Professional Poetry Writing
Refine your passion for writing poetry, ground that passion in the evolving creative tradition, and build connections within the writing community. You will have the support you need to develop a writing practice that is both focused and flexible enough to sustain you on the journey to publication. Gain the skills needed to craft poetry that expresses your deepest insights in ways that move your audience.
At a Glance
Free Application
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 poetry
Produce poetry writing using knowledge of poetic fundamentals
Develop a professional presence in the poetry world
Curriculum
Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing with a concentration in Professional Poetry Writing requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Professional Poetry Writing.
Take a Course Before You Apply
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 Poetry Writing
New revenue sources are on the rise for poets, as spoken word poetry and online poetry blogs continue to surge in popularity.
Writers and authors who adjust their work for online content and social media should have an advantage.
Job Titles
Writer and Author Salary: National Average
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
"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
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.
Featured Instructors
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Accreditation
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.