Graduate Certificate in Novel Writing 

The School of Graduate Studies: Traditional, On Campus

The graduate certificate in Novel Writing at Rosemont College is designed to guide writers from initial idea to completion. It’s often said that as many as 90% of Americans believe they have a book inside them, yet as many as 97% of would be authors never finish their manuscript. Regardless of the statistics, the reality remains that writing a novel is a challenging endeavor to undertake alone. The Rosemont College MFA program offers aspiring novelists a proven opportunity to complete their novel through our Novel Writing Certificate Program.

Look Forward to a Successful Future

Learn to successfully publish full length works and individual pieces, whether they be poems, essays, or short stories, with leading publishing houses or independent presses. Elevate your career as both a writer and an educator in the craft of writing. Advance your career as both a writer and a teacher of writing.  Seek to win or be nominated for literary prizes such as the Pushcart Prize and prestigious major awards like the John Newbery Medal or the Shirley Jackson Award. Click on the toggle below for a limited list of works published by Rosemont students and graduates. 

A Novel Writing Certificate can pave the way for a diverse range of career paths, including but not limited to:

• • Columnist
  • Communications Director
  • Designer
  • Editor
  • Freelance Writer
  • Literary Agent
  • Marketing Director
  • Production Manager
  • Published Author
  • Teacher 

Why Study Novel Writing at Rosemont?

The Novel Writing Certificate program is here to offer would be novelists a proven opportunity to help you develop and/or finish your novel. The course sequence is designed to take you from idea to completed manuscript with an opportunity to work one on one with a dedicated manuscript mentor. 

Rosemont MFA alumni have achieved notable success, with publications by the ‘Big Five’ publishers and recipients of major awards. For instance, in 2018, Erin Entrada Kelly, an MFA graduate from the class of 2016, earned the prestigious John Newbery Medal for her novel Hello Universe, which originated as her thesis. Erin’s achievement is not isolated; many graduates of the program have found success in publishing their works and advancing their careers in their chosen fields.

All faculty members are published authors who are also student centered instructors. Together, students and faculty form a dynamic, productive writing community where students expand the boundaries of their talent, experience new techniques and viewpoints, discover the rich traditions of the literary world, and ground themselves in the practical knowledge of the publishing industry.

This community of writers is brought even closer together through events such as monthly student/faculty readings and other events and conferences such as Push to Publish, which is held each fall and LitLife, which is held in the spring.

Rosemont publishes the literary magazine, Rathalla Review, which is run completely by MFA and Graduate Publishing Students and publishes two online issues a year as well as a print issue each spring.  

Rosemont's intentionally small class sizes foster deep connections among students and professors, enabling you to discover your unique voice and expand your professional opportunities. Our intimate academic environment encourages active participation in learning - you'll contribute to discussions, engage with diverse viewpoints, and think critically about your own ideas.

Since 1921, Rosemont has been dedicated to supporting students like you in advancing their lives and those of their families through education. We believe in making quality education affordable and attainable; this commitment is reflected in every aspect of our application process.

Writer's Studio

Rosemont expands its literary community through non credit courses offered under the banner of the Rosemont Writer's Studio. These workshops, an integral part of Rosemont College's MFA Program, welcome MFA graduates from any institution as well as members of the vibrant Philadelphia writing community. They provide accessible avenues for focused writing and publishing education. Our aim is to offer affordable opportunities for individuals eager to enhance their skills and immerse themselves in a thriving literary environment.

With more degrees, diverse experiences, and expanded options, a brighter future awaits. The dynamic writing community at Rosemont not only presents numerous career pathways to explore but also extends ongoing support to maximize personal creativity and productivity, empowering you to achieve your writing aspirations.

Choose Your Path to Success

Whether you're embarking on the traditional path of full time study or returning to writing as an adult learner, it's essential to explore all master's degree, Graduate Certificate & program options offered at Rosemont College:

Take Your Education Even Further

3 Year Double Master's Degree

Rosemont's Double Degree program, combining an MA in Publishing with an MFA in Creative Writing, presents a remarkable opportunity to obtain two graduate degrees in just three years. In partnership with our distinguished MFA in Creative Writing program, the MA in Publishing offers a wide array of elective areas for specialization, accompanied by close mentorship from faculty members. This distinctive program provides a well rounded skill set, positioning graduates for a multitude of career prospects within both the creative writing and publishing industries.

At Rosemont, we offer a high quality education and a pathway to success that offers exceptional value within a challenging yet supportive environment. Recognizing the demands faced by adult learners, we offer flexible degree options aimed at supporting your continued growth through education.

Do You Want To Be A Teacher?

Advance to a New Chapter in Your Career

As an educator, you have a distinct perspective on how the successes and challenges of young learners in reading and writing profoundly shape their educational journey. If you're deeply passionate about empowering your students to become proficient readers, writers, and communicators, then Rosemont's online MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification could be the perfect fit for you.

Find Your Voice. Expand Your World. Transform Your Future.

Your potential is limitless.  Join us to unlock it.  At Rosemont, you'll have access to mentorship, rigorous academics, and a supportive community that will empower you to reach and achieve your short term and long term personal and professional ambitions.  Take the first step toward finding your voice, by expanding your world at Rosemont and transform your future today! Per the merger agreement with Villanova University, Rosemont College is no longer admitting new students.