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The M.S. in Written Communication

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Classes meet one evening a week, usually 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Although a full-time load is permitted, students are strongly encouraged to go part time, working on one course at a time (perhaps with an additional one-credit seminar), and finishing the program in about two years. Skills have time to develop while life apart from school can continue.
Students do not need an undergraduate major in communications, journalism, or English. An accredited undergraduate degree and comfort with standard English is sufficient.
Previous graduate credit from other programs can often be included. (See catalog.)
There are only two required courses. This allows for flexibility and encourages "cross-training" by engaging in various writing types.
All of the instructors-whether core faculty or guest faculty-are themselves successful writers. Current guest instructors include senior staffers from the Tribune and the Daily Herald, experienced PR specialists, well-known children's writers (such as Laurie Lawlor), and occasionally visitors from the realm of radio-T.V. production.
This degree qualifies students to teach writing at the college level, and gives them excellent preparation to do so. (The elective LAE520 "Teaching Freshman Composition" is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing that goal.)
For students who are, or hope to be, engaged in teaching writing at any level, the classroom experiences and exercises provide a wealth of techniques and ideas.
The thesis (3-6 credit hours) can be a piece suitable for free-lance publication or an actual project from the student's workplace (a very common choice).
Throughout the program, students are creating and polishing pieces which build an impressive portfolio.