Admission and Application Information

Professional Writing and Professional Writing Certificate

We seek candidates who demonstrate strong potential for successful careers as professional writers. If you believe you have the necessary skills and talent for professional success and wish to become a candidate, we encourage you to apply. You must have in hand (or be about to obtain) a Bachelor's degree (discipline open) from an accredited institution.

The admissions committee will assess your credentials based on the following: 

• A portfolio of your writing or evidence of a distinguished record in a technical field. Submit a 10-30 page portfolio, which can include excerpts from academic papers, reports, significant letters, policy documents, articles, and creative works.
• Your personal statement explaining your goals and background as a writer, student, or employee.
• Recommendations from at least three people familiar with your written work or potential as a writer.
• An official undergraduate transcript, and results from the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Applying to the Professional Writing Program

You must complete a graduate admissions application in order to apply to the Professional Writing Program

You may obtain a graduate admissions application packet the following ways:

• Request the application packet online from the university website.
• Download the application packet in PDF format from the university website.
• Call the Admissions Coordinator, at the Office of Graduate Studies at 508.999.8026.

Applying to the Professional Writing Certificate Program

Students with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning must submit an abbreviated application that includes:

• Current official transcript(s) from colleges or universities attended.
• A three-page statement describing the applicant's writing, professional background and goals for the program.
• Apply online to the Certificate Program.

Additional Information

Transferring Credits from Another Institution

You may request to transfer up to 6 credits from another institution if the credits meet all of the following criteria:

• The courses are at the graduate level
• They resemble courses in our professional writing program
• They were taken within three years of your request
• The course grades are A or B
• The courses were not already used toward another degree

General Admissions Requirements

All graduate admissions are handled through the Office of Graduate Studies. General admissions requirements for graduate studies are listed in the Graduate Catalogue. You may request a catalogue from the Office of Graduate Studies at 508.999.8604, or you may access the catalogue online.

Registering as a Non-Degree Student

When space permits, individuals may enroll in graduate courses as non-degree special students without applying for admission to the graduate program. If you would like to register for coursework as a special student, you must obtain an approval form signed by the Director of Graduate Programs or the English Department Chairperson.

If you later apply and are accepted into the program, up to four non-degree student courses will be credited toward your degree.

Financial Aid Information

Information on graduate financial assistance is available in the Graduate Catalogue and through the Office of Financial Aid. You can follow the links below to the information online or request a copy of the catalogue from the Office of Graduate Studies at 508.999.8026.

• Information on graduate financial assistance in the Graduate Catalog
• Office of Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

Information regarding tuition and fees is listed in the Graduate Catalog. The most current information is available online. You can browse the catalog online or request a copy from the Office of Graduate Studies at (508) 999-8026.