Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Arts in Writing program prepares students to refine their craft, strengthen their professional writing abilities, and engage thoughtfully with the power of language. Through advanced study, workshop-based learning, and close faculty mentorship, students at UNA will explore the theory and practice of writing while preparing for careers in creative, academic, and professional communication fields.
Why Choose This Program?
- Refine your writing through intensive workshops, scholarly study, and individualized feedback
- Learn from accomplished faculty who are active writers, researchers, and educators
- Ability to select a concentration that aligns with your creative, academic, or professional goals
Options + Tracks
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing concentration provides opportunities to explore fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and literary craft through workshop-based courses and advanced study. Students strengthen their creative voice while developing a portfolio of original work.
Rhetoric & Composition
The Rhetoric & Composition concentration examines writing theory, rhetorical analysis, and effective communication across a variety of contexts. Students explore how language shapes ideas, audiences, and public discourse while preparing for careers in teaching, research, and communication.
Technical Writing
The Technical Writing concentration focuses on clear, effective communication in professional and technical environments. Students learn to create user-focused content, documentation, and digital communications that help organizations communicate complex information with clarity.
Curriculum & Coursework
Writing graduate students at UNA will engage with advanced coursework that explores writing craft, rhetoric, communication, research, and editing. Through workshops, discussion, and project-based learning, you will expand your writing expertise while developing skills that transfer across creative, academic, and professional settings.
Sample Courses:
- ENW 601 Studies in Writing Theory
- ENW 620 Advanced Creative Writing Workshop
- ENW 640 Rhetoric and Composition Studies
- ENW 660 Technical and Professional Communication
Career Paths & Outcomes
A Master of Arts in Writing equips graduates with advanced writing, editing, research, and communication skills that are valued across numerous industries. Graduates from UNA are prepared to craft compelling content, communicate complex ideas, and contribute meaningfully to creative, educational, and professional organizations.
Common Career Paths:
- Author
- Editor
- Technical Writer
- Content Strategist
- Communications Specialist
- Grant Writer
- Publishing Professional
Student Experience
At UNA, Writing graduate students join a community of writers, scholars, and communicators dedicated to the study and practice of effective writing. Through workshops, faculty mentorship, collaborative learning, and creative exploration, students will receive meaningful feedback while building the skills and confidence needed to pursue their writing goals.
Opportunities include:
- Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society promoting a mastery of written expression
- English Study Abroad Program
- Workshop-based learning and peer feedback
- Portfolio and professional writing development
- Preparation for publishing, professional communication, and doctoral study
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Sidney Blaylock
Assistant Professor
sblaylock@una.edu
Dr. Daryl Brown
Professor
dwbrown@una.edu
Dr. Erin Fitzgerald
Assistant Professor
efitzgerald@una.edu
Dr. Kelly Latchaw
Assistant Professor
kllatchaw@una.edu
Dr. Nick Mauriello
Professor, Program Coordinator, MA in Writing
nmauriello@una.edu
Mr. Jason McCall
Assistant Professor
jmccall2@una.edu
Dr. Jason Price
English Dept. Chair, Associate Professor
jprice7@una.edu
Dr. Tammy Winner
Professor
twinner@una.edu
