Writing Arts Rowan University

Overview

The Writing Arts programme at Rowan University offers a comprehensive exploration of communication through creative, academic, and professional lenses. Students engage with a diverse curriculum designed to foster flexible writing skills and critical thinking essential for success in a dynamic global culture.

As one of the few independent departments of its kind in the United States, this programme provides a unique academic environment. It is housed within the Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences, where students benefit from a dedicated faculty of award-winning authors and scholars. The department’s distinctive name reflects its commitment to treating writing as both a rigorous study and a transformative art form.

Why Writing Arts at Rowan University?

The institution stands out as the only university in the country to house a department specifically named Writing Arts. This independence allows for a specialised focus on "mark-making" that shapes the world, supported by facilities like the Writing Centre and various student-led literary organisations. The faculty are active practitioners publishing across genres, from novels to scholarly research, ensuring that teaching is informed by current industry standards.

Students have access to unique extracurricular opportunities that enhance their professional portfolios. These include the Avant Literary Magazine, which is one of the oldest student organisations on campus, and the Rowan branch of HerCampus. Such partnerships and platforms allow undergraduates to apply their classroom learning to real-world publishing and journalistic environments while building a strong peer network.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 11584 per semester
• National fee: USD 11584 per semester
• Local fee: USD 6172 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to help students become adaptable writers across various media and professional contexts. Modules may include:

• Writing Arts
• Creative Writing
• Technical and Professional Writing
• Publishing and Writing for the Public
• New Media and Publishing
• Journalism
• Writing Studies
• Writing Pedagogy
• Academic Writing
• Applied Writing

Careers with Writing Arts

Graduates are prepared for a wide array of roles in industries ranging from traditional publishing to digital media. The programme’s focus on adaptable literacy ensures that alumni can transition between different professional writing environments with ease. Many former students have secured positions in prestigious organisations and established successful careers as independent authors.

Common career paths for graduates include:

• Subsidiary Rights Coordinator
• Technical Writer
• Professional Writer
• Author or Novelist
• Spoken Word Poet
• Digital Content Creator
• Editor
• Publishing Professional
• Academic Researcher
• Literacy Educator

Alumni from the department are currently employed at major organisations such as Penguin Random House. Others have pursued roles in higher education as adjunct professors or have successfully published novellas and creative collections. The programme provides a robust foundation for any field that values sophisticated communication and analytical expertise.