About the Creative Writing Program
Santa Monica College's English Department offers a range of exciting creative writing classes that can benefit writers of all skill levels. Explore your desire to write or refine your existing writing abilities through our courses about writing in the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. You can take a single class that fits your interests, or you can learn about the full range of writing genres by pursuing our new Creative Writing Certificate.
Program Path

Creative Writing
Certificate of Achievement
The Creative Writing Certificate provides students with the preparation needed to author works in creative writing, including works for personal development and/or professional application. Completion of the required courses in the Certificate Program provides a comprehensive foundation in the study and practice of creative writing, and guides students through varied and rich opportunities to dig deep into the power and properties of language and the craft of writing expressively.
Contact Us
Please email us if you have questions about the Creative Writing Program. We want to hear from you:
- Diane Arieff at: arieff_diane@smc.edu
- Susan Caggiano at: caggiano_susan@smc.edu
Resources and Transfer
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in Creative Writing. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a degree in Creative Writing should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses should be taken at SMC to transfer to their chosen schools.

