Cultivating the Literary Artisan: A Deep Dive into the Master of Arts in Writing Program

The written word serves as a powerful conduit, enabling individuals to connect with and empower others by sharing stories, experiences, perspectives, and other complex forms of knowledge. For those aspiring to elevate their writing craft and advance their careers, a Master of Arts in Writing offers a transformative path. This comprehensive program is designed to deepen the understanding and mastery of written art and craft through a flexible curriculum, expert mentorship, and a supportive community. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who demonstrate clear expertise in creative writing, seek focused time and space to expand their artistic and technical skills, and are interested in the theoretical underpinnings of writing, tutoring, and pedagogy.

The Rigor and Rewards of a Master's in Writing

Earning a master's in writing is a commitment, often spanning two years of dedicated study. The PLNU (Point Loma Nazarene University) M.A. in Writing program exemplifies this, providing a structured yet adaptable environment for aspiring writers. Whether your passion lies in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to broaden your knowledge of literary art and technique. This journey involves not only honing your personal writing voice but also engaging with the broader landscape of literary theory and practice.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships: A Pathway to Practical Experience and Financial Support

A significant opportunity within the M.A. in Writing program at PLNU is the selection for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions. These roles are demanding, requiring a commitment of 20 hours of work per week. However, they come with substantial benefits, including 100% tuition remission and an annual stipend of approximately $10,000. During the first year of the program, most GTAs will dedicate their time to tutoring at the Loma Writing Center. This experience provides invaluable hands-on training in supporting diverse student writers and understanding the mechanics of effective feedback.

In the second year, students have the opportunity to apply for teaching ENG 1010: College Composition. This role as an instructor of record offers a profound pedagogical experience, allowing students to develop and implement their own curriculum. Crucially, receiving funding in the program's second year is contingent upon being approved to teach. Students who are not approved to teach will be responsible for covering their second-year tuition. Approval is based on meeting the qualifications for adjunct employment at PLNU, maintaining good academic standing, and demonstrating a clear ability to contribute to the university's high standards of teaching. This dual focus on creative development and pedagogical training ensures graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for a variety of professional paths.

Strengthening the Writer's Toolkit: Core Curriculum and Experiential Learning

The M.A. in Writing program emphasizes a holistic approach to literary development. Students are encouraged to strengthen their craft across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, building towards a significant creative thesis project. This independent work, undertaken under the guidance of a faculty mentor, often culminates in a book-length manuscript or a substantial body of work.

Read also: ACT or SAT?

Beyond personal creative endeavors, the program fosters a deep engagement with literature. Students will study literature across a diverse range of genres, gaining a broader understanding of literary history, critical theory, and stylistic innovation. Furthermore, the program offers practical experience in editing. Students will hone their editing skills while working on a state-of-the-art online literary journal, providing them with a firsthand understanding of the publishing process.

For those pursuing the Graduate Teaching Assistantship, the learning extends into the realm of pedagogy. Full-time GTAs will engage in robust writing pedagogy courses, designed to equip them with the theoretical knowledge and practical strategies needed to excel as educators. Tutoring in the Loma Writing Center provides an immediate application of these learned skills. Partnering with a writing faculty mentor while learning how to teach college-level writing offers personalized guidance and invaluable insights. The opportunity to apply to teach ENG 1010: College Composition as an instructor of record during the second year is a capstone experience, preparing them for careers in higher education.

Professional Preparedness: Skills for a Demanding Landscape

The M.A. in Writing program at PLNU is fundamentally designed to prepare knowledgeable and career-focused professionals. Graduates emerge with a versatile skill set that includes the ability to write with clarity and impact, teach effectively, communicate complex ideas, and provide insightful tutoring. These are practical skills that are in high demand across nearly any industry.

Through a flexible and customizable curriculum, students learn from experienced faculty and engage with their peers in a collaborative environment. A key outcome is the development of a deeper understanding of how to faithfully expand the art and craft of their writing, ensuring their work possesses literary and stylistic merit. Students will learn to create various forms and genres of writing, moving beyond a single specialization. Collaboration in writing workshops is a cornerstone of the program, fostering critical feedback and peer learning.

Graduates will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the conventions and terminology of creative writing, enabling them to articulate their craft with precision. The program also facilitates valuable networking opportunities. Students foster relationships with well-known writers through PLNU's Writer's Symposium by the Sea, gaining exposure to established voices in the literary world. Collaboration in editorial and publishing processes for external audiences via Last Syllable offers a practical understanding of the publishing industry. Exposure to literary journals, literary agents, and editors provides crucial insights into the professional literary landscape.

Read also: Guide to Female Sexual Wellness

Furthermore, students will gain experience performing advanced creative work for formal audiences, learning to demonstrate strategies for audience engagement and the oral communication of written work. This presentation skill is vital for sharing one's writing effectively. The program also focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a professional writing center environment, preparing students for roles in academic support. Crucially, students build and practice writing theory and pedagogy in the university composition classroom, directly preparing them for employment as writing teachers.

Exploring Literary Passions: Genre Specializations

The M.A. in Writing program requires students to select a genre of focus upon application. This specialization will guide their master's thesis project, an independent endeavor written under the guidance of a faculty member, serving as the culmination of their degree. The thesis is typically a book-length work of poetry or prose, or a significant portion of a longer project.

Fiction: Students interested in crafting novels, novellas, and short stories will work closely with Dr. Breeann Kirby, an expert in narrative fiction.
Nonfiction: For those drawn to essays, memoir, and researched nonfiction, Professor Robbie Maakestad provides guidance and mentorship.
Poetry: Aspiring poets will find a dedicated mentor in Dr. Katie Manning, who specializes in the art and craft of poetry.

The Pedagogy Concentration: Shaping Future Educators

The Pedagogy Concentration is an integral component for Graduate Teaching Assistants within the M.A. in Writing program. This intensive 6-unit, two-course sequence is specifically designed to prepare students for their roles as tutors and instructors. The first year focuses on tutoring in the Loma Writing Center, allowing students to gain practical experience in supporting peer writers. The second year involves the opportunity to teach ENG 1010: College Composition as an instructor of record.

During this pedagogy sequence, graduate students are assigned a teaching mentor and often have the opportunity to shadow an ENG 1010: College Composition course, observing experienced instructors. All students participate in tutoring at the Loma Writing Center during this period. Toward the end of their first year, students apply to teach ENG 1010. Those selected to teach as instructors of record in their second year will receive the program's funding. The expectation for approval is that students meet the qualifications for adjunct employment at PLNU, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate their ability to uphold the university's high standards of teaching. Students in the Pedagogy Concentration benefit from the expertise of Dr. Holland Prior, who serves as the director of the Loma Writing Center and the College Composition program.

Accelerating Graduate Study: The 4+1 Writing M.A. Track

For students enrolled in the English B.A. program at PLNU, the 4+1 Writing M.A. track offers a streamlined path to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree more quickly. This accelerated option allows students to begin accumulating graduate-level credits while completing their upper-division undergraduate courses. English B.A. students should discuss their interest in this track with their academic advisor by the end of their sophomore year to strategically plan their course of study and maximize efficiency.

Read also: Learn Icon Design

Engaging with Literary Luminaries: The Visiting Writers Series

A hallmark of the M.A. in Writing program is the direct interaction students have with prestigious visiting writers. This series provides invaluable exposure to established literary professionals, offering mentorship and insight into the writing life. Past and upcoming visiting writers include:

Fall 2025:
- R.F. Kuang (September 11): A #1 New York Times Bestselling author known for the Poppy War trilogy, Babel: An Arcane History, and Yellowface. Her academic background includes an MPhil from Cambridge and an MSc from Oxford, and she is pursuing a PhD at Yale. Her works have garnered numerous awards, including Nebula, Locus, Crawford, and British Book Awards.
- Sam Ashworth (October 2): An award-winning novelist, journalist, professor, screenwriter, and ghostwriter. His debut novel, The Death and Life of August Sweeney, has been lauded for its unique exploration of fame, food, and forensics. His books have achieved significant global sales and have been adapted into Emmy Award-winning television films. Ashworth is also the founder of the nonprofit SAY Detroit, dedicated to providing pathways to success for those in need.
- Liz Charlotte Grant (October 29): Engaging creatively with the book of Genesis in collaboration with PLNU's Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry.
- Jessica Jacobs (November 20): A 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, author of acclaimed poetry collections such as unalone, Take Me with You, Wherever Youâre Going, and Pelvis with Distance. She is also the co-author of Write It! 100 Poetry Prompts to Inspire and the founder and executive director of Yetzirah: A Hearth for Jewish Poetry.
- Kelly Foster Lundquist (December 3): An instructor of writing at North Hennepin Community College, with her memoir Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage debuting in October 2025. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, and she has received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Central Minnesota Arts Board.
Spring 2025:
- Jesmyn Ward (February 26): Hailed as a standout writer of her generation, known for her "fearless and toughly lyrical" voice in novels, memoir, and nonfiction. Hailed as "the new Toni Morrison" by Betsy Burton of the American Booksellers Association, Ward is a MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient and a two-time National Book Award winner for Fiction. Her notable works include Let Us Descend, Sing, Unburied, Sing, Salvage the Bones, and Navigate Your Stars. She also holds a professorship in creative writing at Tulane University.
- Sandra Cisneros (February 27): A seminal figure in Chicano literature, celebrated for her short stories and poetry. Her debut novel, The House on Mango Street, and her collection Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories are particularly renowned. Cisneros's work often experiments with literary forms to explore emerging subject positions, a style she attributes to her upbringing amidst cultural hybridity and economic inequality. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, a Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellowship, the USA Literary Award, and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.
- Taylor Byas, Anna Gazmarian, Kiersten White
Spring 2024: Elizabeth Gilbert, Nick Hornby, Paulette Jiles
Fall 2023: Eliza Jane Brazier, Davon Loeb, Jason Magabo Perez

Application and Admissions: Navigating the Path to Enrollment

Prospective students for the M.A. in Writing program should be aware of the application timeline and requirements.

