How to Apply: Professional and Creative Writing

Am I eligible to apply?

We use a holistic approach giving careful consideration to all credentials in an application. Students must provide evidence of earning a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last sixty (60) hours of undergraduate study. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA must have at least 5 years of professional work experience and submit a letter of intent describing how the professional work experience has contributed to your ability to perform in graduate school


Steps to Apply

Step 1: Start Your Application

A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application. In order to submit the application, your essay and resume will need to be uploaded. Separately from the application, you will need to submit additional items depending on your program. 


Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

  • Transcripts can be sent electronically to grad@noctrl.edu or by mail to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville, IL 60540.

Step 3: Submit Additional Application Materials

  • Two professional letters of recommendation from employers, professors, or others who are able to judge your potential for graduate study.

Step 4: Admissions Interview

  • Applicants may be invited to an admissions interview if deemed necessary by the School of Graduate & Professional Studies.

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Online M.A. in Professional and Creative Writing

There’s hardly an industry that couldn’t benefit from hiring better writers. From business professionals seeking to strengthen their writing and communication skills to those pursuing an advanced English education, the online degree is designed to enhance the writing, reading and critical thinking skills that will help writers be successful wherever they are.