Your words, your world. The MS in Professional Writing is a fully online, 36-credit program that prepares students to craft strategic copy and to shape important stories for target audiences in new and exciting ways. Our curriculum combines a traditional grounding in writing, style, and rhetoric with in-depth explorations of modern communication theories and emerging writing practices. Students develop their creative ability with a focus on professional stability.
Guided by our industry-experienced faculty members, MS in Professional Writing students work through assignments that target corporate, academic, and real-world audiences to build professional-quality writing portfolios from their coursework. By the end of the program, our graduates are practiced and effective writers who are qualified for active and engaging writing and communications careers across industries. This online graduate degree can be completed in full- or part-time study.
In addition to submitting the admissions materials listed below, applicants to the MS in Professional Writing program must submit a 10-15 page writing sample with their applications. We encourage writing samples that include multiple works within the 10-15 pages. Essays, articles, academic papers, newsletters, grant and technical report excerpts, blogs entries, creative prose, short scripts, infographics, web copy, and letter templates are all welcomed. Please do not submit poetry.
Click the link below to find important information regarding the federal aid process, NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) department and divisional scholarships, private loans, and the NYU payment plans.
For the last two years, 100% of recent MS in Professional Writing graduates reported being employed within six months of graduation.
Graduates of the MS in Professional Writing go on to have active and engaging professional writing careers across industries in positions that include:
- Technical Writers
- Content Strategists
- UX Writers
- Copywriters
- Marketing Writers
- Social Media Managers
- Medical Writers
- Grant Writers
- Financial Writers
- Research Associates
- Presentation Specialists
- Communications Consultants
- Freelance Writers (2019 Most Profitable Freelance Writing Niches include SEO/content strategy, white papers, long-form blog content, and company finance/annual reports)
Company websites, online publications, and digital services are growing in number, sophistication, and readership. This has increased the demand for writers that can create timely and accurate copy across traditional, digital, and multimedia experiences. During the pandemic, the rapid move to remote engagement in many sectors (work, entertainment, social) has highlighted the need for effective communication strategies and copy/content that is creative, compelling, and clear.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 151,500 new jobs, or 14% growth, from 2020 to 2030 for occupations in media and communications (including equally high predicted growth rates for some of the in-demand job titles above). In full-time, part-time, and freelance/contract careers, professional writers craft strategic copy for companies and clients in ways that leverage new and emerging technologies to reach target audiences.
As part of NYU School of Professional Studies, MS in Professional Writing students and alumni are connected to an international network of peers and professionals. The NYUSPS Wasserman Center for Career Development partners with the MS in Professional Writing on career initiatives and supports students and alumni seeking advancement.
Take a look at our program highlights and “Professional Writer at Work” interview series, below, to learn more about student achievements and career paths.