Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Writing
The Master of Arts in Writing is a 30-credit program that encourages students to explore the principles of craft and the practices of writing.We are a unique interdisciplinary program offering a variety of writing related courses. Central to our approach toward writing is the conviction that students benefit from exposure to and experimentation with multiple genres.
Classes are small (6-15 students) and students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and other motivated, talented students. Those who will benefit from the Master of Arts in Writing, and the opportunities we offer, include:
- Creative writers interested in writing and publishing fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, or other genres.
- Professionals who write regularly at work or who aspire to writing, editing, or publishing related careers.
- Educators who currently teach K-12 or who wish to teach writing on the college level.
- Students who wish to prepare for advanced graduate work leading to the M.F.A. or Ph.D.
For more details related to the Master of Arts in Writing, explore the features below and view the MA in Writing Program Handbook.
Apply Now
Applications to the Master of Arts in Writing are administered by Global Learning and Partnerships. The early decision deadline for fall admission is February 15. Additional applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. No GRE is required to apply.
Teaching Experience Program
Our Teaching Experience Program allows students to teach Rowan University college composition courses as paid adjunct instructors while completing the Master of Arts in Writing.
Accelerated Dual Degree
For students currently enrolled in the Writing Arts major, we offer the Combined Advanced Degree Program in Writing Arts (also known as 4+1) which allows students to complete both a BA in Writing Arts and an MA in Writing in five years.
Diverse Curriculum
In fulfilling the program requirements of the MA in Writing, students may focus on a central area of interest or create a diverse course of study that explores the intersections between creative writing, publishing and editing, writing studies, and writing pedagogy. In the capstone courses, Seminar I and Seminar II, students develop a major project of their own design and in a genre of their own choosing, which may have a creative or scholarly focus.
Internships
Hands-on internship opportunities available with Glassworks, the program’s internationally circulated literary magazine, and Singularity Press, a non-profit publishing servicer housed in the Writing Arts Department. External internships with area publishers, non-profit organizations, and other businesses are also available.
Certificates of Graduate Study
In addition to the MA program, we offer nine-credit Certificates of Graduate Study (COGS) in Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing for Writers, and Composition and Rhetoric. These credits may be applied to the Master of Arts in Writing
Senior Privilege
Undergraduates of any major who meet the requirements may take our graduate classes for undergraduate credit through Senior Privilege. Upon admission to the MA in Writing, these credits may be to graduate credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the MA in Writing
Application process: Applications to the Master of Arts in Writing are administered by Global Learning and Partnerships. No GRE is required to apply.
What kind of workload can I expect in the program?
Full-time graduate students take two or three classes per semester. This may seem surprising, since most undergraduate students take between four and six courses at a time. Graduate courses typically have much more reading than undergrad; a book a week per course, or the equivalent, is not unusual. Writing assignments tend to be much longer and more complex and students are expected to turn in their best work with every draft. Revision expectations are also much higher. The ability to read critically and to respond to pieces analytically is expected. You will be asked to work independently and to take on much more responsibility for your own learning.
What can I do with a master's degree in writing?
People pursue graduate degrees for a variety of reasons, from personal enrichment to professional necessity. Regardless of the career path you choose, earning a graduate degree gives you an opportunity to learn about a subject more deeply and to work with professors more closely than is possible at the undergraduate level. Individuals with master's degrees in writing and related fields often find jobs in: education, publishing and editing, public relations, technical writing, journalism, corporate communications, grant writing and academic/student services.
Students with an MA degree are well-positioned to pursue PhDs in fields such as Creative Writing, Rhetoric/Composition and English. Students with strong writing and analytical skills are often successful in law school and medical school. While an MA is not a prerequisite to an MFA, our program can help students hone their craft in creative writing and build a portfolio for a stronger application to a competitive MFA program.
It is increasingly important to develop a strong resume and professional profile along with completing your coursework. Don't wait until graduation to start thinking about jobs. Talk with your professors about career options and keep them apprised of your career goals. Join (or start!) a student group dedicated to your interests. Pursue internship opportunities, apply to work in the Writing Center, and attend special events like lectures and readings. Think about how you can use material from your courses in applied settings.
What do Rowan graduates do?
Our alumni have gone on to a variety of careers in communications, marketing, editing and publishing, technical and business writing, and education. Many of our students use their degrees for professional advancement in K-12 schools or have gone on to teach writing at the community college level and occasionally at universities. Some have gone on to further study writing in well-respected MFA and PhD programs. Many of our students publish short stories, essays, and poems in literary magazines and to publish books through both traditional routes and self publishing.
What kinds of financial aid does Rowan offer to graduate students?
Rowan has a limited number of competitive assistantships, which students may apply for through the School of Graduate Studies. Students may also apply for federal and state loans through Financial Aid. Unfortunately, most grants are only available for undergraduate students.
The MA in Writing also offers the Teaching Experience Program which allows students to teach college composition as paid adjunct instructors while completing their degree. Students can then earn money at the same rate and on the same biweekly schedule as adjunct instructors, applying this money toward tuition or other expenses. Applications are competitive; contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Rowan students can also apply for tutoring positions in the Rowan Writing Center, which offers competitive hourly pay.
What is the difference between and MA and MFA degree?
A Master of Arts degree (MA) is typically a two year degree and is considered a "non-terminal" degree, meaning that it often leads into further study at the doctoral level and is often a prerequisite for admission into PhD programs. The MA in Writing at Rowan offers courses in creative writing, editing and publishing, as well as composition/rhetoric and pedagogy. Students in our program may concentrate in one of these areas or build a diverse course of study depending on their future writing, academic, or career goals.
A MFA, or Master of Fine Arts, is considered a "terminal" degree. This means that the MFA is considered the highest academic achievement in creative or artistic fields, like writing, or studio or performing arts. The requirements for different MFA programs vary widely, though most programs require a book-length final project, such as a work of creative nonfiction or a collection of poetry. Somewhat confusingly, even though an MFA degree is considered "terminal," an MA is typically not a prerequisite for admissions, and you may choose to go on to earn a PhD afterwards. Classes taken while pursuing a MFA are likely to be workshops and studio-style experiences, and for an MFA in Creative Writing students typically apply in a single genre (fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction) and take classes primarily or exclusively in that genre. Some MFA programs offer a "low residency" option, which means that coursework is completed during intensive summer sessions and online.
Can I get an MFA or PhD in writing at Rowan?
Right now, we do not offer a degree beyond the MA. If you are interested in pursuing an MFA or PhD at some point, talk to the faculty about how best to plan your coursework and projects to maximize your chances of being accepted to a high-caliber MFA or PhD program.
What if I'm not ready to commit to a full MA program?
We also offer Certificates of Graduate Study (COGS). Students interested in taking courses without committing to a full Master's degree should consider the COGS. Students may also apply these courses to the MA degree if they later apply to and are accepted into the graduate program. Currently, we offer three Certificates:
- Creative Writing
- Editing and Publishing for Writers
- Writing, Composition and Rhetoric, which is a three-course certificate geared to current and aspiring teachers of writing (please note: this is not the same as teacher certification).
