Furthering Your Education: Writing-Related Graduate Degrees
Posted April 19th, 2010 / By Michelle Krasniak Oxman in Advertising/Marketing, Fiction/Poetry, Tools
In today’s economy, many professional communicators are finding themselves without a job, with fewer clients or with the need/urge to change careers 
in the hope of having more options. Because of these factors, individuals sometimes find themselves looking to further their education to get an edge over the competition.
If you are one of these people, here are some writing and communications-related graduate programs offered throughout the US that are worth checking into further. (Disclaimer: I’ve recently begun taking classes to work towards my Master of Business Communication degree at the University of St. Thomas).
University of St. Thomas- Master of Business Communication (MBC)
California State University Fresno- Master of Arts: Mass Communication and Journalism
University of Baltimore- Master of Fine Arts- Creative Writing & Publishing Arts
Illinois State University- Master of Arts Degree- Writing
Emerson College (Boston)- Master of Fine Arts- Creative Writing
Fordham University (NYC) – Master of Arts with a Writing Concentration
North Carolina State University- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
School of The Art Institute Of Chicago- Master of Fine Arts in Writing
University At Albany (S.U.N.Y.)- Master of Arts with a Concentration in Writing Practices
Texas State University-San Marcos- Creative Writing
University of Denver- Graduate Communication programs include Communication Studies, Advertising Management, Mass Communication and Public Relations
I’ve tried to include schools in all corners of the country but there are plenty of resources out there to help you find a program near you. GradSchools.com is a great place to start!
I’m wondering what you think of grad degrees that aren’t directly on writing, but do help you in the field. I’m currently pursuing a master’s in publication design from the University of Baltimore because I want to be able to manage publications just as well as I write for them.
Hi Thursday and thanks for the comment! I think it’s a great idea to immerse yourself in all aspects of your field. For example, I’m a writer by trade but this semester I am taking Marketing Management where we learn how to decide on -and execute- marketing plans from start to finish and this summer I’m taking Communications Law. I think once you branch out and expand your experience to include the areas outside of the “writing bubble”, you will not only become a very well-rounded person in the publications field but also very enticing to future employers. :-) Good luck!
Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI has an MA in Professional Writing. I was just formally admitted although I’ve taken classes there off and on for a while. Part of the draw for me is that the MA allows me to teach writing at the local community college. I’ve been teaching in their community ed program and found I liked teaching about writing, so this was an easy next step for me.
Hi Allena,
Thanks for your comment! Congratulations on your decision to continue on. I’m happy you found that you like teaching and would like to take it to the next level. Good luck!
Michelle
I am a graduate of the Master of Professional Writing program at the University of Southern California. I chose the MPW route because the are multi-concentration and encourage you to take classes outside of your focus. So as a fiction writer, I had to take at least one screenwriting, one non-fiction ect. The faculty roster is amazing. My first fiction writing class in the program was with Janet Fitch, I took screenwriting with Syd Field, humor with Shelley Berman — the list goes on!
Also, on the Los Angeles tack. If you do not want to enroll in a degree program, the UCLA extensions program offers short classes with amazing faculty.
Like Allena, I wanted the ability to teach, but the best part of attending a dedicated writing program was the connections I made. I am now friends with a large group of people whose writing I admire.
Hi Erika,
Congratulations on being a part of what sounds like a phenomenal program! I agree with taking classes outside of your “comfort zone” so to speak, because it makes you such a well-rounded writer. And who knows, maybe one of these other fields will end up converting you. :) Good luck!
As someone who is considering a Creative Writing degree (and then quickly shying away) it was interesting to read the above comments.
The reason I shy away is because I’m doubtful of good job outlook with a Creative Writing degree. I am open to other writing degrees. I just wish my school of choice (UNH) had more options. Or perhaps they have plenty of them, but I haven’t found the information I want. Hmm…
Hi Lauren,
I know exactly how you feel. I shied away from an English undergrad degree for that exact same reason. At that point (and age) all I knew is that I loved to write and I loved literature. I saw that as the only way to join the two but my parents strongly advised me to look into something with more job options and that’s why I chose Journalism/Mass Communication.
I wasn’t *thrilled* with pursuing that degree but what it did do for me was teach me that I HATED being a journalist! I then knew to pursue other avenues within the field, which is how I got to where I am today. I know it’s an expensive risk to take but maybe consider at least taking a couple of classes towards that degree to see if it’s truly what you want to pursue. Who knows, maybe you’ll be like me and check that off your list of “things to stay away from career-wise”. They may also have other options such as scriptwriting or publishing that may turn out to be your thing! :-)
I also know what you’re saying as far as not having many options in your area. I was struggling with that in the last couple of years as well. I knew I wanted to get a Graduate degree but in my area of NY state, the only ones really available to me were MBAs. I knew I didn’t ever want to be in a managerial position so that seemed like my only option-and I had a feeling I would be miserable. (I should mention that my husband is a Professor so whichever college he teaches at I would go for free or for a steep discount. It was because of that I felt I was stupid not to take advantage of SOMETHING). Luckily UST had the perfect degree for what I wanted to do.
I wish you the best of luck on your educational quest!
Michelle
Thanks for your reply :) I am interested in publishing so I’ll see what UNH has to offer for that. And phew, I already know, I wouldn’t want to pursue journalism. It’s too much seeking information from other.