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Master’s Concentration

Professional Fiction Writing: Master’s Degree

Broaden your imagination and share your story through the written word. From short stories to novels, examine the art of writing fiction and develop an authentic voice and style. You’ll learn to create a personal presence in the creative marketplace while honing your fiction writing expertise. Develop a deeper understanding of genres and influential masterworks as you strive to become a published author.

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At a Glance

Classes Begin
April 1

Term Length
10 Weeks

Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688

Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online

Admission
No GRE or GMAT

Duration
As few as 18 months

Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Brian Cicero

Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Free Application

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University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You’ll Learn

Identify and analyze key elements of strong fiction

Produce fiction writing that connects with the audience for your work

Apply professional editing standards to evaluate both published writing and writing for your peers

Curriculum

Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing with a concentration in Professional Fiction Writing requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit
Student Success Course.

5

Core Courses

4

Concentration Courses

3

Elective Courses

Core Courses

Learn the scope of activity, historical development, and future direction of the industry. These courses provide a foundation that you'll draw on throughout your concentration and elective courses. The capstone serves as the culminating academic experience in which you'll explore a problem of practice in your field of study.

PWRI 4500 The Writing Life: Concepts, Practices, and Professionalism
PWRI 4510 Literary Genres for Writers
PWRI 4520 The Writers Workshop
PWRI 4917 Market Research for Writers
PWRI 4001 Portfolio Foundations
PWRI 4901 Professional Creative Writing Capstone Project
OR  
PWRI 4920 Portfolio Capstone

 

 

Concentration Courses

Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
PWRI 4010 Writing Fiction: Foundational Concepts, Skills, and Practice
PWRI 4020 Writing the Short Story
PWRI 4030 Writing the Novella

 

Elective Courses

Popular electives for students in the Professional Creative Writing program include:

PWRI 4140 Natural Science and Literature
PWRI 4340 Literature to Film
PWRI 4410 Writing and Healing
PWRI 4420 Writing as Translation
PWRI 4540 Children’s Literature: From Picture Books to Books for Young Adults
PWRI 4560 Writing Books for Children
PWRI 4600 Breaking the Chains of Genre: An Exploration of Hybrid Literature

Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Professional Creative Writing program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.

Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.

Featured Instructors

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Year 3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
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Interested in a graduate certificate?

Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Professional Fiction Writing.​

Take a Course Before You Apply

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We know how important it is to get started when you’re ready and that’s why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Professional Fiction Writing

According to Publishing Perspectives, 81% of Americans want to write a book, but how many actually possess the skills and determination to achieve the dream?

According to the Association of American Publishers, the U.S. book and journal publishing industry generated $28 billion dollars in revenue last year, massive growth primarily due to the increasing popularity of audiobooks.

The International Trade Administration Top Market Reports found that the U.S. publishing industry is the largest in the world. PwC forecasts that total global consumer book revenue will continue its upward trajectory.


Job Titles

Writer
Editor
Editor
Screenwriter

Copywriter
Teacher
Blogger
Writing Coach


Writer and Author Salary: National Average

$61,820

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services

 

One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews

 

Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni

 

Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction

Professional Creative Writing

“The writing assignments at that level really helped elevate my writing. It made me more keenly aware of the editing process as well as some more practical purposes.” —Bobby LeFebre, graduate.

Flexible Online Classes

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We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Online Experience5

Accreditation

 


Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

Take the Next Step

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