

Courses are designed to enhance your writing and storytelling skills and provide a framework for a creative process that can be applied to a myriad of professional roles.

Both basic and advanced online courses are scheduled at times to accommodate working adults, so you can easily enhance your creativity while still pursuing your career.

University of Pennsylvania online certificates—a flexible, Ivy League educational experience with immediate career impact.

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About the Creative Writing Program

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Required Courses

Students must complete all 5 courses listed below. Classes can be taken in any order.

Grammar Lab WCWP-40234

Units:  3.00

Grammar Lab (WCWP-40234)10 Weeks | OnlineThis ten-week online Grammar Lab course is skillfully designed to meet the needs of all students. It is beneficial for those with little grammar experience and...

Upcoming Start Dates:

The art and craft of creative writing wcwp-40107.

The Art and Craft of Creative Writing 10 Weeks | Online Course Description/Goals: Creative writing begins when the spark of an idea ignites the fuel of language. The writer picks up a pen or presse...

Developing Unforgettable Characters WCWP-40245

Units:  2.00

Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or memoir, characters are what draw your reader in and make them care enough to read on. This course offers methods for creating three-dimensional chara...

Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part I WCWP-40142

Within you there dwells an innate sense of storytelling and a unique voice with which to tell your stories. In this course you will explore writing techniques to help you locate and refine the natura...

Writers' Workshop: Read and Critique WCWP-40252

­­­Literary criticism is not a form of negatively critiquing a writing piece, but rather conscientiously and carefully analyzing written works through various lenses. Reading and critiquin...

Students must choose minimum 2 units of Literature from any of the classes below

Women and Madness LIT-40069

In the 19th century, a strange marriage of art, literature, science, and psychology catapulted society’s obsession with the archetypal madwoman into the mainstream. Pathologies that had once been used...

Gender Identity and Literature: Him, Her, Us LIT-40071

Gender is infinitely more intricate than the biological question of sex. Uncover the cultural, social and political implications of gender identity in three powerful works. Kiss of the Spider Woman, b...

Ernest Hemingway: Titan of American Literature LIT-40064

Ernest Hemingway wrote “All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwar...

American Literature: Stories of Immigration LIT-40022

Explore this Unique Take on Immigration Stories Immigration has once again taken center stage in the national spotlight, giving artists, writers and thinkers another opportunity to consider and help r...

Glittering Wit: Three Works by Oscar Wilde LIT-40099

Famous, and infamous, for his brilliant turn of phrase, seething social commentary and flamboyant personality, Oscar Wilde was the toast of the literary world throughout the 1880’s and 1890’s. Join us...

History of Children's Literature LIT-40093

Gain a deep understanding of the history of children s literature by studying classics of post-enlightenment writing for children. This course provides children s book writers, illustrators and enthus...

Students must choose 12 units of electives from any of the classes below

Novel Writing I WCWP-40187

The greatest challenge to writing a first novel may be deciding where to start. This course will help you write an engaging first paragraph and a draft of at least the first chapter. You may also work...

Novel Writing II WCWP-40297

Are you ready to develop a significant portion of your novel? This workshop will bring you valuable feedback on your work, including suggestions for revision. Class discussion will focus on the struct...

Novel Writing III WCWP-40254

This class will prepare you for the big picture review of your novel. With the use of contemporary and classic novels as examples, you will evaluate the progress on the plot arc and character developm...

Creative Non-Fiction

Memoir writing wcwp-40200.

Many of us have had fascinating lives, whether lived inwardly or outwardly, during childhood long ago or in the past decade. But when it comes to writing a memoir, where do we begin? The day of our bi...

Self-Editing and Publishing for the Web WCWP-40313

The ability to edit your own written work is a skill that s highly valued by employers and publishers. This class focuses on strengthening your writing for the web using journalistic techniques. Wheth...

News and Feature Writing WCWP-40276

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the purpose of journalism and the fundamentals of news and featue writing. In this ever-changing media landscape, one thing can remain constant: an indiv...

The Writer's Art of Interviewing WCWP-40123

Effective interviewing techniques translate to writing that is clear, lively, and depending on the writer s mission instructive or entertaining. This course will encompass all the integral compone...

Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part II WCWP-40338

This course is a continuation of Finding Our Voices, Telling Our Stories: Part I. In this course students will continue to build upon the story they created in the first section of this series of clas...

Children's Writing

Writing children's picture books wcwp-40261.

Let the wild rumpus begin! Do you dream of imaginary lands and mythical creatures? Learn how to inspire a child s imagination by giving them the tools necessary to explore the world around them. The ...

Writing for Children I: Introduction WCWP-40186

Have you ever told yourself that someday you will write a children s book? Now s your chance! Join us as we demystify the writing process and examine the wide variety of books offered to children: pi...

Writing for Children II: Intermediate WCWP-40315

Revision is the key to improving your work to reach the next level: publication. But often the hardest part is to figure out which words to cut, which to leave in, and how to tighten up the rest. Thi...

Writing for the Middle Grade/YA Reader WCWP-40274

Discover how successful middle grade and young adult books are crafted, and begin to plot out and write a tale of your own. In this course, we will consider how a plot works, what makes a compelling ...

Writing Non-Fiction and Informational Books for Children WCWP-40327

The market for children s nonfiction and informational books and articles has never been better. In this course, which can be taken by those familiar with writing for children and those just beginnin...

General Electives

Forms of poetry wcwp-40308.

Amy Lowell wrote, "No one expects a man to make a chair without first learning how, but there is a popular impression that the poet is born, not made, and that his verses burst from his overflowing he...

Nature Writing: The True Muse WCWP-40342

Nature Writing: The True Muse (WCWP-40342)6 Weeks | Online As writers, we are the witness and voice of our time, and as such, we are invited to translate what we experience to share and celebrate wit...

The Business of Writing

Building a business around writing wcwp-40321.

Units:  1.00

There a many avenues to building a business around writing. In this short course we will briefly discuss various possibilities including becoming a book author, freelance writer for hire, or journal...

The Art and Business of Blogging WCWP-40334

In this course students will learn the art of writing for an online audience, how to create a basic Wordpress site, insert blog posts, edit, and brand their blog. This course will also touch on how to...

Conditions for Admission

Students should have a native level of fluency in English and be able to write clear, logical and grammatically-correct sentences.

Certificate Guidelines

The program consists of earning at least 28 quarter units in Creative Writing and related courses. Students should be able to complete the entire certificate program in 2.5 years or less depending on their work load.

Students must pass all 14 units of required classes, 2 units of Literature, and choose 12 units from our listed electives in order to receive the certificate.

Advisory Board

Benjamin Doller

Professor and Author

UC San Diego

Author and Professor Emerita of Writing and Literature

University of CA, San Diego

Judy Reeves

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Creative Writing Certificate

A certificate program for aspiring writers

Best-selling novels, blockbuster movies and award-winning poems all start with an idea…but the crucial next step of creating words to convey and express those ideas can be daunting. Our customizable Creative Writing Certificate program provides individualized guidance from experienced instructors who have published works in multiple genres. Explore methodologies across all writing categories as you refine both your personal style and voice utilizing the most effective tools and techniques. Schedule flexibility combined with a variety of elective options allows you to tailor the curriculum based on personal interests and skill sets. Build your platform and grow your brand as you work to successfully achieve your writing goals.

The following types of students will benefit from this program:

• Working professionals looking to bolster their writing skills
• Aspiring authors eager to become published
• Hobbyists seeking to hone their craft

Program objectives

After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of professional writing techniques spanning all aspects of the writing process
• Utilize the practical knowledge of how to grow their platform, evaluate the commercial potential of their work, and move toward publishing
• Create a tangible testament to their academic achievement in the field

Certificate requirements

To receive the certificate, students must:

• Complete all four (4) of the core courses
• Complete at least three (3) elective courses
• Attend at least 80% of the class sessions in each course
• Satisfy all program requirements within 18 months

All courses are also offered open enrollment, meaning anyone can register for them regardless of affiliation with Emory or desire to complete the certificate program. Students must apply for and be accepted into the Advanced Revision Workshop .

View writing submission guidelines . 

Certificate overview

Duration 12-18 months

Cost $3,045

Time commitment 84 hours

Are you an employer?

Students should complete the four (4) required courses in the order listed below.

