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The Copywriting Master’s Degree

In partnership with Furman and Florida International University.​

In This Program
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How does a Master's program boost your career in Copywriting?

Copywriters use words to make people smile, think, cry, laugh or learn something.
You’ll write stories as short as a tweet or long as a full-page newspaper ad. Teamed with an art director concept ideas for ad campaigns, radio spots, websites, videos, TV commercials and anything else that can help build a brand.

It’s a passionate, fulfilling career. And when it comes to breaking into that world, there is perhaps no better route than the Master’s degree from MAD. You’ll develop a portfolio with the School of Ideas, the most award-winning portfolio school in the world. And you’ll earn a master’s degree from a prestigious university. On graduation, you’ll leave with everything you need to build a career.

No matter which location you choose, you will take classes at both institutions—the local MAD campus and the corresponding university partner. YYou will be taught by creatives who work for agencies, brands and studios. They take time off to teach, to give back to the industry they love. And for an aspiring writer, this is the best of all possible times for you. Content creation online is simply exploding. Add the master’s degree from FIU or Furman to have a more complete understanding of the theoretical, strategic and research elements in the industry. With all the resources of this highly distinguished university added to your resume, you’ll be a catch in the eyes of any organization you choose.

Tara LawallCreative Direction at 72andSunny
AND a M.AD Copywriting Grad.
"Every job I’ve ever gotten has been a result of a connection I made at M.AD."

The Copywriting Master's Curriculum

A few of the Master’s courses we offer.
Like learning a new language, the best way to learn your trade is through total immersion. The focus of the program is to drive your career forward by offering you world-class experience in the ol’ copy world. And it all happens with an innovative curriculum of courses like these:
  • Ideas First
  • Thinking Strategically
  • Argument and Visual Narrative (Furman University)
  • Script Writing
  • Interactive Concepting
  • Gaming Concepts
  • Social Media
  • Type Exploration (Furman University)
  • The Art of Storytelling – Vision Point I (Furman University
  • Marketing Strategy – Vision Point II (Furman University)
Want to know what else you’ll be learning? Learn more about the courses you’ll take in the course brochure.

Our Partnership

How we work with Furman & FIU to run the programs
Furman

Students spend the first summer term (8 weeks, June – August) at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Classes focus on type, design, and rhetoric. Additional evening programming enhances team building, inclusion, inspiration and confidence.Greenville housing: Students live on campus in an apartment setting with a total of four students per apartment.

Housing at Furman costs $1250 for the entire 8 weeks. Meals are not included.

The next 11 months, October – September, are spent taking classes at MAD in Atlanta. Students take four courses a week. Courses are taught by industry professionals. Assignments focus on the real-world skills needed to strategize, concept and execute traditional, digital and social advertising campaigns. Students also participate in weekly networking sessions with a leader in the advertising and design industry. You’ll graduate with a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your creative ability and a network of industry connections.

Students live in the Atlanta area during the terms they are in school at the School of Ideas. Housing in the Atlanta area is the student’s responsibility. The school has a list of suggested housing options located within a few blocks of the school and roommate list. Contact your admissions advisor for more information.

Students spend their final term October – December completing the coursework for their practicum and developing their portfolio. The location is determined by the student’s interests and career goals. This term can be completed in Atlanta or getting hands-on experience in a top advertising agency in the US or abroad. You will graduate with a portfolio and earn a masters degree granted by Furman University.

FIU

This is a 39-semester credit, lock-step program that is completed in five consecutive semesters including summers. Students take seven courses at the FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus and six courses at the MADl Wynwood location: FIU Biscayne Bay Campus – 3000 NE 151 Street, North Miami, Florida / MAS – 571 NW 28th Street Miami, Florida 33127. Students are strongly advised and recommended not to work while pursuing the program. The program is demanding and requires time and effort. There is no flexible-curriculum available as all the courses are pre-selected for the student. Please be advised that the school enrolls and selects the schedules for the students by cohorts. Students do not have the option to change schedules.

There are no conditional admissions options for GSC-Creative track applicants. The decisions are made individually and are not granted to international applicants due to the visa regulations and the implications of the conditional status rules.

