Masters of Professional Writing Program

Who We Are

From the Director

Welcome to the USC Master of Professional Writing Program (MPW) Web site, where you will find news and information about the MPW Program.

Founded in 1971, the USC MPW Program occupies a unique place in the writing community. While it fosters the development of an individual voice through craft and workshop classes, it also addresses the writer's capacity to make his or her living through writing after obtaining the degree. The MPW Program acknowledges that the writer is susceptible to economic forces; this degree exposes the student to pragmatic ways to yoke a writer's temperament — word-based, word- making — to existing occupations and emerging forms of publishing and producing, and become an aesthetic citizen.

This, then, is "the MPW advantage":

  • A unique interdisciplinary approach uniting five disciplines: fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting. Here writers learn from multiple genres, thereby developing depth in their writing. For example, a writer for television draws upon playwriting expertise; a fiction writer learns about compression of language and the efficacy of word selection from a poetic techniques workshop; a screenwriter writes a better-timed comedy scene after analyzing a short story. In MPW, students also often discover passion for new forms of creative outlet, becoming more versatile — and employable — writers.
  • Proximity to Los Angeles' entertainment and literary industries. MPW alumni, faculty, and students are at the heart of the LA literary scene.
  • Guest lectures by important industry figures, arranged by MPW faculty, who themselves are working, established writers.
  • One-on-one mentorship by working writers. Despite their busy professional commitments, MPW faculty members work closely with students.
  • Small, collaborative workshop settings. Most of our classes are held late in the afternoon and evening to accommodate the working professional.
  • Career guidance, including contact with successful MPW alumni, and a proven track record of launching writing careers.

On behalf of the MPW Program team, I invite you to become part of the "MPW experience." To apply, to attend one of our upcoming events, or to get more information, please see our FAQ or contact us.

Sincerely,
Brighde Mullins