CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Publishing is composed of Core Courses, Media Specializations,
Advanced Seminars, and the Capstone Project. The curriculum consists of courses in traditional book
and magazine functions, as well as digital media. The Core requirements are designed to provide you
with an in-depth understanding of the most important elements of publishing. While completing the
Core Courses, you may also take courses from any one of the three Media Specializations: media
content development, media marketing and distribution, and media profitability. You complete the
program with a Capstone Project that allows you to draw on the skills you’ve acquired. The master's
program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study.
It includes both three-credit and 1.5 credit courses, for a total of 42 credits. Courses are
offered in the evenings.
CORE COURSES
Core courses give you comprehensive knowledge of the essential elements of the publishing
process. The course sequence provides a broad overview of traditional and digital media as well as
management and leadership, multimedia financial analysis, marketing and branding, publishing and
Internet law. Case studies integrate learning with real-world scenarios and assignments to provide
a practical skill set that enables you to analyze and solve the challenges encountered daily on the
job.
MEDIA SPECIALIZATIONS
Media Specialization courses build upon the material you learn in the Core courses and
provide an in-depth look at all aspects of book, magazine, and digital publishing. Students select
courses from three separate areas of Specialization that comprise the basic knowledge base needed
to succeed in publishing: media content development, media marketing and distribution, and media
profitability. Each course in these areas of Specialization approaches publishing from the point of
view of media convergence, instructing you in all the ways publishers must now view content in
order to maximize profit across multiple media platforms. You acquire a comprehensive knowledge
vital to understanding and managing the publishing process.
ADVANCED SEMINARS
These electives are shorter than Core and Specialization courses and are designed to provide
leading edge information on important publishing topics, in some cases on subjects that have very
recently evolved as vital to the industry. Taught by leading publishing professionals, these
courses will change as rapidly as the industry itself, and require intense classroom participation
and analytic thinking. Advanced seminars explore topics such as International Publishing, The Role
of the Online Editor, Building and Managing Digital Communities, The Life Cycle of a Book, and
Advanced Magazine Editing .
You may round out your 42 credits with Advanced Seminars or with additional Media
Specialization courses that complement your academic interests.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
The Capstone Project draws on the various skills and information acquired through the
master's program. This senior thesis delineates your ability to conduct comprehensive research and
analysis on a key topic in publishing, whether that involves books, magazines, Web-based or
integrated media topics. The goal is to create a viable business plan that will demonstrate the
breadth of your knowledge and your grasp of the industry.
INTERNSHIPS
We urge students with limited publishing experience to pursue internships to broaden their
experience and make important industry contacts. Through our
advisory board and other resources, we help students secure internships and
carefully monitor their progress. Approval by an academic advisor is required.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students may also design independent studies with the approval of the Director.
