Master of Arts in Professional Writing

Advance your writing expertise with the Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPW) degree at Kennesaw State University. This 36 credit-hour degree prepares you for a writing career in television, film, education, publishing, business, and the literary arts.

To align with your career goals, you'll choose one area of study below as your concentration and one as your support area. This interdisciplinary approach will give you a deep understanding of today's complex industry issues and ensure that you gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in various writing roles.

Submit your application today to fast-track your career and deepen your expertise.

Sign Up for Our Next Info Session

Want to learn how a Master’s in Professional Writing can help you? Join our upcoming virtual information session, which will cover key topics such as:

  • Application process and admission requirements.
  • Curriculum highlights including course requirements in areas such as creative writing, applied writing, and composition & rhetoric.
  • Concentration options and how to tailor your studies to your career goals.
  • Any other specific questions you may have.
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Applied Writing

The Applied Writing concentration addresses a broad spectrum of writing disciplines including public service writing, grant and proposal writing, technical writing, feature writing, social media writing, multi-modal editing, and web design.

You will develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for creating effective and impactful written content across different media and platforms. You will also be equipped to produce high-quality documents and digital content that meet the needs of diverse audiences in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

 

copywriter typing on a laptop on desk
female english teacher asking questions to student raising hand

Composition & Rhetoric

The Composition & Rhetoric concentration addresses the study and teaching of writing. This concentration delves into teaching writing, rhetoric studies, workplace writing, multi-modal writing, and computers and writing.

You will explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of rhetoric and composition, preparing you to teach writing at various educational levels or to apply rhetorical principles in professional settings. You will gain expertise in designing and implementing effective writing curricula, as well as in using digital tools to enhance writing instruction and practice.

 

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing concentration is built around storytelling and creative expression. This concentration offers courses in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, playwriting, and TV and screenwriting.

You will engage in intensive writing workshops, develop your unique voice, and refine your craft across multiple genres. The program emphasizes both the creative and critical aspects of writing, encouraging you to produce original works while also analyzing and understanding literary forms and techniques.

You will be prepared for a career as a professional writer, editor, and educator, with the skills to contribute to the literary and entertainment industries.

student filmmakers on set of indie short film in a dining set

Questions?

Kennesaw State University
Department of English
M.A. in Professional Writing
440 Bartow Ave., MD 2701
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Phone: (470) 578-3335
Email: mapw@kennesaw.edu

For Enrollment Questions:

Graduate Admissions 
Phone: (470) 578-4377
Email: ksugrad@kennesaw.edu

APPLY NOW

Quick Summary

Cost: Tuition/Fees
Format:  Face-to-Face, Online
Number of Credit Hours:  36 Hours 
GRE:  Not Required
Time to Complete:  Two-year Program
Application Deadlines:  
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1