Master of Science in Professional Writing

Be the Future of Professional Writing

Our flexible, online Master of Science in Professional Writing pairs the convenience of learning from any location with the quality of an NYU graduate degree. 

Our curriculum emphasizes real-world assignments and emerging technologies, helping you build a digital writing portfolio before graduation. Through core and elective courses, you'll craft strategic content with measurable impact. The MS in Professional Writing prepares you for dynamic careers in leadership, freelancing, and beyond.

You are the future of writing. We are your people. Turn your skills into a career you love.

Be the Future of Professional Writing

Tuition*

$2,7,85 Per credit
$27,562 Per term (10-12 credits)

# of Credits

36 credits

Study Options

Online
Fall | Spring | Summer
Full-time | Part-time

Minimum Duration

12 months

*See NYU Bursar site for more info.

9%

job growth 2024-2034

$96.6K

median salary

95%

working and/or in school

1,294

Global Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media alumni

A woman sits in a cozy café, focused on her laptop. She wears a floral skirt and tank top. A drink and leather bag are on the table.

[1] Lightcast 2025
[2] Lightcast 2025
[3] NYU Life Beyond the Square: School of Professional Studies Graduate Class of 2024
[4] as of 1/2024

Why This Degree?

Be the Human Voice

In a world of AI-generated content, learn to champion humanity in your work.

Craft Precision in Every Word

Draft clear messages, strip away jargon, break down complexity, and let your message shine.

Create Radically Empathetic Writing

Step into your audience's shoes, immerse yourself in their world, and track how well your messages resonate with them.

Weave Integrity into Your Words

Use your talents ethically and respect your audiences with a commitment to honest and accurate content.

Be a Chameleon of Communication

Shape-shift your style for the canvas at hand. Develop an unstoppable command of unique tones, styles, and voices for traditional and digital spaces.

 

Bring Proofreading Finesse to Every Project

Edit, refine, revise, and polish prose to create content that wins hearts and minds.

What You’ll Study

Core Curriculum

Foundational courses give you the safety and confidence that comes with a firm command of the basics, allowing you to dive deeper into your writing and editing practice.

Electives

Elective courses provide an extensive and nuanced understanding of your industry’s specific styles, supporting your personal, professional writing goals.

 

Internship or Directed Study

Earn course credit for real-world experiences with professional internships or opt for a mock-freelance directed study.

 

Thesis and Digital Portfolio

Your hard work culminates in your final semester with an original thesis project and an individual digital writing portfolio, showcasing your unstoppable work that aligns with your personal and professional goals. 

 

Where You’ll Go

Professional writing graduates use powerhouse writing skills in career across industries

Where Our Alumni Work
  • Anthem Inc.
  • Cayuga Centers
  • Columbia University
  • Commerce Canal
  • Dictionperfect
  • Disney Trippers
  • DudekFreelance
  • General Service Administration
  • HSBC
  • Hudson MX
  • Interactive One
  • InvitaeNYU
  • PCC Technology Inc.
  • Physician's Computer Company
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Talent Inc.
  • US Dept. of Veterans Affairs
What Our Alumni Do
  • Business Writer
  • Content Specialist
  • Digital Media Specialist
  • Grant Writer
  • Marketing Communications
  • Philanthropic Communications
  • Senior Science Writer
  • Technical Editor
  • Writer/Researcher

The above data is sourced from Lightcast

Spring 2026

Deadlines

Round

Deadline

Decision Release

Priority

August 1, 2025

October 15, 2025

Regular

October 1, 2025

November 15, 2025

Final

November 15, 2025

December 20, 2025

Priority

Deadline

Decision Release

August 1, 2025

October 15, 2025

Regular

Deadline

Decision Release

October 1, 2025

November 15, 2025

Final

Deadline

Decision Release

November 15, 2025

December 20, 2025

Summer 2026

Deadlines

Round

Deadline

Decision Release

Priority

October 1, 2025

December 15, 2025

Regular

January 15, 2026

March 1, 2026

Final

March 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

Priority

Deadline

Decision Release

October 1, 2025

December 15, 2025

Regular

Deadline

Decision Release

January 15, 2026

March 1, 2026

Final

Deadline

Decision Release

March 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

Fall 2026

Deadlines

Round

Deadline

Decision Release

Priority 1

November 1, 2025

December 15, 2025

Priority 2

January 15, 2026

April 1, 2026

Regular

May 1, 2026

June 15, 2026

Final

July 1, 2026

July 15, 2026

Priority 1

Deadline

Decision Release

November 1, 2025

December 15, 2025

Priority 2

Deadline

Decision Release

January 15, 2026

April 1, 2026

Regular

Deadline

Decision Release

May 1, 2026

June 15, 2026

Final

Deadline

Decision Release

July 1, 2026

July 15, 2026

Real World Experiences

Your journey might begin in the classroom, but we ensure that you can learn through experience—rolling up your sleeves and taking your studies to the real world.
A screengrab of an NYU SPS alumni's digital portfolio for professional writing.
Build a Digital Portfolio from Course Work

Every class in the MS in Professional Writing has multiple real-world assignments that could be included in the individualized, professional-quality, digital writing portfolio you build in your final semester of study.

