Master of Arts in Professional Writing

Advance your writing expertise with the Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPW) degree at Kennesaw State University. This 36 credit-hour degree prepares you for a writing career in television, film, education, publishing, business, and the literary arts.

To align with your career goals, you'll choose one area of study below as your concentration and one as your support area. This interdisciplinary approach will give you a deep understanding of today's complex industry issues and ensure that you gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in various writing roles.

Submit your application today to fast-track your career and deepen your expertise.

Sign Up for Our Next Info Session

Want to learn how a Master’s in Professional Writing can help you? Join our upcoming virtual information session, which will cover key topics such as:

  • Application process and admission requirements.
  • Curriculum highlights including course requirements in areas such as creative writing, applied writing, and composition & rhetoric.
  • Concentration options and how to tailor your studies to your career goals.
  • Any other specific questions you may have.
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Applied Writing

The Applied Writing concentration addresses a broad spectrum of writing disciplines including public service writing, grant and proposal writing, technical writing, feature writing, social media writing, multi-modal editing, and web design.

You will develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for creating effective and impactful written content across different media and platforms. You will also be equipped to produce high-quality documents and digital content that meet the needs of diverse audiences in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

 

copywriter typing on a laptop on desk
female english teacher asking questions to student raising hand

Composition & Rhetoric

The Composition & Rhetoric concentration addresses the study and teaching of writing. This concentration delves into teaching writing, rhetoric studies, workplace writing, multi-modal writing, and computers and writing.

You will explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of rhetoric and composition, preparing you to teach writing at various educational levels or to apply rhetorical principles in professional settings. You will gain expertise in designing and implementing effective writing curricula, as well as in using digital tools to enhance writing instruction and practice.

 

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing concentration is built around storytelling and creative expression. This concentration offers courses in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, playwriting, and TV and screenwriting.

You will engage in intensive writing workshops, develop your unique voice, and refine your craft across multiple genres. The program emphasizes both the creative and critical aspects of writing, encouraging you to produce original works while also analyzing and understanding literary forms and techniques.

You will be prepared for a career as a professional writer, editor, and educator, with the skills to contribute to the literary and entertainment industries.

student filmmakers on set of indie short film in a dining set

Upgrade Your MAPW Experience

Learn more about our specialized graduate certificate options to help you get the most out of your MAPW program experience and to best-align with your specific professional writing goals.

  • New for Fall 2025: Develop a sophisticated understanding of AI's role in content creation and composing strategies. Ensure that you are well-equipped to integrate these technologies effectively and responsibly in your writing practices in professional settings. Learn More
  • The purpose of this unique four-course program is to provide instruction and membership in a community of writers to qualified writing students in metro Atlanta and North Georgia who seek intensive creative writing practice, but who do not want to matriculate in a graduate degree program. Learn More
  • Launch a career in the competitive industry of professional editing and publishing. Gain the hands-on experience to qualify for a variety of editing and editorial positions, as well as related industry careers in marketing, sales, and design. Learn More
  • Learn about the unique cultural and linguistic differences that exists when communicating with an international audience. This certificate program will help you to communicate more effectively if you write for, or work with, people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Learn More
  • Interested in a career in the competitive industry of writing for film, television, streaming platforms, and other media outlets? Learn how to craft your writing skills through a combination of academic study and hands-on practical experience for the media and entertainment industry. Learn More

Questions?

Kennesaw State University
Department of English
M.A. in Professional Writing
440 Bartow Ave., MD 2701
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Phone: (470) 578-3335
Email: mapw@kennesaw.edu

For Enrollment Questions:

Graduate Admissions 
Phone: (470) 578-4377
Email: ksugrad@kennesaw.edu

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Quick Summary

Cost: Tuition/Fees
Format:  Face-to-Face, Online
Number of Credit Hours:  36 Hours 
GRE:  Not Required
Time to Complete:  Two-year Program
Application Deadlines:  
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1