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M.A. in Writing

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Program Information

The Rowan Experience
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The Master of Arts in Writing encourages students to explore the principals of craft and the practices of writing. Central to our approach toward writing is the conviction that students benefit from exposure to and experimentation with multiple genres.

In fulfilling the program requirements of the M.A. 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.

Those who will benefit from the Master of Arts in Writing and the courses we offer include:

  • Creative writers interested in writing and publishing fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, or other genres
  • Educators who currently teach K-12 or who wish to teach writing on the college level
  • Professionals who write regularly at work or who aspire to writing-related careers
  • Students who wish to prepare for advanced graduate work leading to the M.F.A. or Ph.D.

Those admitted to the M.A. in Writing may apply to the Teaching Experience Program (TEP). The TEP allows graduate students to teach college composition as a paid adjunct instructor while in the Rowan University M.A. in Writing program. Applicants interested in TEP should apply for the M.A. program by the Early Decision Deadline. Participation in TEP will require a 4 week, non-credit, asynchronous “mini course” about teaching during the summer, and a 3 day in-person summer orientation in late July or August. For more information regarding TEP selection criteria and eligibility visit the Writing Department website at: www.rowan.edu/colleges/ccca/departments/writingArts/TEP.html

Curriculum
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The M.A. in Writing program consists of 10 courses and a total of 30 graduate semester hours (s.h.). Completion of the M.A. in Writing is possible in four consecutive semesters.

The following courses make up the M.A. in Writing program.

  • 10 Courses / 30 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 12 S.H.
MAWR 01554 Core I: Theories and Techniques for Writers 3
MAWR 01559 Core II: Research Methods for Writers 3
MAWR 01561 Seminar I 3
MAWR 01571 Seminar II 3

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to the applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree. If an applicant has graduated in the past five years, one letter must be from a professor.
  • Recommended minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Essay:

    • Topic: Submit a statement of purpose essay of approximately 500 words that answers the following: What is your mission or calling as a writer, and how do you see our program helping you move closer to living out your goals? In answering this question, you might:
      • Place your objectives within a context that includes your past experience.
      • Provide details about the kind of writing you see yourself doing in the future, either personally or in your professional life.
      • Discuss how you hope to grow as a writer through graduate study.
      • Include your educational goals beyond the master’s level, if relevant
      • Use the statement as an opportunity to craft an essay that demonstrates your writing skills and voice.
  • Writing sample: 8-10 pages

    • Submission must be 8-10 pages that demonstrate writing ability in at least two of the following: creative writing, composition studies, professional writing, multimedia or multimodal composition, or academic writing.
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Creative Writing

Career Outlook

Professionals who complete the M.A. in Writing have the opportunity to expand their career path in a variety of creative industries. This includes a broad range of options: creative writing, editing and publishing, integrated marketing communications, new media and more.

Admission

Additional Information