Program Start Dates: Fall 2026 â August 31, 2026
Application Deadlines:
- Fall 2026 Early Application â January 20, 2026
- Fall 2026 â June 1, 2026

To ensure full consideration for the upcoming fall term, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials by January 20, the priority deadline. While applications may be accepted after this date, the cohort and waitlist are often filled shortly thereafter, and subsequent applications will be reviewed based on space availability.

The selection process at PLNU emphasizes a holistic evaluation of each applicant. The university aims to challenge students to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. The application is viewed not only as a reflection of academic potential but also as a representation of the individual. Therefore, PLNU holistically evaluates academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission.

An interview is not guaranteed for all applicants. The undergraduate GPA is a significant factor, but applicants with a GPA below the minimum requirement of 3.0 may still be eligible for admission based on their overall application package and the program's exceptions policy. It is highly recommended to contact an enrollment counselor in the admissions department for personalized advice regarding qualifications and the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's M.A. in Writing, applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, with official transcripts verifying degree completion.

The Curriculum Framework: Units and Concentrations

The M.A. in Writing program comprises a total of 30 units. All students will complete 12 units of core courses, providing a foundational understanding of writing theory and practice. Genre workshops, totaling 6 units, allow for focused development within a chosen specialization. Literature courses, also 6 units, broaden literary knowledge. An additional 6 elective units offer flexibility for students to explore areas of particular interest.

Graduate TAs will undertake an additional 6-unit Pedagogy Concentration, specifically designed to prepare them for tutoring and teaching roles.

Application Checklist: Essential Components

The application process is largely completed online. Transcripts can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores should be submitted electronically.

Online Application for Admissions: Includes a $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for PLNU alumni, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
Official Transcripts: Proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (PLNU alumni can have their transcripts retrieved by notifying their counselor).
Personal Statement: A statement of approximately 500-750 words is required. This statement should clearly articulate how you intend to use your masterâs degree from PLNU to further your career. It must specifically address three key points:
- Clarify the genre of writing you hope to pursue in this program.
- Describe the project you envision working on within this program.
- Describe yourself as a writer.
Creative Writing Sample: For poetry applications, submit a packet of 10 pages of poetry. For fiction and nonfiction applications, submit a packet of 25-30 pages of prose.
Teaching Statement: A one-page statement addressing three key areas:
- Clarify how you envision yourself as a writing teacher within Point Loma Nazarene Universityâs Christian, Wesleyan higher education context.
- Describe any previous teaching experience.
- Describe yourself as a teacher, including your personality, pedagogy style, and interests.
Resume/Vita: A comprehensive overview of your academic and professional experience.
Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program and contribute to the university community.

Crafting Standout Essays: Lessons from the New York Times

The New York Times annually calls for college application essays focused on money, work, and class, using these themes as a lens to explore identity, family, and dreams. Examining the essays selected by The Times offers valuable insights for aspiring writers, particularly those preparing application essays for graduate programs.

Embrace Contradictions: Great literature often thrives on contradiction. Essays that explore the tension between opposing forcesâimmigrant versus citizen, service worker versus client, urban versus rural, poverty versus wealthâcan be incredibly compelling. Reflect on the dualities in your own life: Do you straddle different ethnicities, religions, generations, or languages? Do you feel caught between worlds or like an outsider? Exploring these essential contradictions can provide rich fodder for insightful essays.
The Magic is in the Details: Sensory details bring writing to life, allowing readers to experience sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Jonathan Ababiyâs description of his immigrant motherâs âblue Hoover vacuumâ with its âwhir,â âsuction,â and âsquealâ vividly illustrates this. Idalia Felipeâs essay opens with the sensory experience of âhandmade tortillas and meat sizzling on the stove,â immediately immersing the reader in her home. Employing descriptive, sensory language will engage your reader and draw them into your world.
One-Sentence Paragraphs Can Be Catchy: A well-placed one-sentence paragraph can serve as a powerful tool to hook the reader or emphasize a point. Whether used at the beginning of an essay, mid-paragraph for impact, or in the conclusion, this stylistic choice can make your reader pause and take notice.
The Familiar Can Be Fascinating: You don't need to write about something monumental to create a compelling essay. Focus on the familiar aspects of your life and environment. Consider how your upbringingâwhether in a restaurant, on a farm, or in a household of artistsâhas shaped you. Meticulously describing your world and then teasing out the connection between that environment and who you are today can lead to meaningful self-discovery and a standout essay.

tags: #freshman #applicants #more #nyt #English