Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University

Writing Studies M.A.

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Overview

As an M.A. in Writing Studies at Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll engage in diverse styles of writing, including personal essays, short stories, poetry, press releases, screenplays, adolescent literature, reflections on teaching writing, and grant proposals.

Our flexible course scheduling is designed for working professionals. Class sizes are small and include dynamic workshops that will hone your writing skills. In addition to taking classes, you will have the opportunity to gain significant professional work experience through credit-bearing internships and courses that focus on portfolio development.

A Network of Published Writers

Find community in a program taught by writers, for writers. Faculty members include The New York Times Best-selling authors Tenaya Darlington, M.F.A., Tom Coyne, M.F.A., and dozens of practicing writers who share their professional experience in the classroom.

Writing Studies students publish a student-authored literary magazine, The Avenue, featuring fiction, nonfiction and poetry and have been widely published in national news outlets such as:

  • USA Today
  • Huffington Post
  • VOGUE Italia
  • Ebony Magazine
  • Salon.com and many more.

Areas of Study

Customize your degree:

  • Writing and Culture

  • Rhetoric and Composition

  • Professional Writing

BUILD TO THE DEGREE: APPLY CERTIFICATE CREDITS

The M.A. Writing Studies degree is a stackable program, meaning if you successfully complete the Creative and Professional Writing Certificate program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can take just five additional courses to receive your master’s degree.

Writing Studies Courses

Program Director

At a Glance

Length

18-24 months

Start Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer

Format

On-Campus

Credits 

30 credits

Full-time

9 credits per semester

Part-time

6 credits or less per semester

Tuition

$905 per credit (2020-2021)

Average Class Size

15 students or less

Average Work-Experience

Work experience not required. Students in the program come from many different professional backgrounds with varying experience in writing.

Housing

While most of our graduate students commute, there are resources available for those interested in living on-campus or in near-by off-campus housing.

Jobs in Writing Studies

Graduates of the Writing Studies program have found success as copy writers and copy editors; technical writers; content developers; communication specialists; journalists; entrepreneurs; grant writers; bloggers; authors; teachers, adjunct faculty members and marketing professionals.

Veterans

SJU is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Service can help you access and understand your benefits.

Discount Eligibility

  • Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
  • Completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount. 
  • Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

*note - discounts cannot be combined.