Graduate Program in Professional Writing

If you're looking to improve your career as a communication specialist or information manager, the Graduate Program in Professional Writing at W&J College offers a flexible course of study in the skills you need. Master writing, editing, research, layout and design. Gain the expertise you need to prepare professional documents and presentations for different audiences and purposes. All you need to begin is an undergraduate degree in any field of study.

Graduate Certificate

If you're not ready to pursue the master's degree, but you need a solid grounding in professional writing, research, and editing to make your next career move, the graduate certificate program can help. The five course program consists of two required courses - Professional Writing and Editing (PRWR 601) and Research in Professional Writing (PRWR 605) - and three electives. Essentially, you can design the certificate around learning what you need to take your career to the next level. If you complete the certificate and want to continue to complete the master's degree, you can use those courses toward the degree.

Master's Degree

If you're looking for an in-depth course of study and a degree credential, then the master's degree program is for you. You will gain knowledge and in-depth experience in writing, research, editing, and design. In addition to the two required courses - Professional Writing and Editing (PRWR 601) and Research in Professional Writing (PRWR 605) - the master's degree requires eight electives in two categories. The degree culminates with the submission of an electronic portfolio of representative work.

Have Questions?

Contact Kathleen McEvoy, Director of the Graduate Program in Professional Writing, 724-503-1001, ext. 6549 or at kmcevoy@washjeff.edu.

Academic Regulations & Assessment

To apply, you must possess a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. All other academic policies and regulations of W&J College apply.

Performance in the program is assessed by exams, presentations, and professional documents. You must earn at least a 'C' in each course applied toward either the certificate or the master's degree.

When you complete the certificate or master's degree, you will be able to:
identify and write to target audiences
write in multiple genres (reports, brochures, proposals, oral presentations)
write for multiple platforms (print, web, social media)
manage and use social media in a professional context
conduct research in both print and electronic sources
understand professional ethics and best practices in the field
write grammatically and mechanically correct English
incorporate visual design to deliver a message

In addition, the master's degree offers further training in:
rhetorical and technical skills
specialized professional writing fields
editing and critiquing other writers
writing project management

Professional Writing Courses

Program Costs

W&J is dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals in an affordable way. Our graduate tuition is priced at $700 per credit hour ($2,100 per three-credit course) with no additional costs or fees. Financial Aid is available for these programs, and the College provides semester installment plans to assist students with payment. More information about payment plans can be found on the Business and Finance page..

If there are any questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid team at finaid@washjeff.edu

Start your graduate program today!
Apply now to W&J's Professional Writing program.