Publishing MA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel’s MA in Publishing is a 45-credit program that gives you a broad, real-world view of the publishing industry through courses taught by working publishing professionals, with classes offered in person and online. It suits aspiring editors, designers, marketers and small-press founders who want hands-on experience across books, magazines and digital publishing, plus the freedom to specialize through electives and independent projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Learning how the industry works. You’ll start with PUB 530 The Publishing Environment and PUB 631 Publication Design: Print and Digital, then move into the main publishing formats with PUB 635 Periodicals Publishing and PUB 730 Book Publishing. By spring, PUB 720 The Ebook and Online Magazines and PUB 750 Small Press Development show you how digital publishing and independent presses work. You’ll also take MKTG 601 Marketing Strategy & Planning and your first elective, so your business skills grow alongside your creative ones.

Year 2: Specializing and working on real projects. In your final year you join PUB 504 Drexel Publishing Group Special Projects, where you collaborate with undergraduates and take part in the daily operations of the group’s three publications. You’ll also take WEST 500 Introduction to Digital Design Tools and fill the rest of your schedule with electives that fit your goals, such as Science Writing, Global Marketing or an Independent Project in Publishing. The program encourages independent projects limited only by your imagination, plus opportunities with local publishing houses.

The catalog’s description mentions ten required courses and five electives, but the course list shows nine required courses and 18 elective credits. I’ve followed the course list and sample plan, so confirm the final structure with the department.

Focus Areas: Publishing history and the contemporary publishing environment, book and periodical publishing, e-publishing and online magazines, small press development, publication design, media law and marketing, and book proposals and market analysis across genres such as literary, medical and young adult.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will understand publishing history and contemporary issues around e-publishing, and gain interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in media law, marketing and design. They will also be able to create book proposals and market analyses, build specialized skills through electives and independent projects, collaborate on Drexel Publishing Group projects, and hone skills like copy-editing, author contact, social media communication, design and writing with local publishers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The catalog page lists no program-specific accreditation or professional body. It does point to professional alignment through faculty who work in the publishing industry, guest speakers, relationships with area publishers, and the Drexel Publishing Group’s hands-on publication work. Its occupational classification (SOC 27-3041) places the degree in the editor field.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The catalog page publishes no rankings or employability statistics, so I haven’t made any up. The program has no co-op option, and the page names the English and Philosophy Department Head, Dr. J. Roger Kurtz, as the contact for more information. For placement data, I’d use Drexel’s official graduate outcomes reporting.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the Publishing MA program is designed to immerse students in the practical aspects of the publishing industry, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a competitive job market. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that include collaborative projects, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools. This experiential learning approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready to tackle real-world challenges in publishing.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Publishing MA program:

- Internships: Students have the chance to engage in internships with leading publishing houses, literary agencies, and media organizations, providing invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities.

- Collaborative Projects: The program emphasizes teamwork through group projects that simulate real publishing scenarios, allowing students to develop their collaborative and communication skills.

- Digital Tools: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and various content management systems, which are essential for modern publishing.

- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to publishing houses and literary events, offering students firsthand insights into the industry and the chance to meet professionals.

- Research Facilities: Access to Drexel's libraries and specialized research centers supports students in conducting thorough research and developing their projects.

- Publishing Labs: The program features dedicated labs equipped with the latest technology for design and production, allowing students to experiment and refine their skills.

- Guest Lectures and Workshops: Students benefit from workshops and lectures led by industry experts, providing them with current trends and practices in publishing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Publishing MA at Drexel University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a dynamic industry. Alumni have successfully transitioned into roles such as Editorial Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, and Content Strategist. With a strong foundation in both traditional and digital publishing, graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving marketplace.

Here’s how Drexel supports your journey toward a successful career in publishing:

- Career Services: Drexel offers dedicated career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you stand out in the job market.
- Employment Statistics: The university boasts an impressive employment rate, with over 90% of graduates finding jobs within six months of graduation, often with starting salaries ranging from $45,000 to $65,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established connections with leading publishing houses and media companies, providing students with internship opportunities and networking events that can lead to job placements.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The Publishing MA is accredited by relevant professional organizations, ensuring that your degree holds value in the industry for years to come.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organizations such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and various digital media startups, showcasing the program's strong reputation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Publishing MA, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a PhD in Communication or a related field, which can open doors to academic positions or advanced research roles. Additionally, you could explore specialized certifications in digital marketing or content management to enhance your expertise and career prospects.