Chances are you’ve been writing or wanting to write for a long time. We’re glad you’re here!
Our noncredit writing courses allow you to hone your craft and explore your literary voice. Whether you’re ready to write that screenplay, novel or book of poems, or simply find a new way to express yourself, these classes will serve you well.

Noncredit Writing Courses
Bring your stories to life with our creative writing classes!
General Writing
There Was and There Was Not: Using Folklore In Your Fiction | $125
We are all steeped in folklore—childhood fables, creation myths, family mythologies, rags-to-riches tales, urban legends passed down at sleepovers and around campfires. In this generative seminar, you’ll explore different ways to infuse your fiction with elements of myths, legends, and fairy tales. Each class meeting will include readings, discussion, and generative writing prompts. The class will include built-in writing time and (completely optional) space to share your work with the group.
#63585, Online Live, 1/18-2/22, Thursday, 6-8 PM
Teen Creative Writing Group: Fiction | $125
This class is designed to introduce teen writers (grades 9-12) to the craft of fiction. You’ll learn about the key elements of fiction writing, respond to writing prompts designed to spark new ideas, and have (completely optional) space to share your work. There’s no pressure to write polished drafts—we’ll focus on honing your unique voice, trying out different techniques, and connecting with other writers. All levels are welcome.
#63550, Truax-Early Learning Center, 1/20-3/9, Saturday, 10-11:30 AM
Resume and Cover Letter Workshop | $29
Unlock the secrets to crafting compelling cover letters and resumes that grab the attention of employers with our interactive workshop. This course will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to make your application stand out in a competitive job market. We will be covering resume writing techniques, cover letter essentials, insights into recruiter and hiring manager expectations, and best practices and common pitfalls. Bring your current resume to workshop in class.
#63786, Truax-Health Building, 1/25, Thursday, 6-8 PM
Creative Writing: Memoirs | $125
Are you interested in writing about your life? Then this class is the place for you. Whether you want to write about family history, or to tell your stories, or to explore ideas, you will find plenty of strategies and support in this class. My goal is to help you do the kind of writing that you want to do. We’ll have in-class writing exercise, take-home assignments, and time to share our work with each other. I’m looking forward to your histories, stories, and ideas!
#62390, Online Live, 1/30-3/5, Tuesday, 1-3 PM
Creative Writing: All Levels | $165
Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story-telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery.
#62338, Online, 2/12-4/8, Monday
#62373, Truax-Early Learning Center, 2/13-4/9 Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 AM
Publishing Basics for Creative Writers | $105
This course will provide a general overview of publishing for creative writers—with a focus on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Our aim is to help participants navigate the publishing world and learn how to publish their creative pieces. Participants will also learn important terminology and best practices for submission requirements, and we will explore different types of publications, discuss helpful organizational tools, and develop a publication plan for each participant’s creative piece(s).
#63587, TBA, 2/26-4/1 Monday, 5:30-7:30 PM
Picture Books for Children | $185
In this course, we will discuss strategies for writing and polishing a picture book manuscript for children. There will also be an opportunity to workshop your manuscript and submit it for a professional critique from the instructor. By the end of the course, you will gain knowledge on next steps for either submitting to the publishing industry or for self-publication.
#62325, Online Live, 2/21-4/17, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM
Rewilding Your Fiction: Writing Nature and Animals | $85
Step off the beaten path and bring the wild into your writing! In this generative seminar, you’ll experiment with different approaches to using animals and nature in fiction. We’ll read and discuss nature-inspired short stories, some grounded in reality and others veering into the surreal and fantastical. This class will include several generative prompts, in-class time to write, and the opportunity to give and receive feedback.
#63586, Truax-Early Learning Center, 3/21-4/11, Thursday, 6-8 PM
30 Day Poetry Challenge | $65
April is National Poetry Month, so why not have an intensive poetry adventure? In this class you will receive a daily poetry prompt from the instructor to fuel your creativity. Each week the class will meet to share the successes and challenges of writing every day. You will also have the opportunity to have your pieces workshopped. Students will be guided in putting their work into a chapbook, so your poetry adventure will be with you forever. No previous writing experience necessary.
#62310, Online Live, 3/28-5/2, Thursday, 12-1 PM
Professional Development Writing
Grant Writing Essentials | $179
This course will teach new grant writers how to write successful proposals, providing an overview of the core components of all grant proposals. Students will learn to develop a submission timeline, find funding opportunities, research grant opportunities, brainstorm and plan, write proposals, develop budgets and supplemental documents, and learn to pitch ideas.
#62912, Online, 2/6-3/5
Business Writing for Success | $109
Learn to write to make the best first impression and to be recognized as ready for the next step in your career through clear and concise communication. Employers place clear and concise communication skills at the top of their list when evaluating job applicants. This course will provide you with tips and techniques to quickly elevate your writing skills for success.
#63009, Online Live, 2/12-3/4, Monday, 6-8 PM
Technical Writing and Communication | $179
What is technical writing and why is it so important? Professionals, technical experts, and managers all require communication skills at work. Learn how to effectively communicate with an intended audience to clearly convey your intended information. Apply the principles and guidelines for technical communication through the development and review of documents, graphics and visuals.
#62910, Online, 3/19-4/16
Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses
1. Register by Phone
- Call us at 608.258.2301, Option 2
2. Express Registration
3. Log into MyMadisonCollege
- Have an account? Log into your account
- Need an account? Create an account
- Unsure if you have an account? If you have taken a class at Madison College, search for your account

Online Courses
Check out these 100% online noncredit classes offered in partnership with ed2go.
A to Z Grant Writing (Self-paced) | $99
This course provides students with the hands-on experience and knowledge they need to successfully begin writing grant proposals, including real-world scenarios, and the opportunity to improve their work by reviewing previous grant proposals completed by peers.
Grammar Refresher | $99
Develop English grammar skills and take your writing and speaking to the next level. This course explores the eight parts of speech, punctuation and mechanics, foundational sentence construction, phrases, clauses, problem words, common mistakes, and more with practical, hands-on exercises.
The Keys to Effective Editing | $115
Learn the essential skills and resources you will need to become a successful and confident copyeditor. This course provides the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction.
Beginner's Guide to Getting Published | $115
Get your writing directly into the hands of an editor and on the shelves of your favorite stores. This course, taught by a successful journalist and author, will help you understand every step of the publishing process and how to give yourself the credibility publishers notice.