Department of Writing, Literature & Publishing
Publishing & Writing (MA)
Graduate Student Paul Ryan Talks About the Writing, Literature & Publishing Program
Graduate student Paul Ryan talks about the Writing, Literature & Publishing program, from his courses to his work outside the classroom.
Where does your interest in publishing lie? Do you want to shape the prose of fresh voices as an editor? Would you like to represent writers as a literary agent? Are you enthused by the potential of online publications and new media formats? Perhaps you see yourself publishing your own niche magazine.
Emerson’s unique Publishing and Writing program helps you learn professional skills and earn the experience to succeed in a career in the ever-vital, ever-changing publishing industry.
The Art & Business of Writing
The MA in Publishing and Writing program provides an overview of the publishing industry from writing and editing through design, production, promotion, and distribution. You may also take courses in literature, writing workshops, teaching college composition, or intern at a literary agency, magazine publisher, or book publisher.
Learn more about our program requirements and our curriculum »
A Faculty of Savvy Professionals & Expert Scholars
Our faculty is made up of accomplished publishing and writing professionals. They are editors, writers, designers, publishers, and consultants currently working in the field. They come from major industry sources such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Addison-Wesley, Globe Pequot Press, Nation Books, Viking Penguin, Da Capo Press, Newsweek, Inc., Men’s Journal, Boston magazine, and The Atlantic Monthly. Their expertise gives you a solid foundation in traditional publishing, as well as exposure to current market trends, including innovations in electronic publishing.
Learn more about our Writing, Literature and Publishing faculty members »
Located in a Literary Epicenter
Home to major book publishers, including Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Beacon Press, Da Capo Press, MIT Press, Addison-Wesley, David R. Godine, Bedford/St. Martin’s, Allyn and Bacon, and Pearson, and with Boston magazine, Ploughshares, and Cook’s Illustrated also based here, Boston is an ideal place for launching your publishing career. Emerson’s campus is only blocks away from many of these industry giants. Our city is synonymous with writing as both an artistic pursuit and a business endeavor, and our students are immersed in this dynamic literary community.
Learn more about our community and industry connections »
Learn More
Interested in applying to this program? Sign up to receive information about our academic programs, important updates regarding special on-campus events and application notifications from the Graduate Admission Office. Sign up today »
Publishing & Writing (MA) At a glance
40-credit program
Full-time or part-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment is typically 8 or 12 credits per semester.
Fall admission
Full-time students complete the degree in two years; part-time students complete the degree in two and a half to three years.
Meet the Graduate Program Director
Associate Professor and MA Graduate Program Director Lisa Diercks is a publishing industry veteran who has taught book design and production, magazine design and production, and design software courses at Emerson since 1996. She began her career at Houghton Mifflin/Trade and later established her own design studio.
Graduate Studies
FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
To read the Graduate Handbook and learn about research and fellowship opportunities, visit the Graduate Studies website.
