Are online creative writing certificates worth the investment?

From personalized feedback to expert-designed lessons, here are a few reasons an online creative writing certificate program may be the right choice for your personal and professional goals.

Creative Writing students working at Interlochen

February 20, 2025

As remote learning becomes increasingly mainstream, aspiring writers are faced with more educational options than ever before. One option includes programs that offer online creative writing courses that can be applied toward a certificate—such as the Creative Writing Certificate Program from Interlochen Online.

But are these programs worth the time, effort, and financial investment? According to real Interlochen Online students, the answer is a resounding yes. Below, we share how the value of online creative writing certificates extends far beyond a credential on your résumé.

Expanding Your Knowledge Base

Online creative writing certificates offer structured learning developed by published authors. These programs blend theoretical knowledge with practical application—allowing you to study expert-designed content, analyze works by contemporary masters, and practice the techniques you’ve studied by creating your own pieces.

The curriculum typically combines video lectures, readings, class discussions, and hands-on writing exercises that build on earlier assignments. This progressive approach helps you develop a stronger foundation in writing techniques across various styles and genres.

Tapping into Personalized Feedback

Unlike self-directed learning through books or free online resources, online creative writing certificate programs provide direct feedback on your work.

"With online creative writing courses, you can get feedback from all different kinds of people who each share a deep passion for writing," says Interlochen Online student Quin C. "The feedback from other students and instructors has helped me greatly in all of my artistic endeavors."

Constructive criticism from both accomplished writer-educators and fellow learners can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your writing that you might not recognize yourself. The structured critique process teaches not only how to improve your work, but also how to accept and incorporate feedback—crucial skills for any writer hoping to publish.

Building a Community of Writers

One of the most-cited benefits of pursuing an online creative writing certificate is the community aspect. Through class discussions, weekly live sessions, and peer critiques, you’ll forge connections with fellow writers that often extend beyond the duration of the program.

These relationships provide lasting support, accountability, and inspiration. Many graduates report that the friends they made during their certificate program became an invaluable network of editors and collaborators who understand the unique challenges of the writing life.

Venturing Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Certificate programs typically include multiple online creative writing courses covering different aspects of the writing craft. This structure encourages you to experiment with unfamiliar genres and styles you might not explore independently.

As Interlochen Online student Diane Wilshere explains, "I challenged myself, especially in the Creative Writing Techniques: Fabulist Fiction course, where I thought I would be out of my depth. In reality, it ended up being the course where I thrived."

This exposure to different writing styles often leads to unexpected discoveries about your strengths and preferences—potentially opening new creative avenues.

Achieving Outcomes That Matter

Beyond the intangible benefits, online creative writing certificates offer concrete advantages:

Professional recognition: Upon completion, you’ll receive a credential that can be added to your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or college application—demonstrating your commitment to developing your craft.
Confidence building: Regular participation in workshops helps build the confidence needed to share your work with others. Your instructor and peers want to help you succeed, which fosters a supportive and encouraging space to practice being vulnerable.
High school credit: Some certificate programs, such as the programs through Interlochen Online, allow high school-age students to earn high school credit.
Portfolio development: Throughout the program, you'll create multiple pieces and share them with instructors and peers for feedback. You’ll emerge with thoughtfully revised works that are ready to be added to your writing portfolio—or even published. Many Interlochen Online students have gone on to publish their course-created works in personal blogs, literary journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Is It Worth It?

Ultimately, the value of an online creative writing certificate depends on your goals. If you're seeking structure, community, feedback, and exposure to new writing styles, these programs offer significant benefits that self-study cannot match.

As Wilshere advises, "Don't dismiss the idea of completing the certificate program for your course of study. It will challenge you and give you great insight into your own creative process."

For many writers, the investment in an online creative writing certificate pays dividends not just in improved writing skills, but in connections made, confidence gained, and new creative paths discovered—outcomes that extend far beyond the virtual classroom.