Female student writing at desk

Master's (MS) in Professional Writing Online

100% Online Study Option

Fully online and 36 credits, the MS in Professional Writing pairs the convenience of learning from any location with the quality of an NYU graduate degree. Real-world assignments in core and elective courses allow you to build a comprehensive, digital writing portfolio before you graduate. MS in Professional Writing students develop their creative abilities with a focus on dynamic careers across a range of industries and evolving fields. Our curriculum encourages students to leverage new technologies while they confidently craft content that has measurable impact.

You are the future of writing. We are your people.

It’s almost impossible to explain the odd, wonderful, frustrating compulsion that drives the creative writing impulse. If you are a pocket-journal scribbler, a life-long learner, or a lover of words (of arranging them, deleting them, and sometimes even inventing them), the MS in Professional Writing is the gold-standard to level up or pivot into a passion-fueled career. 

Our flexible, online MS in Professional Writing prepares the next generation of writers for a broad spectrum of senior-level writing careers, preparing students with irreplaceable expertise in a world of A.I. innovations. 

Develop the skills for innovative full-time and freelance writing careers in technical writing/UX writing, science writing, business communications, writing for digital media/content creation, medical writing, financial writing, grant writing and more.

Degree Advantages

Anyone can learn writing skills, but not everyone is born with the drive and instinct to tell stories. We go beyond typical writing instruction to elevate your writing practice and natural storytelling abilities.

  • Be the human voice: In a world of AI-generated content language, learn to champion humanity in your work.
  • Precision in every word: Craft messages, strip away jargon, break down complexity, and let your message shine.
  • Radically empathetic writing: Step into your audience's shoes, immerse yourself in their world, and track how well your messages resonate with them.
  • Weave integrity into your words: Use your talents ethically and respect your audiences with a commitment to honest and accurate content.
  • Be a chameleon of communication: Shape-shift your style for the canvas at hand. Develop an unstoppable command of unique tones, styles, and voices for traditional and digital spaces.
  • Proofreading finesse: Edit, refine, revise, and polish prose to create content that wins hearts and minds.

Program At-A-Glance

  • 36 credits
  • Flexible, fully online
  • Complete in 3 semesters (full-time) or 6 semesters (part-time)
  • Core curriculum: Foundational courses give you the safety and confidence that comes with a firm command of the basics, allowing you to dive deeper into your writing and editing practice.
  • Electives: Elective courses provide an extensive and nuanced understanding of your industry specific styles, supporting your personal, professional writing goals.
  • Internship or Directed Study: Earn course credit for real-world experiences with professional internships or a mock-freelance-directed study.
  • Thesis and Digital Portfolio: Your hard work culminates in your final semester with an original thesis project and an individual digital writing portfolio, showcasing your unstoppable work.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

You can find the full curriculum details for this program on this page of the University Bulletin. All other content, including this web page is for informational purposes only.

Quick Links:

Discover NYU SPS: Graduate Admissions Information Session

Join an online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs, including the Master's in Professional Writing. Our admissions team will give you insights into the NYU SPS experience, share details about the application process, and offer tips for creating a successful application. Current students will also share their personal experiences, providing a firsthand perspective on life as an SPS student.

7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EST


Application Deadlines

Want to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer? Make sure your application is complete and submit before the deadlines below:

Fall: July 1 
Spring: January 5
Summer: March 1

What is the application process?


1. Attend an online Explore Graduate Opportunities at NYU SPS session
  • This isn’t required but is a great way to get more information on the program and application process. We’ll also waive the $150 application fee when you attend an Information Session.
 
2. Prepare your documents for the application
  • Complete the online application
  • Request one reference letter
  • Upload your college/university transcripts
  • Upload your resume
  • Upload your personal statement (500 words)
  • Pay $150 application fee (waived when you attend an Information Session!)
  • Upload a writing portfolio with samples of your work (submit 10-15 pages of writing that you are proud of)

3. Apply

For additional application details, visit the NYU SPS Admissions page or contact the team at 212-998-7100 or sps.admissions@nyu.edu.