GPA’s below the 3.00 range will not be considered due to our program’s very competitive and limited nature. We evaluate GPA based on the last 60 credits taken by the applicant on their bachelor’s degree. We do not count the first 60 credits of the bachelor’s degree, only the last 60.

Interested candidates MUST apply to BOTH schools individually. Two applications are required: One for FIU and one for MAD.

The NoMAD Experience

Our copywriting students get real-world opportunities to work with leading agencies around the world.
This program gives students the opportunity to study and intern in up to four more cities around the world. You can even opt to take classes inside an agency…or intern at a leading company in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and other cities around the world. At last count 96% of the students had participated in our Quarter Away Program for at least one quarter. Over 80% of the students spent two or more quarters getting real-world experience. There are dozens of opportunities available to our Copywriting students. You could work with:

Teachers Who Practice What They Preach

A copywriter isn’t just a writer—and they’re not just a marketer either. Their a master storyteller with a gut feel for their audience. They weave thrilling heartfelt narratives out of sometimes mundane material (can a BOGO sale be a story?). And the great ones do more than just write the words—the influence the entire creative campaign.

So how do you learn those intangible traits that will put you over the top—in addition to the hard skills that will allow you to spin brilliant stories? It helps to have a mentor who’s been there themselves.

Brig WhiteFreelance Director (Apple, Adidas, Toyota, Amazon)
"Before M.AD, I was without a plan. I graduated with an English degree and was wondering what I was going to do with it. I liked design, but didn’t know much about it. But other than that, I had no idea what I wanted to do."

Master Copywriting In Atlanta Or Miami

Each school has a unique charm.

The MAD School of Ideas represents the best of what America has to offer. The cities we’ve chosen all boast a special blend of people, places, and energy. Just pick your cocktail of choice.

Schedule A Tour At Any Miami Ad School Campus

Experience the School of Ideas for yourself.

Check out our locations in India: Mumbai and Bangalore

What It Takes To Get In

Most of our students have an undergraduate degree, and are from different backgrounds such as economics, theatre, fine arts, advertising and even political science. In fact we find that it helps bring a different perspective to the table. However, all you need to apply to this program is a high school diploma and a positive attitude!

Want to know more about course requirements? Learn more about what you’ll need to become a Strategic Planning Master’s Student in the course brochure.

How To Apply

The application is as creative as the career.
Four Stages to Apply
Step 1

The application is as creative as the career.

Enter your information and register for your M.AD School of Ideas account.
Step 2

Follow the process laid out in the application portal

Show us who you are as a creative thinker. Share examples of things you’ve created.. Or do one of our fun creative exercises. Finally, schedule an introductory meeting with your Admissions Advisor.
Step 3

Review and Submit

Make sure all your information is correct, and that you’ve paid your application fee. We’ll get back to you soon!

NEXT QUARTER STARTS FROM January

Important Program Information

Tuition at Furman

Tuition is $7,970 per semester paid to FIU. Tuition is based on the semester system with 5 installments for a total of $39,850 (plus fees) total.

No assistantships are offered for this program. All students must cover tuition in its entirety.

Tuition at FIU

Tuition per term is $8250 | $41,250 for the five term master’s degree program.

Students enrolled in the program may be eligible for financial aid through graduate level Federal aid programs.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
We work tirelessly to make MAD affordable for students of all backgrounds. For our American students, federal loans generally cover tuition costs. We also offer a variety of scholarships.
International Students
In the past decades, students have come to us from every corner of the world. If you’re worried about getting here, never fear: you’ll likely be able to attend the campus of your choice. Click for more about the visa process.

SHEFALI DHOTE

Head Corporate Relations

Have A Question? Reach Out.

Career advice with no strings attached.
Our admissions team love to chat with people like you—answering questions, proposing solutions, and making plans for a creative future. An advisor can help you figure out what’s next in your creative adventure. Maybe that means a Master’s at M.AD. Maybe it’s ice fishing in Kathmandu. Your advisor can help you work it all out.

Download The Course Brochure

Crucial information about the Copywriting Master’s
  • Exclusive video content
  • Copywriting career facts
  • Average salaries
  • Information on co-ops and internships
  • Example projects for real brands
  • Detailed application process

Schedule a Call

Find out more about our admissions process and take the first step towards your dream career today