Writing Studies M.A.

The graduate writing studies program combines a traditional literature-based master's degree with a creative writing program by offering a wide variety of courses and providing students with a highly flexible, unique academic experience. At Saint Joseph’s University, writing studies students engage in diverse styles of writing, including short story, poetry, press releases, reflections on teaching writing, plays, adolescent literature, autobiography, biography, personal essays, and grant proposals.

The MA in Writing Studies requires 30 credits of graduate work. Six credits will come from a thesis project (either an analytical study or a collection of original creative material, 700 level). The remaining credits involve courses at the 500 and 600 level. The program includes provisions for internships and directed individual projects of various kinds.

All students in the program will take one core course: ENG 550 - The Practice of Writing. This course provides a breadth of perspective on all of the general issues and circumstances faced by writers in the process of engaging an audience and making a living through the craft of language. 

NOTE: Astrisked courses will be added/offered starting in 2026.

CORE COURSES
ENG 550 The Practice of Writing

ELECTIVES - CREATIVE & PROFESSIONAL WRITING COURSES

ENG 560  Rhetoric Then and Now
ENG 600  Poetry Today
ENG 610*  Science Writing
ENG 612   Biography
ENG 614   The Short Story
ENG 619   Reading & Writing the Young Adult Novel
ENG 620  Special Topics in Literature and Culture
ENG 621   Horror in Literature and Film
ENG 624*  Science Fiction in Literature and Film
ENG 626* Climate Change Stories
ENG 628* Nature and Environmental Writing
ENG 629*  Writing and Environmental Justice
ENG 635  The Writing Teacher Writing
ENG 636  Writing and Empowerment
ENG 640  Experiments in Narrative
ENG 642  Style
ENG 643  Special Topics in the Essay
ENG 646  Multimedia Storytelling
ENG 665  Memoir
ENG 668  Creative Nonfiction Workshop
ENG 669  Poetry-Writing Workshop
ENG 670  Fiction-Writing Workshop I
ENG 671   Fiction-Writing Workshop II
ENG 673   Screenwriting Workshop
ENG 674*  Scientific and Medical Writing
ENG 675   Special Topic Writing Workshop
ENG 676  Writing for Publication
ENG 677  Case Study: Public Relations
ENG 678  Case Study: Magazine Publishing
ENG 679  Special Topics in Journalism
ENG 680  Writing for Nonprofits
ENG 681   Writers at Work
ENG 682   New Media
ENG 683   Editing Practicum
ENG 684   Health Writing
ENG 686*  Literature and Medicine


THESIS
ENG  793   Thesis Project I
ENG  794   Thesis Project II

INTERNSHIPS/INDEPENDENT 
ENG  770   Directed Readings
ENG  771   Directed Research
ENG  772   Directed Writing
ENG  773   Directed Fieldwork
ENG  791   Graduate Internship

After the establishing of degree candidacy, a maximum of five years will be allowed for the completion of the degree requirements. Under extenuating circumstances, a student may request an extension of this time frame.

Mondays, 6:30-9:15 pm, Online/Synchronous 
ENG 665: Memoir 
Instructor: Dr. Melissa A. Goldthwaite 
CRN: 12113

E.L. Doctorow writes, “When you use memories as a source, they’re not different from any other source—the composition still has to be made.” In this course on memoir writing, we will read both essay-length and book-length memoirs to understand approaches to composing with memories as sources. In doing so, we will explore the nature of memory, the use of themes, the construction of scenes, the importance of voice and presence and reflection, the creation of characters who are also real people, the significance of structure, and more. Students will receive feedback from both the professor and peers on drafts so that they can improve their writing. Assignments include discussion of readings, crafting and participating in weekly writing exercises, and writing, workshopping, and revising a 15-to-20-page memoir or an outline for and chapter(s) from a book-length memoir. 

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 pm, Online/Synchronous 
ENG 610: Science Writing 
Instructor: Dr. Cristina Hanganu-Bresch  
CRN: 12090 

We live in an age dependent on scientific, medical, and technological developments, but also, paradoxically, in one which is increasingly skeptical of science, and in which controversies on scientific and medical issues abound. In this context, good science and medical writing is vitally important to our individual and collective well-being. This course allows you to practice the craft of writing about scientific and medical research for general audiences. We will explore ways to write captivating explanatory prose, find the most interesting news angles in published research, interview scientists, write key story elements with creative style, and respond to editing. We will also read and analyze some good, transformative science writing pieces along the way, and will monitor the science, health, and technology sections of major media outlets.

Wednesdays 6:30-9:15 pm, Online/Synchronous 
ENG 675: Special Topics Writing Workshop - Writing and Reading the Novel 
Instructor: Dr. April Lindner
CRN: 12091 

In this class you will explore the professional concerns of the novelist as you write the opening chapters for a novel of your own. Much of our in-class time will be spent workshopping. To further explore the possibilities of the novel, we will read books that take a range of narrative approaches. You will also choose a novel that takes a similar approach to your own project and present it to the class. Finally, you’ll keep a journal in which you respond to the assigned reading. At semester’s end, you’ll put together a final portfolio of your revised chapters and, as your final exam, you will draw up an outline, giving you a roadmap to continue on with your novel in progress.

All classes will take place online. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Cristina Hanganu-Bresch at changanubresch@sju.edu. Thanks.
 

Fall 2025 Courses

Summer 2025 Courses

Spring 2025 Courses

Fall 2024 Courses

Summer 2024 Courses

Spring 2024 Courses

Starting your Thesis

Thesis Guide: Use this document as a guide to help you through the thesis registration and completion process.

Thesis Advisor List: Use this list to assist you in making your choice. The list is not absolute - reach out to any of your professors to discuss your thesis project.

Thesis Checklist: Common questions regarding format, font, printing and binding can be found here.

Thesis Completion Form: To be completed when you are ready to register for credits involved in your thesis project. Please review this form with your thesis mentor.

Thesis Completion

Refer to the thesis checklist for help with this process.  You will also need to complete a title page for your thesis (see form below). If you choose to have a personal copy bound, you must fill out the bindery form (see form below).

Thesis Title Page Template: Assists you in creating your title page for the finished project. This page will require the director's signature as well as your mentor’s signature.

An electronic copy of your thesis will be required for submission to ProQuest for inclusion in the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global database. There is no charge for submitting to ProQuest, which is done electronically, and the SJU community has access to their work via the ProQuest database. This fulfills the requirement to submit a copy of your thesis to the library.

One paper copy should be submitted to the English department for inclusion in their collection. The copy should be three-hole punched. The department will provide a binder for the display cabinet.

Getting a copy bound for your personal use will require the bindery form to be filled out. Due to increased prices, copies now cost $20.00 each, plus $4.00 UPS shipping. You must pay by money order due to possible delay times for delivery. Wait time for finished copies can take several weeks, as the library must have 30 copies in order to complete a shipment.

Bindery form

Questions? Contact Heather Foster at hfoster@sju.edu.