M.S. in Management of Information and Technology
The M.S. in Management of Information and Technology at OU is designed for individuals ...
Master of Professional Writing
Norman, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Professional Writing (MPW) at OU is one of the pioneering programs of its kind in the United States, with a history of over 65 years. It emphasizes popular fiction and nonfiction, aiming to produce commercially successful writers. The program culminates in a significant final project, typically a feature-length screenplay or a book-length manuscript, demonstrating professional-quality work. This structure ensures that graduates leave with a substantial portfolio piece ready for the publishing or film industries. The program typically requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in about two years.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MPW program is intensely focused on the craft of writing for commercial markets. Core courses typically include "Writing the Novel-Graduate," "Writing the Screenplay," and "Writing the Commercial Nonfiction Book." The central feature of the curriculum is intensive evaluation and critique of each student's writing, fostering close collaboration with experienced faculty who are themselves actively publishing authors and screenwriters. Additional coursework allows students to further develop their knowledge and skills in line with their specific interests within these genres, ensuring a tailored educational experience.
Research Focus: The research focus within the Master of Professional Writing program is primarily on the craft and business of commercial writing. While it's not traditional academic "research" in the scientific sense, students engage in extensive research as part of their writing process – for character development, historical accuracy in fiction, factual integrity in nonfiction, and industry trends in screenwriting. The program emphasizes producing publishable work, meaning the "research" is geared towards understanding market demands, narrative structures that resonate with audiences, and the practicalities of the publishing industry. Faculty expertise lies in their successful commercial writing and publishing careers, guiding students through the practical application of writing theories.
Industry Engagement: The University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication maintains strong ties with the publishing and entertainment industries, which significantly benefits MPW students. The program's faculty consists of commercially successful authors who bring substantial practical and creative experience to the classroom, providing direct insights into industry expectations. The long history of the program has produced a notable alumni network, including celebrated novelists and screenwriters, who often connect with and mentor current students. While specific internship requirements may vary, the program's emphasis on producing marketable manuscripts and screenplays inherently prepares students for direct engagement with agents, publishers, and film producers.
Global Perspective: While the Master of Professional Writing program primarily focuses on the craft and commercial aspects of writing, which can have universal appeal, its global perspective is more implicitly integrated rather than through formal coursework on international media or global issues. The program equips writers to tell stories that can resonate with diverse audiences worldwide, and successful commercial writing often has an international reach through translation and distribution. The diverse backgrounds of students and faculty within a large university like OU also contribute to a multicultural learning environment, broadening perspectives on storytelling and market appeal in a globalized literary and entertainment landscape.
Location
Norman, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 22891
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community while helping to make education more affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OU awards several merit-based scholarships to incoming international undergraduate students based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process or require a separate application.
International Ambassador Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to cultural exchange, and active participation in university life. Recipients often serve as ambassadors for OU’s international community, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: For international graduate students, OU offers numerous fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. These positions provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers and stipends while offering valuable professional experience in academic and research settings.
Country-Specific Scholarships: OU periodically partners with governments, foundations, and organizations to offer scholarships targeting students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships foster international collaboration and cultural exchange.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources: In addition to university-funded awards, OU provides guidance and resources to help international students find external scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available through private organizations, embassies, and international agencies.
A Master of Professional Writing (MPW) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) is designed to equip graduates with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to succeed as professional authors and content creators. This unique program, housed within the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, focuses on marketable writing across genres such as commercial fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting, preparing individuals for diverse roles in the dynamic world of publishing and entertainment.
Novelist/Author: Writing and publishing original fiction (e.g., genre fiction like thrillers, romance, fantasy, or literary fiction) or nonfiction books (e.g., memoirs, self-help, history, biography). This often involves securing a literary agent and a publishing deal.
Screenwriter: Developing and writing scripts for film, television series, web series, or documentaries. This can involve original concepts, adapting existing material, or working in a writers' room, often requiring strong networking within the entertainment industry.
Commercial Nonfiction Book Writer: Specializing in writing nonfiction books intended for a broad market, such as self-help guides, true crime, popular science, or historical accounts, often requiring extensive research and a compelling narrative style.
Ghostwriter: Writing books, articles, speeches, or other texts officially credited to another person. This involves closely collaborating with a client to capture their voice and message, common for celebrity memoirs, business books, or political speeches.
Content Writer/Strategist: Creating engaging and informative written content for websites, blogs, marketing materials, and social media for businesses and organizations. A strategist also plans, develops, and manages the overall content strategy to meet business objectives.
Copywriter: Crafting persuasive and concise text for advertising, marketing campaigns, and promotional materials. This includes writing for websites, brochures, emails, social media ads, and television or radio commercials, aimed at driving specific actions.
Editor (Book/Magazine/Digital): Working for publishing houses, literary agencies, magazines, or online platforms to review, revise, and refine written content for clarity, accuracy, style, and market appeal. This can involve developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading.
Journalist (Feature/Magazine Writer): Researching, interviewing, and writing long-form feature articles for magazines, newspapers, or digital publications, often focusing on in-depth storytelling and investigative reporting.
Grant Writer: Researching and writing grant proposals for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or research bodies to secure funding for various projects and initiatives. This requires strong persuasive writing and attention to detail.
Technical Writer: Creating clear, concise, and accurate documentation, such as instruction manuals, user guides, policy documents, and online help content for complex products or services, especially in technology, engineering, or scientific fields.
