In collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Writing and the Department of English, Portland State University offers an MA/MS in Writing with concentrations in creative writing (fiction/poetry), nonfiction writing, professional and technical writing, and book publishing.

Below are some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers about the program. For more details, or to find out how to apply, contact the our Program Coordinator Syndey Thompson at 503-725-9422 or sydneyt@pdx.edu.

How does this program differ from others?
PSU recognizes that most writers want to earn their living by writing no matter what kind of work they do. Some publish best sellers. Some write technical documentation. Some freelance while others have careers in business and industry. People who embark on a writing career have many opportunities, challenges, and differing needs. You may desire a graduate MA or MS degree in order to advance your career and gain professional development, or you may not need a formal academic degree, preferring instead to take advantage of occasional workshops and seminars that attract your interest. Whether or not you pursue a degree, if you want to earn a living by writing, the program is designed for you.

What are the requirements for the MA/MS degree?
Writers who are admitted into the MA/MS program will choose one of the concentrations and work closely with faculty advisors to identify a course of study that matches career interests. Forty-eight credit hours are required including a series of core courses for each concentration and an array of electives. Internships and other community-based activities designed to build real-world experience are encouraged. As the thesis or end point of the learning experience, MA/MS candidates also will complete a body of work that demonstrates professional quality.

Can I take courses in more than one concentration?
Yes. The electives you use to supplement your core coursework can include classes from creative, nonfiction, and technical, and publishing offerings. The ability to move among the concentrations in order to meet personal goals makes this program unique nationally. In some cases, electives from other disciplines are accepted. You will work with an advisor to tailor the best set of courses for you.

What’s the difference between the MA and the MS?
The Master in Arts (MA) degree requires proficiency in a language in addition to English while the Master in Science (MS) degree does not. The MS option may appeal to candidates pursuing the technical writing concentration.

How long will it take to earn the MA/MS degree?
Full-time students (a minimum of nine units per quarter) can expect to finish the program in two years. Part-time students can expect to finish the program in two-to-four years depending on scheduling preferences. For example, if you took one course per quarter excluding the summer, you would finish the degree in four years.

Is financial support available?
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available through the Department of English. GAs perform administrative and/or teaching duties; they receive a tuition waiver and a stipend. GA application forms are available from the Department of English and on the department's website. Other forms of financial aid are available from the university. Consult the Office of Graduate Studies for more information about funding.

Who teaches in the program?
In addition to a full-time cadre of faculty who will both teach and advise students, locally, nationally, and internationally prominent authors regularly teach courses, workshops, and seminars. PSU faculty in the creative writing strand include Michele Glazer, A.B. Paulson, and Primus St. John; in the nonfiction strand, Michael McGregor, Andrew Giarelli, and Debra Gwartney; in the technical strand, Michael Clark, Tracy Dillon, and James Janson; in the publishing strand, Dennis Stovall, Susan Applegate, Lake Boggan, and Karen Kirtley. Additionally, local writing experts including Ursula K. Le Guin, Craig Lesley, Molly Gloss and others have taught in the program.

What application materials do I need to submit for admission?
The program hopes to serve writers of diverse backgrounds, many of whom are returning to college to resume or reshape careers. Thus, we are most interested in seeing a portfolio of your work along with a cover letter describing your goals and why you believe the program will help meet them. We also ask for three letters of reference. We will consider other supporting material such as GRE scores and GPA in previous course work. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in any major field of study.