How does a master's in English prepare you for grant writing and nonprofit communications?

A master's degree in English prepares graduates for grant writing and nonprofit communications by building advanced research, rhetorical analysis, and persuasive writing skills that funders and nonprofit leaders rely on. Ohio University's Online Master of Arts in English develops these skills in 32 credit hours, fully online, in as few as 16 months. The degree also earns education points toward the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, if you wish to pursue certification, that never expire and supports advancement toward leadership roles such as public relations and fundraising managers.

What grant writers and nonprofit communicators do

Grant writers research funding opportunities and prepare proposals for foundations, corporations, and government agencies. A typical proposal includes a needs statement, program goals, an evaluation plan, and a budget narrative aligned with a funder's guidelines.

Unlike grant writers, who focus on written proposals to institutional funders, fundraisers cultivate individual donors and manage campaigns. Nonprofit communications specialists shape an organization's public voice through annual reports, newsletters, websites, and media relations. Professionals with a master's in English often move among all three roles.

Five ways a master's in English strengthens a grant writing career

1. Advanced research and synthesis

Graduate study in English trains students to locate, evaluate, and synthesize sources into a sustained argument. This is the core skill behind a strong needs statement, which must connect community data and published research to a specific, fundable solution.

2. Rhetorical analysis of funders and audiences

A request for proposals (RFP) is a text with its own priorities, values, and constraints. Graduate coursework in rhetoric and composition teaches students to analyze audience and purpose, then shape language that matches what a reviewer is looking for.

3. A portfolio of sustained, research-based writing

At Ohio University, every online M.A. in English student completes ENG 6930: Master's Essay, a research-based essay of publishable quality. Unlike short writing samples, a master's essay shows employers that a candidate can manage a long, complex document from research to final revision, much like a federal or foundation grant application.

4. Points toward professional certification

The CFRE credential requires 80 points in education, and academic degrees count toward that category. Unlike most CFRE points, which must be earned within five years of applying, academic degree credits never expire. For the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, education is one of the scored eligibility categories alongside professional experience, professional development, and grant success.

5. A foundation for leadership and teaching roles

Senior roles in nonprofit development and communications call for strategic thinking, editorial judgment, and the ability to mentor other writers. A graduate degree signals that depth. Ohio University's program also offers a curriculum option for educators pursuing dual-enrollment teaching credentials, which gives graduates an additional path in education.

Professional organizations for grant writers and nonprofit communicators

Professional organizations help master's-prepared English graduates build networks, keep their skills current, and prepare for certification. A degree program builds a lasting foundation in research and writing, and professional organizations maintain understanding of current trends and best practices in the field, updates on policies and ethics, and create career networks.

Grant Professionals Association (GPA)

Founded in 1998, the Grant Professionals Association describes itself as the largest professional association dedicated to grant professionals. Members agree to a code of ethics and gain access to training, resources, and a network of grant professionals in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. GPA's related organization, the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, administers the GPC credential.

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

The Association of Fundraising Professionals has supported fundraising professionals for about 60 years and maintains a Code of Ethical Standards for the field. AFP offers local chapters, its annual AFP ICON conference, and professional development connected to credentials such as the CFRE.

National Council of Nonprofits and the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations

The National Council of Nonprofits connects more than 30,000 nonprofits through a network of state and regional associations. At the state level, the Columbus-based Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) offers advocacy, workshops, webinars, conferences, and leadership training for nonprofit staff and board members.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

For professionals focused on nonprofit communications, the Public Relations Society of America offers professional development and networking. PRSA is part of the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of eight public relations organizations that awards the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). The board recommends at least five years of professional public relations experience before pursuing the APR.

Inside Ohio University's online M.A. in English

Ohio University's Online Master of Arts in English is a 32-credit-hour program made up of eight seven-week courses. Coursework is fully online and asynchronous, designed for working professionals, and can be completed in as few as 16 months. Ohio University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913, with accreditation reaffirmed in 2025.

The curriculum begins with ENG 5950: Introduction to English Studies and ends with the Master's Essay. Students complete three literature courses and three additional English courses approved by the program director, which can include rhetoric and composition, creative writing, literary studies, or advanced pedagogy.

Unlike a short grant-writing certificate, which focuses on proposal formats and submission logistics, our M.A. builds the research and argumentation skills that make proposals persuasive. Many graduates pair this foundation with hands-on proposal work at a nonprofit or professional development through a grants association.

Admission requirements

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with substantial coursework in English language and literature. Applicants submit two letters of recommendation, a 4- to 12-page critical or scholarly writing sample, a resume, a one-page statement of purpose, official transcripts, and an application fee. The GRE is not required.

Tuition details are available on Ohio University's graduate tuition and fees page.

Professional certifications that build on a master's degree

The GPC credential is offered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Candidates need at least three years of employment in the grants field within the last five years and at least five grant awards within the last seven years.

The CFRE uses a points system: 80 points in education, 36 in professional practice, and 55 in professional performance. Unlike the GPC, which focuses on grant work, the CFRE covers fundraising broadly.

Steps from a master's in English to a grant writing career

1. Earn Ohio University's Online Master of Arts in English, choosing rhetoric and composition electives where possible.
2. Build proposal experience by drafting a grant or annual appeal for a local nonprofit while you study.
3. Learn funder research tools and federal grant systems through workshops or professional associations.
4. Track every proposal and award, since the GPC requires documented grant success.
5. Apply for the GPC or CFRE once you meet the experience requirements.

Turn your writing skills into nonprofit impact

Every funded program, community initiative, and successful campaign begins with writing that makes a convincing case for support. Ohio University's Online Master of Arts in English gives you the advanced research, rhetorical, and writing skills to make that case, in a fully online, asynchronous format you can complete in as few as 16 months while you work. Combined with hands-on proposal experience, professional organizations, and credentials such as the GPC and CFRE, the degree prepares you to grow from writer to strategic leader in grant writing and nonprofit communications. Explore the program and start your application to take the next step.