Master of Arts in Writing

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Become an Expert in Written Communication

Hone your craft and grow your network with the Master of Arts in Writing program from the Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs division. You can choose from a concentration in fiction or nonfiction and tailor the program to fit your goals. Beyond earning a prestigious degree, you will develop a digital portfolio for showcasing your best work. In this program, you will:

  • Develop your craft, tap into your creativity, and learn how to live the writing life.
  • Graduate ready to write, edit, and publish at the highest levels.
  • Cultivate your craft with the nonfiction or fiction track while you deepen knowledge in other genres.

During this program, you will engage with our faculty that include seasoned writers and editors. Learn through their experience of contributing to literary journals and major outlets, such as The New York Review of Books, The Washington Post, and Slate. Once you acquire this degree, you’ll join our elite group of alumni who have sold novels, memoirs, screenplays, and narrative nonfiction books or gone on to edit at magazines, newspapers, and publishing houses.

Fast Facts

Professional Opportunities

Whether writing is your career path or your side-hustle, an MA in Writing degree from JHU will help you advance by elevating your craft and expanding your professional network. If you pursue a professional writing career, you will enter a field which had a median salary of $73,150 in 2022.1

Specialize in your Area of Interest

Choose from a fiction or nonfiction concentration, allowing you to target your ideal career path. As you advance toward your degree, you will build a portfolio worthy of publication. You can focus on writing a novel, memoir, essay collection, or another type of manuscript that meets your aspirations.

In the fiction concentration, you will focus on short stories, novellas, and novels in a variety of genres. Grow as a dynamic writer through electives that explore other types of writing, such as poetry, drama, playwriting, and screenwriting.

In the nonfiction concentration, you will study long-form literary journalism, personal essays, and memoirs. Choose from a range of electives, including courses from our science writing and teaching writing graduate programs.

Sources

  1. “Writers and Authors.” 6 September 2023. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 10 October 2023. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm.