Master of Arts in English Professional Writing (MA)

Increase Your Career Options in Less Time with a Master's Degree in Professional Writing

With an Master's degree in Professional Writing, you will learn to write at an advanced level in a variety of professional settings, no matter your career interests--from business offices to courtrooms to political rallies to online media--and you will earn your graduate degree in less time than you might think! Create responsibly researched and innovative content, think critically, analyze language thoughtfully, and communicate effectively. Use your enhanced skills ethically as a global citizen, understanding how writing can be a force in society.

Marywood offers two tracks to earn a Master of Professional Writing:

4+1 Program for Traditional Undergraduates: Marywood's 4+1 program in Professional Writing is distinctive in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Traditional undergraduates in qualifying programs have the opportunity and flexibility to earn the M.A. degree in one year. Marywood students from the following programs, majors, and minors, with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in the major or minor and 3.33 overall GPA, are eligible to apply for the 4+1 program:

Programs: Communication Arts and English
Majors: Advertising and Public Relations; Broadcast Journalism; Digital Media; Literature; Writing
Minors: Advertising, Broadcast Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Writing

Traditional Graduate Program: The traditional Masters in Professional Writing consists of three full-time semesters or two years of part-time study.

Earn your M.A. in two years or less
Evening classes offered

Each degree path features hands-on learning in professional situations, classroom discussions, and writer workshops that hone students' writing and give graduates a thorough understanding of techniques of writing and persuasion across a variety of media appropriate to a range of professional settings.

Earn your master's degree in two years or less
Evening Classes and Writer Workshops
Wide variety of career opportunities
Hands-on learning in professional situations

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My Marywood experience has been incredible. I knew from the first time I stepped on this campus that I was in a community of people that I already loved, I just needed to meet them all! I have met some of the most important people in my life here, and learned the most important lessons. I learned about living on my own, about independence, and about being myself 24/7. I learned how to speak and listen to God. I learned how to love and to be loved by people who really saw me.
Emily Bubel '22 Read All Testimonials

Outcomes & Opportunities

Get InvolvedCheck out Marywood's Graduate Student Council »

Graduates Check for annual grad assistant openings in various areas that would complement a writing degree »

Student Helpat the Marywood Writing Center »

Success Stories From Our Alumni»

Top Employers

Consulting Firms/ Recruitment
Universities
Motion Picture/Video Industries
Online Service Providers

Top Career Paths

Communications Director
Writing Professor
Grant Writer
Public Relations Manager

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Admission Requirements

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Graduate Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
“B” average during undergraduate study or demonstrated potential for graduate work
Completed application
Official, sealed transcripts
Two or three letters of recommendation

Specific Program Requirements

Submit an essay that meets the following criteria:
- A statement of purpose (two pages)
- An academic or professional writing sample (6 to 10 pages, can be excerpted from a longer work).
Choose one of the two following prompts and write approximately 500-600 words in response:
1. Write an op-ed piece for a local newspaper (local to you) persuading its readers of the importance of learning a second language. Please identify the name of the paper to which you have chosen to write in the header. Give your essay a title that could be used as a headline.
2. Write a professional letter that could be sent to a real local business or a real local nonprofit agency arguing that their services to customers should be offered in both English and Spanish. Please identify the name of the business or agency.

Facilities & Technology

English

Liberal Arts Center

102 Morgan Road
Map & Directions

The Liberal Arts Center contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions and a variety of other administrative offices. It is also home to the iconic Rotunda and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton.

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The front of the McGowan Center with a metal fence serving as a railing over an edge

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

1201 University Avenue
Map & Directions

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. Market Marywood is also located here.

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Scholarships & Tuition

Scholarships

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard, demonstrate a strong will to succeed, and have financial need. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

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