Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing

Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing is 10 courses (30 credit hours) and includes:

• Core courses focused on the fundamentals of professional and creative writing
• Specialized courses in learning to write grants, book proposals, and articles for print and web sources
• Creative writing courses tailored to the craft of fiction, memoir, and screenwriting
• A capstone thesis that allows each student to produce a major project of their own design

Courses are offered in asynchronous, seven-week sessions allowing you to learn on your own schedule but with close faculty mentorship. Take one course every session to complete your degree in two years.

Steps to Apply

Both Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing applicants and Creative Writing Certificate applicants must complete the steps below. Additional application information, steps for international applicants and deadlines can be found here. 

1. Start Your Application

A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application. To submit the online application, you will be required to upload the following:

• Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
• A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.

2. Submit a Writing Sample

Submit a writing sample as a PDF or Word document to grad@noctrl.edu.

• Writing samples must be 7-10 pages in length
• Can be a standalone piece, a collection of shorter pieces, or an excerpt from a longer work
• Can be a sample of creative, professional, or academic writing
  • In reviewing samples, the admissions committee is interested in learning how you think and write, so any piece demonstrating your future contributions to the program is acceptable.
• While we appreciate the role AI plays in developing writing pieces, we ask that your writing sample be entirely your own work.

If you are considering the program and have questions or concerns over the writing sample, please contact the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at grad@noctrl.edu.

3. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies directly from the institution attended. Official transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically from verified services. Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution. 

• We give careful consideration to all credentials in an application. A minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required. 
• The School of Graduate and Professional Studies uses a holistic approach giving careful consideration to all credentials in an application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may be considered for conditional admission which could require frequent contact by advisors. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or lower will not be considered for conditional admission.
• Official transcripts can be sent electronically from verified services to grad@noctrl.edu or by mail to

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

30 N. Brainard St.

Naperville, IL  60540

4. Submit Letter of Recommendation

One professional or academic letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or another person who is able to judge your potential for graduate study. Letters can be emailed to grad@noctrl.edu. 

START YOUR APPLICATION >

Cost of Attendance and Scholarships

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in the federal direct unsubsidized loan annually; this includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

North Central offers several scholarships and awards to help reduce tuition costs by up to 20%!

COST OF ATTENDANCE >

SCHOLARSHIPS >

Online Certificate in Creative Writing

If you are looking to obtain an additional credential or certificate to augment your professional skills sets, the online certificate in creative writing provides you the continuing education that will meet your professional and personal passions in creative writing and publishing. 

The certificate is a 3-course, 9-credit hour online program. 

Core Course

• MWRT 501 - Introduction to the Writers' Workshop and Collaborative Writing

Elective Courses

Two of the following:

• MWRT 520 - Public Writing
• MWRT 521 - Writing from Life
• MWRT 610 - Preparing Book and Manuscript Proposals
• MWRT 611 - Publishing and Professional Writing Life
• MWRT 620 - Fictional Writing

Pathway to the M.A. in Professional and Creative Writing

If you want to further your study in our M.A. in professional and creative writing program, you can apply your 9-hour certificate credit to the 30-hour professional and creative writing master’s degree. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this program unique?

The fact that this program is entirely online and blends professional and creative writing makes this program, if not unique, really appealing to students. Here’s what a current student had to say: “I decided to join NCC's professional and creative writing program because, coming out of undergrad, I knew I wanted to incorporate writing in my future but didn't want to limit myself to just one type of writing. A lot of grad programs are either technical writing or creative writing, and it didn't seem smart or fun for me to be so segmented like that. I really appreciate that North Central allows you to explore both types of writing and that the grad program has the flexibility of being online.”

Do I have to major in English or Creative Writing to do this program?

Absolutely not. While some of our alumni and students come from English programs, others studied psychology, journalism, media studies, music, and other programs. Some hold advanced degrees in library science or other master's degrees.

What is the typical workload?

Students report that they spend between 5-10 hours each week on the program. Students take one course at a time, and most courses have weekly assignments, as well as longer-term projects. The classes are online and asynchronous, which means there is no set and scheduled meeting time, allowing students to take the course on their own schedule.

How much does the program cost?

Please visit northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-cost-attendance to view current tuition and fees. 

How do I apply?

Please visit northcentralcollege.edu/admissions/graduate/how-to-apply for application instructions and important deadlines.

Am I eligible for federal loans?

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 annually (summer, fall, and spring). For assistance or to learn more, please visit northcentralcollege.edu/financial-aid/graduate or contact the Office of Financial Aid at 630-637-5600 or finaid@noctrl.edu. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/paymentplan to read more about payment plans.

Are scholarships available?

North Central College offers several tuition benefits for employees of 501(c) non-profits, employees of our Education Alliance partner businesses and schools, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce members and employees of NACC-affiliated companies, and North Central College alumni. Learn more at northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-scholarships-and-tuition-benefits.

Are graduate assistantships available?

Yes, students who are accepted to the program can apply to be graduate assistants. The 2-year GA position is designed to aid students in the successful completion of their degrees and to enhance their career opportunities through applied professional experiences. Students are offered tuition remission and a stipend. Master of Arts in Profession and Creative Writing students accepted into a GA position would still have to pay for the 6 credit hours that take place in summer sessions. Learn more by visiting northcentralcollege.edu/graduate/graduate-assistantships.

Graduate Online Learning

We pride ourselves on giving personal attention to our students. Our faculty are committed to getting to know their online students and work diligently to foster community within the program. Our online programs are personal but flexible. They are rigorous and challenging, yet supportive and encouraging. Our online students will not only walk away with a meaningful degree but also a community.

Learn more about graduate online learning at North Central College.