Students must complete three (3) of the following electives before, during, or after the required courses.

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Creative Writing Certificate | Northwestern SPS - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

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Program Overview

Creative Writing

Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

The writing certificate introduces students to the small-group workshop format and features individual attention from published, award-winning faculty . Flexible scheduling – with courses offered evenings and weekends on Northwestern’s Chicago and Evanston campuses as well as online and in hybrid format – gives students the opportunity to balance their professional, personal and writing lives. While earning their certificate, students will likewise have the opportunity to connect with other writers at readings and events in an artistic community that extends beyond the University into Chicagoʼs vibrant literary scene.

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STACKABLE CERTIFICATE

Complete this four-course certificate and apply your credit to Northwestern’s MA in Writing or MFA in Prose and Poetry programs.

About the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

Graduate certificate in creative writing learning outcomes, creative writing curriculum, creative writing courses, creative writing admission, creative writing tuition, registration information for creative writing, creative writing faculty.

• Applying Credit to the MA in Writing or MFA in Prose and Poetry

After successful completion of the certificate, students will have the knowledge, skills, and aptitude to:

• Determine the strengths and areas for improvement in their writing, and learn how to evaluate critical feedback of their work
• Revise work, re-think it, and re-imagine it
• Experiment with different styles and forms
• Read literature as a writer and a critic

Students will also be introduced to:

• Tools for teaching creative writing, informed by current pedagogy and classroom experience
• The vibrant literary community at the university, in the city of Chicago, and environs

Students are required to complete the following four courses to earn the certificate: 

• 2 Writing Workshops in the genre in which they are accepted (list of available workshops below)
• 1 Literature Course (may be any 400-level LIT Course; some 400-level IPLS courses may apply)
• 1 Elective (may be any MCW 490 Elective Course, MCW 575 The Publishing Industry: Literary Presses and Journals, any Publishing and Professional Development Course, any additional Literature Course)

Writing Workshops

• MCW 411 - Poetry Workshop
• MCW 413 - Fiction Writing Workshop
• MCW 417 - Popular Fiction Writing Workshop
• MCS 461 - Nonfiction Writing Workshop

Literature Courses

• LIT 405 - Topics in Literature (topics vary - see course schedule)
• LIT 410 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Literary and Cultural Analysis
• LIT 480 - Topics in Comparative Literature (topics vary - see course schedule)
• LIT 492 - Special Topics (topics vary - see course schedule)

Review curriculum details while you consider applying to this program. Current students should refer to the curriculum requirements in place at time of entry into the program.

Explore Creative Writing Courses. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.

A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the  Graduate Certificate Admission  page.

Tuition for this program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Complete details can be found on the Creative Writing Certificate Tuition page.

Already accepted into the Graduate Certificate in program name program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible.

Instructors in the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing program at Northwestern are leading scholars and practitioners in their field. They bring real-world experiences to the classroom and engage with students on a personal level. Get to know the instructors on the Creative Writing Faculty page.

Applying Credit to the MA in Writing or MFA in Prose and Poetry Programs

Students that are interested in the option of applying their credit to the SPS MA in Writing or MFA in Prose and Poetry programs must submit an online application and submit all required application materials .

Students that elect to apply to a master's program before completing a graduate certificate will be able to count completed courses toward the applicable master's degree, but there will be no certificate conferred.

If you are interested in exploring this option, please contact the SPS graduate advising team for information on how to pursue a master's degree at SPS.

Find out more about Northwestern's Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

Creative Writing Certificate Program

Illustration by valerie tran, announcements, admission applications.

The deadline for applying to the Creative Writing Certificate Program was March 1.  We are no longer accepting applications at this time.  The next application window is September 1 - October 1, 2024.

Writing Contests

The deadline for submitting entries to the Spring 2024 Writing Prizes was March 1.  Winners will be announced in late-April.

Ongoing Opportunities

Check back often for more links to publishing, contest, and internship opportunities.

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The Texas Book Festival , one of the largest in the country, takes place annually in late October / early November, but offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Poets and Writers magazine lists contests, fellowships, grants, and literary journals for writers of all levels. 

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Creative Writing, Advanced Certificate

Dr. brigitte byrd,  coordinator.

