Master of Arts in Writing Studies

Admission Requirements and Procedures

The Writing Studies program is designed to provide advanced training for people who have a good undergraduate foundation in the writing area and/or people who may have substantial work experience in professional writing or communications. Application forms are available in the Graduate Admissions Office and in the Department of English. Applicants will submit the following materials: the “Application for Admissions/Graduate Program” form, an undergraduate transcript, two letters of recommendation, at least two samples of writing (preferably published work—whether in college publications or in other places), and a personal statement to indicate how the program relates to or reflects life experience and career plans. The Graduate Program Admissions committee will look for both a strong academic record and signs of serious interest in the work of a writer. A personal interview with the applicant may be requested.

Undergraduate English majors at Saint Joseph's may apply for the 5th-year   M. A. in Writing Studies program after completion of the fall semester of the junior year, with applications accepted until November 1st of the senior year. Application for this option will include all of the materials noted above. Students who move directly into the Writing Studies program will complete six credits (Graduate Internship Course plus another regular graduate course) in the summer following the senior year, then complete 18 credits with courses and 6 credits of thesis work in the academic year following completion of the undergraduate degree.