Professional Writing: Master's and Ph.D. Degrees at a Glance
Graduate programs in professional writing typically blend coursework in the mechanics of writing with elements of corporate, industry and public information delivery through traditional print, online and social media. The focus of these degree programs is generally on workplace writing like grants, reports, articles, policy statements, manuals and related materials. A master's degree provides technical writing skills as well as the opportunity for hands-on work; the doctoral program has this same emphasis but may also prepare students for postsecondary teaching jobs. You may also find that these degree programs have a strong project-oriented emphasis. Some people might think that earning a graduate degree in professional writing can help you break into a writing-related career in public relations, advertising, healthcare or advocacy, but employers frequently prefer candidates with experience.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Those who want to advance their writing career by enhancing their writing and related skills | People who want to teach at the collegiate level or seek career advancement |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Technical writer ($65,000)* - Public relations specialist ($53,000)* - Advertising copywriter ($44,000)** | - May qualify for same jobs as master's degree graduates - Post-secondary teacher ($64,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Typically 2-3 years, full-time | Typically 5-6 years, full-time (3-4 years beyond the master's) |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Completion of 10 or more courses (roughly 40 credits) - Qualifying exams - Portfolio - Internship - Master's thesis (optional) | - Completion of course requirements (60+ credits) - Qualifying exams - Research, write, and present dissertation - Complete student teaching requirement, if applicable |
| Prerequisites | - Typically at least a bachelor's degree in a related or other field - Writing samples - Letter of intent or essay - Meet minimum GPA and GRE requirements - Letters of recommendation | All of the master's requirements plus - Professional experience/portfolio submission, if applicable |
| Online Availability | Yes | None found at this time |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **PayScale.com (June 2012 figures).
