Writing and Publishing

Master of Arts

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

MACreative Arts, Media, and StorytellingCreativity & InnovationEquity & InclusionIn-Person
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Hone your voice—and make it heard

In DePaul’s flexible master’s in Writing and Publishing, you have the unique opportunity to study across genres and develop and revise your work under the mentorship of acclaimed authors and poets. Choose from courses in poetry, fiction and non-fiction (travel, magazine, memoir, science writing, personal essay, etc). Professional internships give you the opportunity to join Chicago’s vibrant literary scene—and to start a rewarding creative career.

Earn additional graduate certificates in

Courses are offered weekday evenings on the Lincoln Park Campus or online. The program may be completed in two years.

Study writing in the city of broad shoulders

Carl Sandburg, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nelson Algren, Lorraine Hansberry, Saul Bellow: these are just a few of the literary voices that grew out of Chicago—not to mention the many esteemed writers working and living in the city today. While sharpening your skills here, you’ll join the city’s thriving literary and publishing community by engaging with visiting writers and editors and taking part in internships in publishing and teaching.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though we encourage you to submit your application materials eight to 10 weeks prior to the quarter in which you wish to enroll.
The deadline to be considered for a graduate assistantship is January 15.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, current résumé, a 500-700-word reflective essay, letters of recommendation and writing portfolio.

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Required Courses

You’ll take five writing workshops, one course in language and style, two electives in language, literature, publishing and teaching, and four open electives.

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5
The master’s in Writing and Publishing’s imprint, Big Shoulders Books, has produced five volumes.

Learn from award-winning writers

Barrie Jean Borich, associate professor and faculty advisor for Crook & Folly, has won a Lambda Literary Award in Memoir, an IPPY Gold Medal in Essay/Creative Nonfiction, and an IndieFab Bronze Award for Essays. She also won the American Library Association Stonewall Book Award for her book, “My Lesbian Husband.” You’ll have the opportunity to learn from her in one of her creative nonfiction or publishing focused courses.

Quote component
Raul
Raul (MA ’13)
Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, Ithaca College, and Fiction Editor, Prairie Schooner
Alumni Network
Alumni of the master’s in Writing and Publishing program have published books with major and independent presses such as Simon & Schuster, Steerforth/Random House, Harper Perennial and Sarabande, and their work has appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Review of Books, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train and Salon. Graduates of the program hold editorial positions at National Geographic, New York Magazine, University of Chicago Press and Cricket Media, and have gone on to top MFA and PhD programs in creative writing. 
Scholarships & Aid
The English Department offers yearly graduate assistantships that include a stipend. Learn more about the opportunities available to you. 
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Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at 
   (773) 325-7315 or 
   lasgrad@depaul.edu.
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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.
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