Professional Writing

Overview

The degree evolves from a longstanding emphasis under the M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication. For 65 years, the University of Oklahoma's program in Professional Writing has prepared students to work as freelance fiction and nonfiction writers of books, screenplays, magazine articles and short stories. Our program faculty include commercially successful authors who bring substantial practical and creative experience to the classroom. 

About the Professional Writing programme

The unique Master of Professional Writing program from University of Oklahoma allows students to work in close collaboration with experienced faculty who are actively writing and publishing novels, non-fiction books and screenplays, and fellow students who are doing the same. The MPW program has a long history of producing some of America’s most successful novelists, including western great Louis L’Amour, mystery favorite Tony Hillerman and urban fantasy pioneer Jim Butcher. Other distinguished writers who have come through the MPW program include Marilyn Harris, Ross Thomas, Carolyn Hart, Harold Keith, Bill Wallace, Jack Bickham and Curtiss Ann Matlock.

Students cover novel writing, nonfiction book writing and screenwriting in the core curriculum. Additional coursework in one or more of these three areas enables them to develop their knowledge and skills in line with their interests. Students’ development is demonstrated in the final project–a book-length, professional-quality manuscript.