Overview

The Professional Writing programme at the University of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for students who wish to master the art of storytelling for popular media. This Master of Fine Arts degree provides a rigorous academic environment where writers can refine their craft under the guidance of expert faculty.

Students in this programme engage in a deep exploration of narrative techniques, culminating in the completion of an original manuscript. This significant creative project serves as a cornerstone of the degree, ensuring that every graduate possesses a professional-level body of work ready for the publishing industry.

The curriculum is structured to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals who require a flexible schedule.

Why Professional Writing at the University of Oklahoma?

The programme is housed within the prestigious Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, which features state-of-the-art facilities in Gaylord Hall. This 44,000-square-foot facility includes dedicated spaces for graduate research and teaching support, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.

Students benefit from a faculty with diverse interests and extensive professional experience in media and communication. The college is known for its supportive community, often described by students as a family environment where faculty and advisors are deeply invested in individual student success and creative growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22891 per year
National fee: USD 11128 per year
Local fee: USD 3938 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a blend of advanced professional skills and creative theory. Modules may include:

Conceptual Issues in Graduate Study in JMC
Mass Communication Theory
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Thesis/Project Seminar
Memoir
Sell Your Writing
Creative Surge
Magazine Production
Advanced Multimedia Journalism
Strategic Fashion Communication
Race, Gender and the Media
Dramatic Series/Short Productions
Media Entrepreneurship
Women in Media Leadership

Careers with Professional Writing

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse roles within the creative and media industries. The focus on popular media ensures that students are equipped to pursue careers as authors, screenwriters, editors, and content creators across various digital and traditional platforms.

The skills gained in storytelling and professional manuscript development are highly transferable to roles in publishing, entertainment, and strategic communication. Many alumni leverage their original projects to secure literary representation or pursue advanced teaching positions in colleges and universities worldwide.

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

Prepare for Your English Test

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Norman, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing General Studies Literature View 119 other Masters in General Studies 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

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

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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