A graphical representation of a human brain ideating artificial intelligence concepts, hovering over a laptop, suggesting an infusion of technology into professional writing.
Develop Technology-infused Writing Processes

Gain irreplaceable expertise in a world of AI innovation and rapidly evolving media platforms. NYU’s professional writing degree helps you become a leader of emerging technologies and proven storytelling techniques.

A male student works on homework on an open laptop, the display of which shows a number of digital collaborators.
Join a Robust Online Writing Community

From the moment you enroll, MS in Professional Writing students join a community of writers and an online network of support that spans academic, professional, creative writing, and technical backgrounds.

A male student works on homework on an open laptop, the display of which shows a number of digital collaborators.
Pivot into a Passion-fueled Career

Prepare for innovative full-time and freelance writing careers in technical writing, UX writing, business communications, digital media and content creation, medical writing, financial writing, grant writing, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s almost impossible to explain the odd, wonderful, frustrating compulsion that drives the creative writing impulse. Professional writers are employed in many job titles and professional writing is everywhere! Just consider how much writing you see all day long. Depending on the context, professional writing can be clear and concise or creative and expansive. It can be organized for quick access or meandering for maximum storytelling impact. From brand voice to SEO keywords, professional writers are hard at work shaping messages, persuading audiences, and measuring impact.

From the marketing email in your inbox, to the political policy being read on TV, to the brand experience campaign in Times Square, to the website you're reading right now: all of that is professional writing.

 

Ranging from creative writing to technical writing, professional writers are paid for travel writing, blogging, documenting research, writing pamphlets, developing white papers, producing public relations strategies, sellings products with ad copy, creating annual reports, working on communication plans, and cracking jokes on social media.

 

In full-time writing positions, part-time jobs, and freelance writing careers, professional writers produce strategic copy for companies and clients in ways that leverage new and emerging technologies to reach target audiences.

An MS in Writing is a Master of Science degree in Writing. Earning this degree prepares graduates with advanced education and training in writing, style, and rhetoric with in-depth explorations of emerging communication practices, document design, and the principles of effective communication. We pride ourselves on a curriculum that has real-world relevance and prepares confident writers with the skills to craft strategic, ethical copy for companies and clients across industries.

Our Master’s in Professional Writing offers flexible courses in a weekly guided structure that keeps you on track with optional opportunities to engage live, around your schedule. In each of our tech-forward and small-sized online writing classes, you get the most from our flexible workshop-model curriculum. Guided by industry-expert faculty members, you will work through assignments that target corporate, academic, and real-world audiences to build your professional-quality writing portfolio.

 

Our program also fosters a unique sense of community, for both students and alumni. Mirroring the increasingly digital, global, and collaborative work environment of today’s professional world, the MS in Professional Writing brings faculty members, students, and guest lecturers together as part of an interactive, online educational community. Learn, write, edit, and revise writing projects with a cohort of classmates from NYC, across the country, and around the world. 

 

AI tools are increasingly embedded in everyday life and, while the recent attention to generative AI may feel new, these tools are not new within the MS in Professional Writing’s (MSPW) tech-forward curriculum. We are proud that our curriculum has and continues to prepare responsible writers that are technology-fluent professionals with the confidence to lead, track, and improve communication endeavors across industries.

Students in the MSPW are encouraged to develop AI literacy through experimentation in our courses, with clear rules for engagement, guided by our industry-experienced faculty. Our focus remains on developing the communication skills of the talented writers in our program alongside the practices they need to lead companies and clients in the effective and ethical uses of these technologies. Writers have always held great responsibility and have always used new technologies to amplify their messages. The MSPW intentionally gives our students experience using AI tools within our coursework so that they can critically reflect on their use, understand their impact, and be the human voice that will remain central to the production and consumption of impactful writing.

 

Turn your passion for writing into a lucrative career. A master’s degree in professional writing is a springboard to a myriad of flexible career opportunities. Our workshop-model curriculum is an exciting fit for English majors, journalists, liberal arts majors, creative writers, educators; those working in technology, medicine, and the sciences; as well as individuals in the fields of digital media and advertising or business communications.

 

 

If you love writing and want to build a career with your words; if you are ready for communication leadership roles; or if you are looking to pivot full-time to a passion project/industry you care about, we look forward to reviewing your application.

 

You can also use your time in the program to try a range of industries and writing roles before launching a career that matches your writing strengths and interests.

 

For those looking to make a career in writing, higher education is a wise investment to unlock new career paths and secure better job opportunities. As technology advances to produce lazy, canned copy in seconds, the world recognizes the value of better writers with a mastery of different styles now more than ever. 

While many feared AI-generated content would cannibalize writing jobs, employment opportunities are projected to increase over the next 10 years for talented and creative writers with technical skills and proven abilities. However, now that generative language can do the job of a junior role in seconds, the labor market will likely require writers to come in with a powerful human voice and unique command of language. Our faculty know this and our curriculum is geared for these shifts. Our classes help students leverage new technologies while they hone advanced storytelling techniques, precise editing skills, and critical communication practices. Words have power and professional writers have impact.

