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Writer, Editor

This program empowers aspiring writers to develop professional creative work and participate thoughtfully in literary and cultural conversations. Students are expected to read widely and with careful attention as they work to master the craft and conventions of their chosen genres by participating in writing workshops and the study of literary masterworks. Alongside creative development, the curriculum encourages a clear understanding of the literary marketplace, pathways to publication, and effective professional practice. Students cultivate their identities as writers, learn to shape their work for intended audiences, and cultivate connections with communities of working writers. 

At a Glance

Classes Next Begin
March 30

Term Length
10 Weeks

6 Course Certificate
Tuition

$20,616

Master's Tuition
$859 per credit hour

Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online

Admission Details
Free Application. No GRE or GMAT

How Long to Finish
As quickly as 9 months. Access a sample schedule

How Long to Finish
As quick as 18 months. Access a sample schedule

Top-Ranked University by U.S. News & World Report

Brian Cicero

Connect with an Advisor

Featured Instructors

Skills You’ll Learn

Identify and analyze key elements of creative writing

Define your audiences and write in ways that move and entertain them

Assess your own writing and learn how to enhance its strengths and eliminate its weaknesses

Curriculum

Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

6

Core Courses

6

Elective Courses

Core Courses

Learn the scope of activity, historical development, and future direction of the industry. These courses provide a foundation that you’ll draw on throughout your concentration and elective courses. The capstone serves as the culminating academic experience in which you’ll explore a problem of practice in your field of study.

PWRI 4500 The Writing Life: Concepts, Practices, and Professionalism
PWRI 4510 Literary Genres for Writers
PWRI 4917 Pathways to Publication
UNIV 4910 Research for Professionals
PWRI 4901 Professional Creative Writing Capstone Project
OR PWRI 4920 Portfolio Capstone
AND
PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
OR
PWRI 4100 Masterworks: Creative Nonfiction
PWRI 4200 Masterworks: Poetry
PWRI 4300 Masterworks of Stage and Screen

 

 

Elective Courses

Popular electives for students in the Professional Creative Writing program include:

PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
PWRI 4100 Masterworks: Creative Nonfiction
PWRI 4200 Masterworks: Poetry
PWRI 4300 Masterworks of Stage and Screen
PWRI 4020 Writing the Short Story
PWRI 4030 Writing the Novella
PWRI 4120 Writing the Personal Essay
PWRI 4130 Writing the Memoir
PWRI 4220 Writing Traditional Verse and Contemporary Song Lyrics
PWRI 4230 Writing Improvisational Verse and Prose Poetry
PWRI 4310 Playwriting
PWRI 4320 Writing the Original Screenplay
PWRI 4410 Writing and Healing
PWRI 4600 Breaking the Chains of Genre

 

Career Opportunities

Select Job Titles

Author
Writer
Editor
Literary Journalist
Copywriter
Writing Coach
Editorial Assistant
Publicist

Writer and Author Salary: National Average

$61,820

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

 

 

 

College of Professional Studies students have access to University of Denver Career Services including:

  • One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews
  • A job database dedicated to DU students and alumni
  • Resume and cover letter guidance

Take the Next Step

https://professionalstudies.du.edu/wp-admin/post.php?post=239239&action=edit

Certificates