[email protected]

Creative Writing in the Digital Age, Advanced Certificate

The Certificate in Creative Writing in the Digital Age will develop skilled writers who are technologically savvy by providing them with knowledge and skills necessary to create, publish, and market creative works.

This program will take students beyond traditional creative writing by introducing them to the production of digital content for multi-platform delivery. The certificate will prepare students for careers such as web content writer, digital copywriter, professional blogger, social media specialist, editorial assistant, magazine journalist, columnist, writer/author, creative director, publishing copyeditor/proofreader, and other professions in education, the arts, public relations, and business, especially the publishing business.

Students in this program will achieve the following outcomes:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Engage the creative process with experimentation and problem solving to produce original works in multiple genres.
• Interpret the effects of technical craft elements in published literary works.
• Acquire expertise in designing digital and print texts.
• Apply the peer review workshop process to explore, develop, and revise original writing.
• Demonstrate social responsibility and ethical behavior toward the creation of original works in a culturally diverse world.
• Create an e-portfolio composed of traditional creative writing pieces and content for digital/multi-platform delivery.
• The certificate is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited international institution.
• Students will complete an application form from the School of Graduate Studies at Clayton State University.
• Students will be required to complete 15 course credit hours from a select menu of courses.
• The certificate is offered 100% online and can be completed in one year. These credits may not include any required graduate courses in students’ degree programs. Electives in students’ graduate degree program may count toward the certificate.
• Since students in the program are considered non-degree seeking, financial aid is not available. 
• Students are expected to observe School of Graduate Studies and University Graduate Rules, Regulations and Academic Policies. Students are expected to maintain Good Academic Standing, which is defined as a minimum institutional GPA of 3.0.

Program Requirements

Students will select five (5) courses from the list below. Each course is a 3.0 hour-credit. Each course will include material feeding into an e-portfolio.

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Creative Writing

About this program.

Have you longed to explore your creative potential?

Embrace the unknown and start your journey here. As part of one of the largest Creative Writing programs in Canada, you can learn the essentials of excellent writing and put them into practice. Whether you aspire to write a novel or short story, explore poetry, pen a script or screenplay, or explore other writing styles, we have the courses you need to improve your skills.

Class sizes and writers workshops are kept small to ensure you receive the individual attention you need to help your writing thrive, whether you take your class in-class or online. 

Courses in the genres listed below can be applied to the Certificate in Creative Writing

• Creative Non-Fiction
• Escritura Creativa en Español
• Literary Fiction
• Multi-genre
• Poetry and Songwriting
• Popular Fiction
• Stage and Screenwriting
• U of T Summer Writing School
• Writing for Children

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Take an IELTS test in or nearby Moscow

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Make sure to prepare for the IELTS exam . Make sure you will get a good score on your test by selecting an English language program. Choose a top language school that can advance you to your intended English level and start your IELTS preparation course .

There are several standardised English tests that you can take to proof your English level, such as the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), offered by British Council and IDP. IELTS is the most popular of these tests, with British Council offering more than 1000 test locations and being accepted by more than 11,500 organisations world-wide.

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Creative Writing Certificate Capstone

Reflect on your experience in the Certificate in Creative Writing program in this course that guides you in gathering a portfolio of your work and summary of your learning.

What you can learn.

• Review the writing completed during the certificate to compile your strongest pieces into a portfolio
• Develop an Artist’s Statement that summarizes your personal thoughts about writing and how you should do it
• Identify key moments in your certificate program that helped you develop stronger skills
• Participate in a supportive community helping you transition out of classes and into the field

About this course:

Spring 2024 schedule.

Optional remote meetings to be held Weeks 3 - 10 for guest speakers on Thursday at 2 p.m. PT on Zoom. 

Restricted course; only Creative Writing Certificate students who have completed 18 units are eligible to enroll. Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

To request a certificate audit and permission to enroll, log in with your existing student account and follow the instructions below:

• On the Capstone course page, click Enroll and then Checkout
• Select Checkout again
• Click Start on the first application page
• Click Submit Application

A staff member will complete your certificate audit to ensure eligibility and be in touch within one week.

