The Master’s University’s Creative Writing & Publishing (CWP) program is designed for students who are passionate about content creation across the changing and expanding spectrum of communicative media, including fiction and non-fiction, photography, videography, journalism, and podcasting. CWP students choose from a wide variety of courses that provide opportunities to develop their unique creative interests, and they graduate with content creation skills that are increasingly in-demand across diverse industries.
A key characteristic of the CWP program is that our students learn by doing. Classes are hands-on and provide regular opportunities for feedback and publication. CWP students graduate with not just a degree, but also a portfolio of creative work to show prospective employers and clients. If God has gifted you with a creative spark, and if you love inspiring others through what you create, the CWP program may be the perfect place for you to hone your talents and discover why God gave them to you in the first place!
For a complete list of requirements for this degree please see our academic catalog.
In a day and age when on-the-street experiences are documented and shared worldwide, this class will explore the best go-to tool: the phone in your pocket. Students will create ready-to-be-viewed short video productions using minimalist technology. Throughout the course, students will focus on elements such as story structure, camera angle, lighting, editing, and sound. Finished productions will be viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor.
An exploration of podcasting as a form of journalism. Students will be introduced to the various types of podcasts and podcast outlets. They will work with classmates to research a podcast concept and then regularly produce and publish it. Components of marketing and attracting subscribers will also be discussed. Computer expertise is not required.
Theories and techniques of social influence. Course content includes motivation, attitude change, ethics, credibility, nonverbal persuasion, logic and argumentation, emotions, and cultural influences.
An introduction to the dynamics of technologically mediated social discourse with a look at both individual implications
as well as larger processes within society including culture, polity, and commercial enterprise.
An exploration of journal keeping and autobiographical writing. Students will read and write various types of personal
essays and memoirs and share them in small group settings.
An introduction to the styles, techniques, content, and forms of screenwriting. Student work is considered for the department annual short film production.
This course will examine the entrepreneurial power shift in the world of business and what it means for media practitioners, entrepreneurs, and technologists. The disruptive nature of the Internet, open-source technologies, and lower barriers-to-entry have prompted a shift in the power from large media companies toward smaller organizations and individuals.
Students will study the extended short story form (novella), including plot, characterization, and dialogue. The course
will include regular writing for peer review, offering ample time for revision and completion of a polished extended
short story (novella).
Grammar basics and sentence structure are reinforced. However, the bulk of the course covers the real-world issues writers encounter in college and beyond. Issues such as word choice, antecedents, plurals, possessives, punctuation, clarity, conciseness, and self-editing. Chicago, MLA, and Associated Press style formats will be explored. Reading and coursework are also geared for those looking at editing as a career or see it as an important aspect of a chosen job field. Additional topics covered include “editing well means writing well,” the editor-writer relationship, and using style guides. Students learn by dissecting weekly news articles, editing articles for the campus newspaper, and self- and peer-editing various writing assignments.
Theories and methods of evaluating persuasive communication, including public
address, contemporary drama, and other categories of written discourse. Prerequisite: C371 or C391.
Students will explore the genre of science fiction short stories—how to read them critically and how to write them effectively. The course will cover the nuances and history of the different forms and motifs of science fiction to help students develop their writing skills across each of those forms and motifs. Prerequisite: C351.
Students will practice the craft of writing in the genre of fantasy fiction, with special emphasis placed on the novel and
novel series formats. The course will focus on traditional fiction writing components such as plot, character, tone,
setting, narrative, point of view, scene building, etc. Additionally, students will engage in discussion and guided practice
surrounding genre-specific elements such as world building, history creation, systems of myth and magic, etc.
This course explores the history and impact of the graphic novel, both as a form of entertainment and social/cultural
commentary. Additionally, the course will explore the process of creating a graphic novel and of visual storytelling.
Students will participate in the creation of a graphic novel concept. Prerequisite: C351.
Students learn the techniques of novel writing, including plot outlining, character development and arcing, conflict,
complication, and resolution. Techniques of dialogue and narration will also be explored.
Introduction to the video technical language and creative and aesthetic elements of the production process. Students will gain understanding of lighting, sound, camera operation, composition, and design of visual elements.
This class introduces the students to the concepts of Desktop Publishing. Topics covered will include color theory, page
layout, composition, print requirements, and other production-related techniques. The applications used in this class
are Adobe™ Photoshop™ for image editing, Adobe™ Illustrator™ for logo design, and Adobe™ InDesign™ for
page layout and composition.
Visual storytelling through making, selecting, processing, and disseminating photographic images. Technical, artistic,
and professional topics are covered, including composition, lighting, portraiture, photo essays, and reproducing and
publishing images, as well as legal and ethical issues.
An introduction to the arena of multimedia journalism. Students will learn the process of combining text, images, sound, videos, and graphics to tell an engaging story on an online platform. Students will produce finished pieces to be viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor. Prerequisite: C261 or C311.
Students are introduced to the basics of professional journalism to gain an understanding of how a publication works;
develop instincts as an interviewer, reporter, and writer; and understand the various genres associated with journalistic
writing. Students will also learn to develop editing skills by using the Associated Press Stylebook and write on deadline
to prepare for writing for the campus publication and beyond.
From handheld to professional SLR cameras, students will learn the basics of equipment and advanced methods to
make photographs look more professional. This class will cover how to connect, download, and upload your digital
images to CDs, the web, or for print. Everything from file management to composition, this class covers a wide range
of techniques to make students better, more effective photographers.
To be admitted as an undergraduate, bachelors degree-seeking student in the Online School of Education, you must meet the following requirements:
