English

English, MA—Professional and Creative Writing Specialization

About the Professional and Creative Writing Specialization

In the English Department, we believe in your potential. Our Professional and Creative Writing MA is designed to help you achieve greatness. We offer personalized mentorship from award-winning writers in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, giving you the guidance and support you need to excel in your craft. We cover topics like persuasive writing, rhetoric, research methods, and advanced technical writing and documentation and work closely with you to develop a tailored course of study that aligns with your goals and culminates in a comprehensive portfolio course. 

Why Study Professional and Creative Writing at CWU?

At CWU, we have created a unique graduate degree that blends professional and creative writing, reflecting the diverse needs of writers in today's rapidly evolving world.

Our program distinguishes itself from traditional writing programs because we recognize the importance of being able to navigate multiple writing contexts and genres, and we have crafted a curriculum that allows you to explore your passions while developing the skills necessary to excel in various professional settings. In addition, our program extends online learning access to students from across the state and beyond. 

Where is this program offered?  

• Ellensburg
• Online

How much does this program cost?  

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU. 

Does CWU offer assistantships?

Discover opportunities to fund your degree through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. 

Where can I find ore information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information. 

Visit the School of Graduate Studies and Research for additional program eligibility information. 

Careers and Opportunities 

Graduates of our program are well-prepared to make their mark in the world of writing, whether it is through publishing creative works, establishing a professional writing presence, advancing in the workplace, or continuing their academic journey in MFA or PhD programs. 

• Writing and Editing: With your writing skills, you can find work as writers, editors, or content creators for various media outlets, publishing companies, marketing agencies, or organizations. 
• Corporate Communications and Public Relations: Consider applying your writing and communication skills to roles in corporate communications, public relations, or community outreach, crafting messages and content that promote an organization's mission and values. 
• Marketing and Advertising: A background in creative and professional writing can be valuable in marketing and advertising, where you can create persuasive content, develop advertising copy, or manage social media campaigns. 
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Nonprofit organizations and institutions often require skilled writers to develop grant proposals, fundraising materials, and other documents that support their goals.  
• Technical Writing: You could work as a technical writer, creating user manuals, instructional guides, product documentation, or other materials that require clear and concise communication. 

Highlights 

The Opportunities Are Endless   

The English Department supports the student-run literary magazine—Manastash. They publish poems, short stories, critical essays, and creative non-fiction. Manastash, Volume 24, 2024 is seeking poetry, prose, hybrid work, and visual arts with a theme around "Humanity vs Machine (AI)". 

Join the Creative Writing Club 

Expand your community at Central Washington University by participating in clubs and activities. Meet your fellow Wildcats and gain knowledge outside of the classroom by joining the Creative Writing Club.