The English Department offers three avenues of graduate study:
Professional Writing Master's program
Students can join a writing community to develop their professional skills in our Professional Writing Master's Program or Professional Writing Certificate Program.
In our Professional Writing Master's program, you will have the opportunity to practice in diverse areas of writing. You may focus on a particular professional area and still select courses from other areas of study for a well-rounded degree.
Professional Writing Program Areas of Study
- Journalism
- Technical Writing
- Business Writing
- Electronic Publishing and Web Design
- Public Relations
- Writing Instruction
- Grant Writing
- Creative Writing
Graduate certificate in professional writing
Some students decide to pursue a 4-course graduate certificate in professional writing. In the certificate program, you will develop new professional writing skills while taking courses that place a special emphasis on practical work tailored to
your work setting, situation, and community.
Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary English
Students can also gain a strong background in teaching pedagogy and practice in our Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English program. In the Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary English, you will be immersed in a rigorous and comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to provide you with the background, tools, and knowledge necessary to engage in effective and creative teaching in today's K-12 classrooms.
4+1 Program for Undergradute English Majors
For UMD undergraduate English majors, the English Department also now offers 4+1 degree options: complete either the Master's in Professional Writing or the Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English in only one additional year of study after graduation. Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
