Department of English

In the master of fine arts (M.F.A.) program in creative and professional writing at William Paterson University, you will study in a supportive academic environment focused on the production of high-caliber writing. Designed to hone essential creative skills and nourish talent in poetry, fiction, memoir, literary biography,TV/film/theater scripts, cultural reviews,
and more, the program will advance your writing to a professionally competitive level. You will also gain valuable experience in manuscript evaluation and editing, up-todate ethodologies of teaching writing, and the advanced interpretation of literature.

The M.F.A.’s rigorous course of study prepares you for a wide variety of careers, including secondary education and university-level teaching, book and magazine publishing and diting, journalism, copywriting, public relations, and professional writing. In addition, you will benefit from the program’s applied focus on developing a substantial manuscript portfolio, targeting appropriate markets, and submitting work for publication according to professional
standards.