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required class meetings, but optional guest speaker meetings will be announced. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Summer 2024 Schedule

Optional meetings to be held for guest speakers during Weeks 3-10 on Wednesdays at 6pm PT on Zoom. 

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

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Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot

This course is part of Creative Writing Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Instructor: Brando Skyhorse

Financial aid available

293,010 already enrolled

(4,736 reviews)

Skills you'll gain

• Short Story Writing
• Fiction Writing
• Copy Editing

Details to know

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to perhaps the most elemental and often the most challenging element of story: plot. We will learn what keeps it moving, how it manipulates our feelings, expectations, and desires. We will examine the choices storytellers make to snag our imaginations, drag them into a fictional world, and keep them there. We will learn how to outline and structure a plot, discuss narrative arc, pacing and reversals and reveal the inevitable surprise: connecting the beginning, middle and end.

Plotting a Course

In this module, we'll learn essentials about plot definitions and mechanics. What is plot? How does plot shape a narrative? What makes a strong plot? How is plot different from a story? We'll also discuss how plot works in actual books you're probably familiar with, such as the Harry Potter series, how character and action equals plot, and the five key questions you should ask yourself when creating a dynamic character.

What's included

4 videos 2 readings 1 peer review

4 videos • Total 26 minutes

• What Is Plot? • 7 minutes • Preview module
• How Plot Works in Harry Potter • 8 minutes
• Character + Action = Plot • 7 minutes
• Feedback Expectations for the Specialization • 2 minutes

2 readings • Total 4 minutes

• A Note on Assignments • 1 minute
• Promo Codes • 3 minutes

1 peer review • Total 60 minutes

• The Escalator • 60 minutes

The Power of Structure

In this module we're going to learn what story structure is and how by understanding structure you can learn how to sequence the events in your plot to help maximize your own storytelling abilities.We'll talk about Freytag's pyramid, the five act structure, how that structure can be found in works of classic literature, and have a conversation about how structure and outlines can help organize the stories you want to tell.

3 videos 1 peer review

3 videos • Total 22 minutes

• What Is Structure? • 7 minutes • Preview module
• ABDCE Structure Examples from Famous Works of Literature • 7 minutes
• Visiting Writer: A Conversation with Douglas Martin • 7 minutes
• What's Up, Doc? • 60 minutes

A Scene in Motion

Scenes are the building blocks of storytelling. But what is a scene? And how does a scene move plot forward? In this module we'll learn about the difference between telling and showing, the five key elements each scene should have, offer some examples of effective scenes, and have a conversation about how setting and description can make a scene come alive.

3 videos • Total 26 minutes

• What Is a Scene? • 7 minutes • Preview module
• Examples of Effective Scenes • 8 minutes
• Shop Talk with Amity Gaige • 10 minutes
• Show, Don't Tell • 60 minutes

This modules deals with the specifics of editing and revising your work. This process of revision starts with the first draft (which will now become your second draft) and continues until the manuscript’s ready to send to an agent. Included here are a twenty-one point checklist on what to do once you have a completed first draft, and conversations about creating characters with strong motivations, and how to define language that gets rewritten vs language that gets cut.

4 videos 1 peer review

4 videos • Total 31 minutes

• Editing and Revision • 7 minutes • Preview module
• Shop Talk with Amy Bloom • 10 minutes
• Shop Talk with Salvatore Scibona • 10 minutes
• The 21st Point • 3 minutes
• The Whole Story • 60 minutes

Instructor ratings

We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.

Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

Wesleyan University

Creative Writing

Specialization

Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description

Creative Writing: The Craft of Style

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Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 4736

4,736 reviews

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2017

Course is well structured and the material is very helpful. I enjoyed both the lessons and the assignments. The review from fellow classmates helped me alot in improving my creative writing skills.

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2020

I really enjoyed the course. I was hoping for some direct teacher contact with the assignments. Peer reviews are great, but it would be nice to get feedback for major assignments from the instructors.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2020

Course is great, very clear and focused tips to improve one's writing. The peer-review is not that good and there is no instructor's evaluation and feedback. I understand that would be a lot of work.

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Frequently asked questions

When will i have access to the lectures and assignments.

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

What is the refund policy?

If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy Opens in a new tab .

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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