CWU Creative Writing master’s program earns top-five ranking

Central Washington University’s Master’s in Professional and Creative Writing (PCW) program was recently ranked No. 5 in the nation by OnlineMasters.com, an independent higher education research platform specializing in online graduate education.

The website also recognized CWU’s Master’s in Sport Coaching program with a No. 17 ranking, and the Master’s in Higher Education (MEd) program, which came in at No. 35 nationally.

OnlineMasters.com uses a rigorous, data-driven methodology to evaluate accredited online master’s programs nationwide. Each program is assessed using a proprietary scoring model that measures performance across four core factors: academic quality, graduation outcomes, cost and return on investment, and student support resources. Programs receive an Online Master’s Score ranging from 0 to 100 based on their overall performance.

The PCW program at CWU received a score of 95.38, while the Sport Coaching program scored a 78.95. The MEd program scored 76.53, ranking it ahead of larger institutions such as Michigan State University, the University of Nebraska, and the University of Houston.

The website’s evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures, and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report.

All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency, and objectivity.

“In today’s rapidly evolving workforce shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation, graduate education has become an increasingly important differentiator,” Online Masters.com said in an email announcement earlier this month. “Online master’s programs that demonstrate strong academic rigor, competitive tuition structures, measurable career pathways, and robust support for online learners stand out in the rankings.”

CWU’s MA in Professional and Creative Writing program, led by Professor Katharine Whitcomb, seeks to provide its students with a multidisciplinary experience in a high-flex format that meets students where they are in their lives and careers.

“It's wonderful for the online MA in Professional and Creative Writing to be recognized nationally as a program that significantly helps students reach their goals,” Whitcomb said. “We're proud that the program, with its faculty of award-winning writers, is able to provide an affordable, accessible, skill-building cornerstone for students to realize their potential in their careers and creative lives.”

To learn more about how to apply for the PCW program, and other online master’s degree options at CWU, visit the School of Graduate Studies and Research webpage.