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School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing

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Why pursue a Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing degree at North Central College?

Whether you are a writer who has a half-finished novel in your drawer or a working professional refining your skills, the online Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing may be for you. In fact, most of our students are both: they are professionals in diverse fields who have long wanted to finish a novel, memoir, or poetry collection. The program provides students with the structure, mentorship, and community to pursue both creative and professional goals. 

Through the program, you will gain experience in every genre of creative writing: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama. You will get to experience the collaboration that happens in workshop, and you will learn from faculty publishing in these fields. Students also gain professional skills such as grant writing, web content editing, and persuasive writing. 

Program highlights: 

  • 100% online program that can be completed in two years
  • Gain in-demand skills in digital writing, grant writing, and social media creation and management
  • Cohort model program provides teamwork, support, and shared resources
  • Courses taught by award-winning writers and scholars who share the journey of finishing manuscripts, finding an agent, pitching projects, and writing proposals
  • Culminates in a thesis project of the student's choosing – past projects include novels, children’s literature, major professional writing projects, teaching portfolios, and more

 

Learn More

Join admission staff for an upcoming virtual information session! Select your preferred date/time below to register:

Busy schedule? Watch a Recorded Information Session

 

Cost of Attendance and Scholarships

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in the federal direct unsubsidized loan annually; this includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

North Central offers several scholarships and awards to help reduce tuition costs by up to 20%!

COST OF ATTENDANCE >

 

SCHOLARSHIPS >

Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing is 10 courses (30 credit hours) and includes:

  • Core courses focused on the fundamentals of professional and creative writing
  • Specialized courses in learning to write grants, book proposals, and articles for print and web sources
  • Creative writing courses tailored to the craft of fiction, memoir, and screenwriting
  • A capstone thesis that allows each student to produce a major project of their own design

Courses are offered in asynchronous, seven-week sessions allowing you to learn on your own schedule but with close faculty mentorship. Take one course every session to complete your degree in two years.

Professional and Creative Writing, M.A.

A minimum of 30 credit hours to include:

July 1, 2025 - Deadline to apply

 

Steps to Apply

Both Master of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing applicants and Creative Writing Certificate applicants must complete the steps below. Additional application information, steps for international applicants and deadlines can be found here. 

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. To submit the online application, you will be required to upload the following:

  • Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
  • A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.

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. Official transcripts must be submitted to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies directly from the institution attended. Official transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically from verified services. Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution. 

  • We give careful consideration to all credentials in an application. A minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required.
  • The School of Graduate and Professional Studies uses a holistic approach giving careful consideration to all credentials in an application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may be considered for conditional admission which could require frequent contact by advisors. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or lower will not be considered for conditional admission.
  • Official transcripts can be sent electronically from verified services to grad@noctrl.edu or by mail to

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

30 N. Brainard St.

Naperville, IL  60540

3. Submit Letter of Recommendation

One professional or academic letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or another person who is able to judge your potential for graduate study. Letters can be emailed to grad@noctrl.edu. 

 

START YOUR APPLICATION >

 

 

 

 

Cost of Attendance and Scholarships

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in the federal direct unsubsidized loan annually; this includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

North Central offers several scholarships and awards to help reduce tuition costs by up to 20%!

COST OF ATTENDANCE >

 

SCHOLARSHIPS >

Online Certificate in Creative Writing

If you are looking to obtain an additional credential or certificate to augment your professional skills sets, the online certificate in creative writing provides you the continuing education that will meet your professional and personal passions in creative writing and publishing. 

The certificate is a 3-course, 9-credit hour online program. 

Core Course

Elective Courses

Two of the following:

Pathway to the M.A. in Professional and Creative Writing

If you want to further your study in our M.A. in professional and creative writing program, you can apply your 9-hour certificate credit to the 30-hour professional and creative writing master’s degree. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this program unique?

The fact that this program is entirely online and blends professional and creative writing makes this program, if not unique, really appealing to students. Here’s what a current student had to say: “I decided to join NCC's professional and creative writing program because, coming out of undergrad, I knew I wanted to incorporate writing in my future but didn't want to limit myself to just one type of writing. A lot of grad programs are either technical writing or creative writing, and it didn't seem smart or fun for me to be so segmented like that. I really appreciate that North Central allows you to explore both types of writing and that the grad program has the flexibility of being online.”

Do I have to major in English or Creative Writing to do this program?

Absolutely not. While some of our alumni and students come from English programs, others studied psychology, journalism, media studies, music, and other programs. Some hold advanced degrees in library science or other master's degrees.

What is the typical workload?

Students report that they spend between 5-10 hours each week on the program. Students take one course at a time, and most courses have weekly assignments, as well as longer-term projects. The classes are online and asynchronous, which means there is no set and scheduled meeting time, allowing students to take the course on their own schedule.

How much does the program cost?

Please visit northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-cost-attendance to view current tuition and fees. 

How do I apply?

Please visit northcentralcollege.edu/admissions/graduate/how-to-apply for application instructions and important deadlines.

Am I eligible for federal loans?

Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 annually (summer, fall, and spring). For assistance or to learn more, please visit northcentralcollege.edu/financial-aid/graduate or contact the Office of Financial Aid at 630-637-5600 or finaid@noctrl.edu. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/paymentplan to read more about payment plans.

Are scholarships available?

North Central College offers several tuition benefits for employees of 501(c) non-profits, employees of our Education Alliance partner businesses and schools, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce members and employees of NACC-affiliated companies, and North Central College alumni. Learn more at northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-scholarships-and-tuition-benefits.

Are graduate assistantships available?

Yes, students who are accepted to the program can apply to be graduate assistants. The 2-year GA position is designed to aid students in the successful completion of their degrees and to enhance their career opportunities through applied professional experiences. Students are offered tuition remission and a stipend. Master of Arts in Profession and Creative Writing students accepted into a GA position would still have to pay for the 6 credit hours that take place in summer sessions. Learn more by visiting northcentralcollege.edu/graduate/graduate-assistantships.

How to Write and Publish a Book 

Learn tips about the publishing process from Jennifer Smith, Chair of English and explore what it takes to be a professional and creative writer. 

How to write and publish a book 

 

North Central College Writing Center 

The Writing Center is an excellent resource for students at all levels of writing. Tutorials can happen at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming a topic to final revision. Graduate students are always welcome in our physical space in Oesterle 242 or for an online synchronous OR asynchronous appointment. 

Learn more about the Writing Center 

 

Graduate Online Learning  

We pride ourselves on giving personal attention to our students. Our faculty are committed to getting to know their online students and work diligently to foster community within the program. Our online programs are personal but flexible. They are rigorous and challenging, yet supportive and encouraging. Our online students will not only walk away with a meaningful degree but also a community. 

Read tips for graduate online learning

 

Student and Faculty Work 

Rabbit and Juliet by Dr. Rebecca Stafford, Associate Professor of English  

The Conjuror: A Paranormal Fantasy Romance by Ann Valiente M‘22 

“Feedback from professors has helped me think differently in my current role [at work]. For example, I have applied the technique of ‘show don’t tell’ to technical writing by adding more descriptive language. My courses have also helped me identify my target audience more effectively and keep them in mind while I write. 
 
In the master’s program, I’ve found that because of my background, I often write in simple language that is straight to the point. I also focus on creating an engaging title and first couple of paragraphs to connect with my audience.”

Megan G. '26 Communications Manager