Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Additional Information

Goals statement (uploaded via online application). The goals statement should be 750 - 1000 words and describe particular areas of interest within a chosen concentration. Read More

A 1,500 to 3,000-word writing sample is required for all concentrations.  Read More

Applicants to the concentration in professional and technical writing are encouraged (but not required) to submit an optional portfolio that showcases nonacademic/workplace writing. Applicants may submit a 10-15 page portfolio of their nonfiction work such as technical or business reports, editing projects, or any other materials reflecting interests and skills in nonfiction writing and editing. The portfolio should include no more than 3 samples of writing oriented to the applicant's professional or educational interests. On a cover sheet, briefly discuss the audience and purpose of the writing sample. The cover sheet should be uploaded with the portfolio.

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.