Program Information

The MA in Professional Writing is an online program for aspiring writers and editors. This 36-credit Master in Professional Writing program enhances writing and publication skills, enables students to develop a comprehensive portfolio of work, and prepares students to write in both new and traditional media. 

Course Schedule  2010-12

Course Schedule 2011-13

Course Descriptions

Program Overview

About the curriculum

Master of Arts in Professional Writing program coursework integrates the theoretical foundations of rhetoric, communication and professional practice with continuous skill development. Each course asks students to apply their knowledge of skills and writing and editing to cutting-edge communication challenges. Students also gain an understanding of the various jobs in the field.

Required courses for Professional Writing (M.A.)

PW 5000 - Professional Writing and Rhetoric (4 credits)

PW 5010 - Research Methods (4 credits)

PW 5020 - Editing in the Professions (4 credits)

PW 5400 - Writing for the Media and Public Relations (4 credits)

PW 5500 - The New Media (4 credits)

PW 5600 - Business and Technical Communication (4 credits)

PW 6005 - Special Topics in Professional Writing (4 credits)

PW 6950 - Portfolios in Professional Writing (4 credits)

PW 7100 - Capstone in Professional Writing (4 credits, Pass/Fail)

Career Outcomes: The MA in Professional Writing supports a wide variety of career advancements  in such fields as editing, publishing, public relations, advertising, communication management, technical writing, copy writing and web content management.

Program Outcomes:

• Assess the theoretical principles that underlie rhetorical choices and decisions made in professional writing,

• Develop and expand writing skills that are demanded in a variety of professional settings,

• Build an awareness of audience, markets, and current standards of publishing professionalism,

• Develop practical strategies for purposeful, effective communications that fit specific circumstances and client needs,

• Write for publication and distribution in real professional contexts,

• Work within a community of professional writers in an online format,

• Produce a capstone project that develops a grasp of research methodology and critical thinking skills essential to the field.

Application Requirements

To apply, submit the online NEC Graduate School application (www.nec.edu), a personal statement, official college transcripts and 1 letters of recommendation.*
No GRE or GMAT scores are required.
*The admissions committee reserves the right to require other admission documents and will inform those applicants of that requirement during the enrollment process.Applications will be accepted until the cohort is full.

Mark Watman, Program Director

mwatman@nec.edu
Graduate Admission Office
603.428.2252

Graduate Office of Admission

New England College

98 Bridge Street

Henniker, NH 03242

graduateadmission@nec.edu

Phone: (603) 428-2252 

Fax: (603) 428-3155