Writing, Literature & Publishing :: Graduate: MA in Publishing and Writing

MA in Publishing & Writing

The M.A. in Publishing and Writing program delivers an overview of the publishing industry from writing and editing, through design, production, promotion, and distribution. Our program’s integration of publishing, literature, and writing cultivates your ability to respond to creativity with creativity. Under the guidance of our nationally recognized faculty, you will explore developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting; acquisitions; publicity and marketing; book and magazine design and production; print and online publishing software; and professional ethics. Literature classes refine your artistry and develop your intuitive editorial eye, while writing workshops nurture your creative voice. You may also elect to take the Teaching Freshman Writing course or take on an internship at a literary agency, magazine, or publishing house. We offer you a curriculum where publishing and writing meet.

The M.A. in Publishing and Writing requires 40 credit hours: 24 credit hours must be in Publishing and Writing courses, with an additional 8 hours in literature courses, and 8 hours in department electives (4 credits of which may be given to an optional master’s project or students may take a 4 credit course instead of a project). For students with an undergraduate major in English literature, the requirement for additional study in literature is waived, though the overall 40 credit hour requirement remains. All M.A. students are required to complete both of the following courses:

Course Code	Course Information
WP680	Magazine Publishing Overview 4.00 Credits A course designed to give students an understanding of the magazine field from the perspective of writers and editors. Editorial and business operations of magazines will be explored; the editorial mix and magazine geography will also be examined.
WP683	Book Publishing Overview 4.00 Credits An introduction to the book publishing industry, including a detailed examination of the editorial, marketing, and design and production stages of the book publishing process. The course also looks at important developments and issues within the field, such as online publishing, and at various jobs in book publishing.