The 100% online Master of Arts in Professional and Digital Media Writing (PDMW) continues to offer ESU students a convenient opportunity to earn an innovative master’s degree in English.
Words have power—especially in the digital age. Whether you are crafting compelling stories, creating engaging content, or simplifying complex information, strong writing skills can set you apart in any industry.
Our Master of Arts in Professional and Digital Media Writing is designed for you to tailor your educational experience for a path to administration, professional writing, or further studies at the doctoral level. Professionals looking to launch or advance their careers, switch fields, or sharpen their experience in writing, content creation, digital storytelling, and technical writing are encouraged to apply.
Our flexible online courses are designed for busy professionals like you.
If you have ever taken an online course, you already know the answer: convenience. Take the next step in your career and invest in your future by building your portfolio with an M.A. in Professional and Digital Media Writing.
Why ESU?
The program sequence offers a solid foundation in core skills and knowledge bases common among senior-level professional writers, but also allows each student to explore eclectic areas of interest, such as fiction writing, with maximum flexibility. Whether your interest lies in tourism-industry writing, creating software manuals, writing novels or screenplays, public relations campaigns, or academic preparation for further graduate study, you will find a range of substantial and relevant electives.
The chance to draw guest lecturers from and cultivate industry connections with the nearby pinnacle of the publishing, new media, and public relations universe of New York City makes this M.A. program truly extraordinary. Network with the best and the brightest the field of professional writing has to offer.
Your place. The M.A. in Professional and Digital Media Writing is designed for online access, so you have the opportunity to study and participate from your office or home.
Your time. The flexibility of the online M.A. in Professional and Digital Media Writing means that coursework is available online. Depending on the course and instructor, some seminars may meet synchronously online, whereas others may meet asynchronously, via e-mail or online learning management systems. Earn your master’s degree—in just four semesters, if you wish.
Your future. No matter the economy, furthering their education is the dream of many. If you, like many others, want to move up in your field but have found you need a competitive edge, the M.A. in Professional and Digital Media Writing is a practical choice. The need for technical writers is still strong, with a positive growth outlook through 2020. If you are already employed in professional writing, or you have an undergraduate degree in another field but would like to work on a master’s that is both creative and technical, the M.A. in Professional and Digital Media Writing at ESU may be your ticket to supervisory and directorial roles with increased responsibility and salary.
What is in it for YOU? The Benefits of a Writing Degree
This 100% online program will equip you with skills needed to succeed in the evolving landscape of professional and digital media writing.
- Real-World Application – Tailor each class to your own professional, research, and academic goals.
- Versatile Career Paths – More job opportunities in education, publishing, freelance writing/content and digital media (e.g., copy writing, content writer/strategist, UX writer, etc.), and business and corporate communications (e.g., grant writer, public relations specialist, etc.).
- High-Demand Skills – Strong writing and digital communication expertise make you a valuable asset in any industry!
- Bigger and Better Job Opportunities - A master's degree can earn you a promotion or better title, more responsibility, and better pay. May employers will even help you foot the bill for continuing education.
- Accelerate Your Career – Use your final thesis or capstone project as a stepping stone toward advancing in your career or furthering your academic pursuits.
- Portfolio Development – Build a standout portfolio through hands-on coursework and real-world projects for future professional opportunities.
Once you have your M.A., you will be amazed at the number of new job opportunities available to you, many of which are located around the greater NYC area, as well as the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
A Fast and Customized Track to Graduation
Whether you are looking to advance in your current role, step into administration, enhance your professional writing and media skills, or prepare for a doctoral program, you will have the flexibility to shape your experience.
Our 30-credit hour program allows you to:
- Progress at Your Pace – Take the next step in your career by enrolling in Zoom synchronous (meets once per week) or asynchronous courses.
- Tailor Your Experience – To successfully complete the program, you will complete a thesis or capstone project. Customize your path with the option to pursue a thesis or create a capstone project that aligns and reflects your professional aspirations.
- Flexible Graduation Options – Complete the thesis or capstone project between 1 - 3 semesters.
Graduation Timeline: Assuming a full-time course load of 9 hours per semester, you could easily graduate in four semesters.
Admission and Application Requirements
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75;
- ESU Graduate School Application (e.g., transcripts, resume, and 2-3 letters of recommendation);
- A personal statement (1-2 pages);
- A writing sample that demonstrates evidence of writing competencies (e.g., undergraduate coursework, professional experience, etc.). This can include, but is not limited to, essays, previously published work, professional experience samples, etc.
Deadline: Rolling enrollment; applications are accepted year-round.
Graduation Assistantship Applications
The Graduate Assistantship programs offered at ESU are intended to provide graduate students with valuable educational and professional experiences related to their degree program. To apply, create a profile (ESU’s Graduate College Job Site), search for GA openings, and apply for an available Graduate Assistantship.
Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round pending availability.
How to Apply
- Review admission requirements prior to submitting an online application.
- If you wish to take courses without enrolling in the M.A. program, please review and complete the special application status form.
- If you are an undergraduate student interested in the accelerated pathway option, please contact Dr. Jasmine Villa
Become a Warrior
Take next step towards earning your Master's degree in Professional and Digital Media Writing at ESU
Contact Us
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 309
(570) 422-3398
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Jasmine Villa
jvilla@esu.edu
(570) 422-3922
Department Chair, Early Childhood & Elementary Education
Dr. Leigh Smith
lsmith@esu.edu
(570) 422-3385
