Graduate Certificate in Publishing

Why choose this program

This program offers unique field experience working directly with VT Publishing & Press and literary magazines and small presses including The New River Journal, Noemi Press, the minnesota review, and FENCE, giving you real-world publishing experience while building your professional networks
The program can be completed in one year (two semesters) for both full-time and part-time students.

You'll gain comprehensive expertise in both digital and print publishing, from manuscript evaluation to marketing strategies, preparing you for the evolving publishing landscape.

About Our Program

Publishing is the profession or business of producing and selling a book, magazine, or newspaper. Publishing encompasses the activities needed to make information and other content (e.g., literature, visual media) available to the public such as designing, editing, distribution planning, and marketing.

The Graduate Certificate in Publishing prepares students to manage the full publishing process: from product planning and editorial design to business operations like budgeting, author relations, copyright, and marketing. Students gain skills in both print and digital publishing across various formats, while learning professional standards and ethics. We help students prepare for or advance their careers in publishing houses, literary agencies, digital media, and independent ventures.

Campuses:

Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus

Type of Instruction:

Residential/On Campus

Department of English

What you'll study

Curriculum

This 12-credit program consists of four core courses, providing you with a foundation in the editorial, technical, and business aspects of publishing operations.

You will:

Learn how to design, plan, evaluate, and edit a publishable work (e.g., manuscript evaluation and book design, copyediting, copyright compliance) for both print and electronic texts.
Learn how to prepare and publish digital content, including formatting for various devices and platforms.
Benefit from hands-on experience working on publishing projects for both a literary journal and a small press publisher.
Gain an understanding of the business aspects of the publishing industry, including finances, promotional strategies, and analyzing current trends (e.g., interactive fiction, social media literature).

Course List

Comprehensive exploration of digital literary journal publishing, focusing on editorial, technical, and business aspects of online literary magazine operations. Examines the evolution of electronic literature and current trends in digital publishing. Provides hands-on experience in product planning, design, and editing for The New River Journal. Covers author relations, copyright considerations, and ethical standards in digital publishing. Addresses marketing strategies and the impact of electronic commerce on literary journal operations. Analyzes the history of literary journal publishing and its digital transformation. Pre: Graduate standing.

Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lab, Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing

Advanced application of digital literary journal publishing principles, focusing on hands-on management of editorial, technical, and business operations for The New River Journal. Emphasizes practical implementation of product planning, editorial decision-making, and publication processes. Includes intensive work on author relations, manuscript solicitation and selection, and content curation. Covers advanced digital production techniques, accessibility considerations, and long-term archiving strategies. Implements marketing and distribution plans for the journal. Addresses ethical considerations and professional standards in online publishing. Culminates in the production and launch of an issue.

Credit Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 5775
Corequisite(s):

Comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of editing and publishing in both print and digital environments. Examines publishing industry's structure, operations, and current trends. Develops essential skills in manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Explores author-editor relationships, ethical considerations in publishing, and impact of digital technologies on the publishing landscape. Provides hands-on experience with industry-standard editing tools and publishing platforms. Includes practical projects with The New River Journal.

Credit Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing

Comprehensive exploration of independent publishing operations through direct engagement with Noemi Press. Examines all aspects of managing the creation, publication, and distribution of print and electronic books and other text products. Covers manuscript acquisition, editorial development, book design, production, distribution, and marketing. Provides hands-on experience in evaluating submissions, working with authors, and managing the publication process from concept to finished product. Addresses financial aspects of small press operations, including budgeting, pricing strategies, and grant writing. Explores the role of small presses in the larger publishing ecosystem and their impact on literary culture. Engages students in critical decision-making processes for Noemi Press projects. Culminates in student participation in the release of a Noemi Press publication.

Credit Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing

Time Table of Classes

Admissions and Tuition

Admissions Requirements

Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
Degree-seeking students complete a Graduate Certificate Application, while non-degree seeking students also submit a Graduate School Application ($25 fee) and official transcripts.
TOEFL (90+ iBT) or IELTS (6.5+) scores required (if applicable).

Application Deadline

TBA

Tuition

Degree-seeking students: No additional costs beyond regular tuition
Non-degree seeking in-state students: Approximately $10,594 total program cost
Non-degree seeking out-of-state students: Approximately $21,510 total program cost

Certificate Cost Breakdown