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.

The central feature of the curriculum is intensive evaluation and critique of each student’s writing. This individualized focus begins in the writing courses in the core curriculum and continues in much of the additional Professional Writing coursework and the final project. Students work with instructors who are successful, published writers themselves.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Writing the Novel-Graduate

Writing the Screenplay

Writing the Commercial Nonfiction Book

Conceptual Issues in Journalism and Mass Communication

Readings in Mass Communication

Mass Communication Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-05-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Norman, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing General Studies Literature View 385 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.9

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Current resume

Three letters of recommendation

Official GMAT score

A statement of your career and educational goals (1 to 1.5 pages, double-spaced)

Official transcripts for all institutions attended

International applicants must also submit an official TOEFL score and confidential financial statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22891 USD / year

≈ 22891 USD / year
Out-of-State

11128 USD / year

≈ 11128 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3938 USD / year

≈ 3938 USD / year

Living costs

Norman

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Professional Writing.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

About the Professional Writing programme

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Norman

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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