Regis College new graduate program in professional writing for a digital era

In an era of blogging, Twitter and Facebook, the nature of what we call “writing” has radically changed. Longtime journalist Stephanie Schorow, a Medford resident, is spearheading a new graduate program at Regis College to educate the next generation of professional writers for the digital age.

The Master of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media (MAPW) will prepare students for positions and careers in an ever-shifting media landscape.

Stephanie Schorow, a Medford resident for nearly 15 years, is a seasoned reporter, author, writer and teacher. She has worked for the Boston Herald and the Associated Press and as a freelancer for The Boston Globe. She is the author of six non-fiction books, including Drinking Boston: A History of the City and Its Spirits, which includes a short history of Old Medford Rum, which was once distilled on Riverside Avenue. She is a frequent guest lecturer at the Medford Library.

The market for the professional writer is undergoing massive changes, and Regis’ new program will help students navigate those tectonic shifts. Social media are now used for everything from selling toothpaste to running a revolution; citizen journalists are blogging on an international scale; and many readers lament the downshifting of traditional newspapers. The MAPW will help professionals in many fields prepare for what is to come.

“This program welcomes working journalists, new writers, those taking a logical next step after a bachelor’s degree, and those who want to help shape the direction of new media,” said Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, President of Regis.  

An alternative to traditional journalism and creative writing programs, the MAPW will expose students to best practices in digital media, social media, reporting and research techniques. Courses in health and science writing, grant writing, business and technical writing will be offered. Student internships will provide them with real-world experience and networks.

“Students will be prepared to produce the crisp, clear, accurate prose of print media while learning the rules and tools of the digital world,” said Stephanie Schorow, program director. “The program will be geared to the marketplace while staying true to principles of honest reporting as well as evocative, effective prose.”

“Stephanie brings a wealth of real-world experience to Regis from her years as both a staff and freelance writer, PR consultant, a researcher and a fact checker,” said Malcolm Asadoorian, PhD, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “She also has a desire to help the next generation of media producers.”

The first course in the Master of Arts in Professional Writing program will begin in May. An informational session on the MAPW and other Regis College graduate programs will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in College Hall on the Weston campus. For information and to RSVP: www.regiscollege.edu/grad

See: blog at www.TheNewProfessionalWriter.wordpress.com, Twitter: @RegisMAPW and Web site:  /www.regiscollege.edu/graduate_programs/department.cfm?id=MA_Professional_Writing