About the Graduate Publishing and Writing Program
Emerson College’s on-campus Publishing and Writing MA program will help you discover your place in the ever-vital, ever-changing field of publishing. You will learn to shape the prose of fresh voices as an editor, represent writers as a literary agent, or work with exciting online publications and new media formats.
Housed in the Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing in the School of the Arts, our program allows you to explore all facets of publishing in the publishing hub of Boston. Our experienced faculty provide a comprehensive overview of the publishing of books and magazine media via print, digital, video, social media, and other platforms. You will enjoy the flexibility to take a variety of creative writing and literature courses that suit your interests and goals.
Program Highlights
- A dynamic curriculum that builds a solid foundation of skills in book, magazine, and digital publishing
- An emphasis on hands-on learning, with options such as working on the Emerson College-owned digital publication The Independent and with community partners (current and former partners include the Boston Globe Magazine, Bookbuilders of Boston, and Artists for Humanity)
- Internship opportunities at a wide variety of publishers (such as children's and adult trade, academic, magazine media, and news) and publishing-related firms
- Study full-time or part-time in person on our beautiful Boston campus
- Most classes, whether in-person or online, are offered in the evening to maximize flexibility
- Access to a vast alumni network
- No GRE requirements to apply
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4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
Our Publishing and Writing MA program is available to current Emerson undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in just one additional year. For more information, visit our 4+1 MA in Publishing page.
Events
Graduate Creative Writing Webinar
September 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual Creative Writing (MFA) Information Session! During this session, you'll get the opportunity to hear from our admissions staff and learn more about the Creative Writing program, the application process, life at Emerson, our community and more.
Graduate Writing for Film and Television Webinar
October 1, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual Writing for Film and Television (MFA) Information Session! During this session, you'll get the opportunity to hear from our admissions staff and learn more about the Writing for Film and Television program, the application process, life at Emerson, our community and more.
International Graduate Student Information Session
October 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m. EDT
Join us for an international student information session! Staff from Graduate Admissions and the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) will be available to explain application requirements for international students, funding opportunities, the F-1 Visa process, life at Emerson, and so much more.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Virtual Graduate Application Overview
October 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us to learn more about the process of applying to Emerson's graduate programs! Members of the admission team will be available to explain application requirements, answer your questions, and offer insider tips into the graduate school application process.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Experience Emerson Live: Why You Should Care About Magazines
October 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual glimpse into the Publishing and Writing MA program! During this interactive session you will learn how the reported demise of magazines, like that of Mark Twain, has been exaggerated. The number of jobs available at magazines and magazine-adjacent businesses outnumber those for book editors, according to some of our recent graduates. And even if you’re certain that editing books is the only thing you want to do professionally, magazines remain great sources for book editors seeking new authors and book Ideas. Admissions staff will also be available to answer any questions you may have about the program or application process. We hope to see you there!
Cost
Free
“Ask Us Anything”: Publishing and Writing Pop Up Chat!
October 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. EDT
Join us for a quick pop-up chat and have your questions answered about our Publishing and Writing MA program. You can also learn more about becoming a student in our program! During this time, you'll get the chance to ask any questions and hear directly from the Admissions Counselor, Muzhgan Mia Bekdas.