Almost all industries have a need for writers. Our master’s degree prepares graduates for active and engaging professional writing careers in sectors that include: technical writing, government, technology, education, financial, grant writing, nonprofit/fundraising, marketing copywriting, medical/healthcare/wellness, science/environment/energy, corporate communications, and public relations.

The alumni from the MS in Professional Writing program at NYU SPS have moved into the following job titles:

  • Technical Editor/Technical Writer

  • Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships

  • Content Designer/UX Writer

  • Senior Medical Editor/Writer

  • VP, Marketing & Communications

  • Head Writer, In-house Marketing

  • Head of Content 

  • Assistant Director of Communications & Engagement

  • Freelance Writer/Editor

  • Marketing Copywriter

Earning an MS in Professional Writing from NYU will move you forward in your professional writing career—at any stage. Our coursework will help you improve your craft as a writer and you will graduate with a professional-quality writing portfolio and access to a network of professional peers. For those looking to make a career in writing, higher education is a wise investment to unlock new career paths and secure better job opportunities. Find out why in the “Is a professional writing degree worth it?” question above.

Yes! Every MS in Professional Writing student curates their most exciting writing projects into an engaging, digital, professional-quality portfolio in their final semester to showcase their expert writing skills. Every class has multiple real-world assignments that could be included in a digital writing portfolio.

The MS in Professional Writing is a 36-credit degree program. If you choose to study full-time, you can complete your degree in as little as three semesters. Most part-time students complete the MS in Professional Writing degree in six semesters.

Yes! We encourage our applicants to explore the financial aid and resources available to them. This includes a unique scholarship opportunity for first-semester MS in Professional Writing students.

Our students! With each class you take, you will build connections and cultivate an online writing community that will grow into your professional network. Students join the MS in Professional Writing program with a variety of interests, experiences, and individual goals. They know that their writing can foster understanding, communicate important messages, and create change in the world. And they have fun along the way.

 

A few other things that make our MS in Professional Writing unique:

  • High-touch, innovative workshop curriculum designed to match the flexible scheduling and tech-forward working life of professional writers. Learn more about the online courses available in the MS in Professional Writing.

  • Specialized electives for industry exploration allow students to explore a range of interests and different styles of writing in their coursework. If students know what industry they're interested in, they can cluster their electives in that area to do a deep dive. 
  • Industry-experienced faculty members who are leaders in their professions and care deeply about impacting the next generation of writers in their fields. Faculty and industry leaders work together to continuously update our courses, preparing you with the latest communication skills and technical writing abilities needed to be a trailblazer in your work.
  • Technology-infused and career-focused curriculum combines traditional writing development and communication theories with emerging writing practices and platforms. While in the program, students explore media-making and AI content generating tools, developing their ability to think strategically and lead communication projects confidently as they hone their writing craft.

We partner with the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS to provide career coaching and connection to a global network of peers and professionals.

 
  • Advance your skills to unlock new and exciting job opportunities for writers
  • Pursue your individualized career goals
  • Leverage the 600,000+ member NYU alumni network
  • Expand your writing skills, styles, and portfolio range
  • Transform creative writing skills and personal interests into lucrative career options
  • Learn to use technology and AI content generating tools to speed and support your writing practice

You will learn the elevated skills to graduate into senior-level writing positions in a variety of industries. Our core courses equip you with a firm writing foundation, while our electives sharpen your skills to be fiercely competitive in the job market as an in-house full-timer or a powerhouse freelancer.

In today's dynamic educational landscape, advancing your knowledge has evolved beyond the confines of traditional classroom settings. Online learning provides unparalleled flexibility, increases access, and enables diverse communities of writers from across the globe to collaborate and learn together. Experienced faculty members leverage interactive forums and the latest technology to engage the classroom. Learning in the digital space also gives students essential technical skills vital to modern writing jobs. From navigating version control across remote teams to learning online research techniques, students in online programs develop proficiencies that are directly applicable to the ever-evolving landscape of writing and communications.

 

Accredited online programs maintain the same curricular rigor and employ the latest innovative technology to instruct, inspire, connect, and prepare students for the professional world. Today, many higher education institutions leverage online degrees to meet increasing demand for flexible learning options.

 

There are lots of programs for aspiring writers. The best option for you depends on your career goals.

 

The best writing degree for someone who wants to work in a professional setting (marketing, public relations, medical writing, corporate communications, research, policy, technical writing) is a master's in professional writing.

 

Pursuing a master's program in writing can be a smart strategy to future-proof your career and take advantage of a growing demand for expert writers.

 

While AI-generative technology may encroach on junior-level writing positions, the career outlook for skilled writers is strong. Master’s degree graduates will be equipped with the portfolio-proven skills to be fiercely competitive in a growing labor market for experts in writing, editing, content strategy, and communications.

 

The most successful employers know that investing in powerhouse writing skills is essential for success. Businesses depend on professional writers to create change-making policy documents, engaging social media posts, stand-out website copy, persuasive grant writing, influential annual reports, and more. Our workshop-model curriculum is designed to help writers hone their skills and develop nuanced understandings of specific industries.