
Professional Writing (MPW)
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Professional Writing (MPW) Overview
As of 1.1.22, the MPW program is not accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year. All currently enrolled students will continue progress through the program to completion. Students interested in this program should explore our Master of Communication program.
Chatham’s Master of Professional Writing (MPW) program is a broad-based, fully-online, accelerated program that leads to a unique, professional degree. Choose from concentrations in Technical Writing or Web Content Development, follow suggested paths of study for non-profit or communications professionals, or design a path of study to advance your career or help you switch to a new one. In addition to strengthening and developing writing skills across media, you'll explore the business of being a writer, including copyright and contracts, cover and query letters, standard business practices, and strategies for success.
Rolling
We evaluate applications on a rolling basis; however, we recommend that applicants apply as early as possible.
30
Most full-time students will be able to complete the program in two years.
$1,126
Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.
More Options
Chatham also offers affordable, online, 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificates in Technical and Grant Writing and in Web Development.
Explore the Master of Professional Writing Degree:
Students will explore the practice of writing in a variety of professional contexts, including technical writing; political writing; business and financial writing; writing for electronic media; web design; and critical writing. By bringing together students from a variety of different backgrounds, the MPW program offers an educational experience that reflects the realities of today’s shifting and expanding business world.
Originally I picked the MPW program for technical writing, but wound up falling in love with the web concentration, which has changed the course of my life and career goals drastically. The MPW program at Chatham has given me a specialized set of skills that I never knew would be so valuable.
—SHAINA VOJTKO, MPW ’13

Corporate Benefits
Chatham offers a 20% tuition reduction through its partnerships with selected employers in the Pittsburgh area.
View Employer Discount : Checkerboard 1 - Corporate Benefits
Assistantships
A limited number of research, special project, and teaching assistantships are available to help defray the cost of tuition while allowing you to earn valuable, hands-on experience. These assistantships are in the form of tuition remission and will reduce your final tuition bill.
View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 2 - Assistantships
Certificates in Professional Writing
Chatham also offers affordable online, 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificates in Technical and Grant Writing and in Web Development. Each certificate can be completed in one or two terms. Students take a core group of three courses in their chosen concentration and fine-tune their expertise through one elective.

Perspectives From Across the Field
Whether you’re a freelancer, a student, or a full-time staff writer or editor, you can benefit from tips, best practices, and perspectives from across the field of professional writing.

SARA-Approved Participating Institution
Due to federal regulation, all universities offering distance education programs and practicum experiences in states other than their own must receive authorization or be a SARA-approved institution. Chatham University is a SARA-approved institution.
SARA-Approved Institutions : Checkerboard 5 - SARA-Approved Participating Institution