Master of Professional Studies in the Field of Publishing

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Publishing at George Washington University prepares students for careers across the dynamic publishing and media industries. The programme combines editorial development, book and digital publishing, marketing, business management, and industry practices, helping students develop the creative, technical, and commercial skills needed to manage publishing projects and succeed in roles across traditional and emerging media platforms.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 30 credit hours, including core courses and electives. Students develop a broad understanding of the publishing industry before choosing electives across editorial, business and marketing, and technology, production, and design. The programme is designed for flexible, part-time study and can be completed in as little as 18 months, although the university bulletin describes a typical two-year completion period.

First Year – Publishing Foundations and Industry Knowledge

Students begin by exploring the publishing industry through courses such as Book and Journal Publishing, Business of Publishing, and Copyright Law in Publishing. They learn how books and journals move from concept to publication, understand publishing business models, acquisitions, production, distribution, and sales, and develop an understanding of copyright protection and intellectual property. Additional core subjects, including Marketing Strategies, Fundamentals of Electronic Publishing, and Ethics in Publishing, introduce students to promotional planning, digital publishing technologies, and ethical responsibilities within the industry.

Second Year – Specialisation and Professional Application

In the second stage, students select advanced electives to develop expertise in their preferred publishing area. Editorial-focused subjects include Mastering Book Acquisitions, Trade Book Acquisitions, and Professional Copyediting, while business and marketing options include Publishing Management, Organization, and Strategy, Global Publishing, and Book Publicity and Promotion. Students interested in technology and design can explore Elements of Book Design, Accessibility in Digital Publishing, and E-Publishing Tools. Practical opportunities through Publishing Special Projects and Digital Publishing Special Projects allow students to apply their knowledge to real publishing projects and develop industry-ready skills.

Focus Areas

Book and journal publishing, editorial management, book acquisitions, professional copyediting, publishing business management, copyright law, intellectual property rights, marketing strategies, book publicity and promotion, digital publishing, electronic publishing technologies, publishing production, book design, accessibility in digital media, global publishing, audiobook and podcast publishing, publishing entrepreneurship, contracts and licensing, publishing research, and publishing ethics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to understand the complete publishing process, evaluate manuscripts and publishing opportunities, manage editorial and acquisitions activities, apply copyright laws and intellectual property principles, develop effective marketing and promotional strategies, manage publishing operations and production workflows, use digital publishing technologies and design tools, analyse publishing markets and audience trends, manage contracts and licensing agreements, evaluate financial and business strategies, understand ethical responsibilities in publishing, and develop innovative solutions for traditional and digital publishing environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme focuses on professional preparation through industry-oriented coursework, practical publishing projects, and instruction from experienced publishing professionals. Its curriculum covers key professional functions, including editorial development, acquisitions, publishing management, marketing, copyright, production, and digital publishing. The programme also benefits from an advisory board comprising senior professionals from organisations such as Oxford University Press, Penguin Random House, Princeton University Press, and the Library of Congress. The official programme information does not specify a separate external professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

• 450+ alumni: More than 450 graduates of GW's MPS in Publishing programme work across different publishing organisations and sectors throughout the United States.

• Industry connections: Alumni work with well-known organisations, including HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, National Geographic, Oxford University Press, Elsevier, Wiley, and Johns Hopkins University Press.

• Experienced faculty: The programme features instructors with professional leadership experience in publishing organisations, bringing practical industry knowledge into the classroom.

• Professional advisory board: Senior publishing leaders from trade, academic, scholarly, university press, and international publishing organisations contribute industry perspectives and guidance on curriculum development and career opportunities.