Flexible Courses

Our master’s degree in professional writing offers a weekly guided structure that keeps you on track with optional opportunities to engage live, around your schedule. In each of our tech-forward and small-sized online writing classes, you get the most from our flexible workshop-model curriculum.  Guided by industry-expert faculty members, you will work through assignments that target corporate, academic, and real-world audiences to build your professional-quality writing portfolio.

Occupations in media and communications: 151,500 new jobs or +14% growth from 2020 to 2030. - US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career-Focused Curriculum

It’s an exciting time for professional writers! Over the next 10 years, career opportunities for professional writers are projected to grow at a faster rate than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our core courses equip you with powerhouse writing skills while our electives prepare you to be a fiercely competitive applicant for specific industries like:

  • Technology
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Corporate Communications
  • Government
  • Advertising
  • Eduation
  • Finance
  • Nonprofit
  • Grants and Fundraising

Writing Community

Mirroring the increasingly digital, global, and collaborative work environment of today’s professional world, the MS in Professional Writing brings faculty members, students, and guest lecturers together as part of an interactive, online educational community. Learn, write, edit, and revise writing projects with a cohort of classmates from NYC, across the country, and around the world.

Students join our program from all academic, professional, creative writing, and technical backgrounds. So whether you are hoping to graduate into senior writing positions, to feel confident about your writing skills, to advance your current career, or to pivot into a new professional path that feeds your passion, our professors support and mentor you towards your personal and professional goals.

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Department Highlights

October 1, 2024
The Hybrid Orientation Experience of an MSPW Student
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
April 26, 2024
Finding a Place to Rest: Fostering Brave Spaces to Find and Utilize Our Voices
April 26, 2024
2024 NYU MSPW Convocation Award Recipients
April 26, 2024
MSPW Guest Speaker: Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder and CEO at Nectir
October 1, 2024
The Hybrid Orientation Experience of an MSPW Student
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
2024 NYU MSPW Convocation Award Recipients
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
December 4, 2023
SCRIBE at Spirit Week: The Translated and Queer/Banned Book Expo
November 10, 2023
2023 Website Prototype Projects by MS in Professional Writing Students
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
April 26, 2024
Finding a Place to Rest: Fostering Brave Spaces to Find and Utilize Our Voices
April 26, 2024
MSPW Guest Speaker: Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder and CEO at Nectir
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
August 2, 2023
AI in the Professions: Professional Writing, Translation, and the New Face of Content Creation
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
March 14, 2024
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Sophie Plitt
December 15, 2023
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Simon Mullin
November 27, 2023
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Patrick Gray
July 21, 2022
Professional Writer at Work: Interview with Megan Diamondstein, Acting Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications & Digital Director for the Center for Reproductive Rights
October 1, 2024
The Hybrid Orientation Experience of an MSPW Student
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
April 26, 2024
Finding a Place to Rest: Fostering Brave Spaces to Find and Utilize Our Voices
April 26, 2024
2024 NYU MSPW Convocation Award Recipients
April 26, 2024
MSPW Guest Speaker: Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder and CEO at Nectir
October 1, 2024
The Hybrid Orientation Experience of an MSPW Student
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
2024 NYU MSPW Convocation Award Recipients
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
December 4, 2023
SCRIBE at Spirit Week: The Translated and Queer/Banned Book Expo
November 10, 2023
2023 Website Prototype Projects by MS in Professional Writing Students
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 26, 2024
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
April 26, 2024
Finding a Place to Rest: Fostering Brave Spaces to Find and Utilize Our Voices
April 26, 2024
MSPW Guest Speaker: Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder and CEO at Nectir
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
August 2, 2023
AI in the Professions: Professional Writing, Translation, and the New Face of Content Creation
September 23, 2024
MSPW Event Recap: Sharpen Your Digital Networking Skills
April 12, 2024
MS in Professional Writing (MSPW) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
March 14, 2024
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Sophie Plitt
December 15, 2023
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Simon Mullin
November 27, 2023
Joining the MSPW Teaching Team: Introducing Patrick Gray
July 21, 2022
Professional Writer at Work: Interview with Megan Diamondstein, Acting Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications & Digital Director for the Center for Reproductive Rights

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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