Pace University

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses in editorial practice, production and design, rights and contracts, and publishing business models with electives focused on digital publishing, marketing, and data-driven audience development. Students study the full publishing lifecycle — acquisitions and commissioning, developmental and copy editing, design and layout, production scheduling and budgeting, metadata and distribution, and intellectual property and licensing.

• Editorial Practice: manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading techniques.
• Production and Design: print and digital production workflows, typography, page design and file preparation for print and e‑books.
• Publishing Business: acquisitions, contracts, rights management, budgeting and sales channels including trade, academic and direct-to-consumer models.
• Digital Strategies: e‑publishing platforms, metadata standards, discoverability, analytics and audience development across social and digital channels.
• Marketing and Publicity: campaign planning, publicity tactics, bookselling, library and education markets, and author relations.
• Professional Practicum / Internship: semester-long internships or practicum placements with publishers, magazines, literary agencies or digital media companies in the New York area.
• Capstone Project: a culminating professional project such as a mock acquisition and production plan, a fully produced digital or print publication, or an industry-focused research study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline. Relevant work or volunteer experience in publishing, editing, writing, marketing or related industries is welcomed and can strengthen an application. Required application materials typically include a completed application form, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and interest in publishing, a current résumé or CV, and two letters of recommendation.

Many applicants submit a writing sample or portfolio demonstrating editorial or publishing-related work; this may include edited manuscripts, articles, marketing copy or project outlines. Graduate test scores (e.g. GRE) are optional or may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the applicant's academic background. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests or equivalent qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across trade, academic and professional publishing as well as complementary media sectors. Typical job titles and career paths include:

• Editorial assistant, associate editor or commissioning editor
• Production coordinator or production manager
• Rights and permissions manager or contracts administrator
• Marketing or publicity coordinator, social media and audience development specialist
• Digital content manager, metadata specialist or e‑book product manager
• Literary agent assistant, sales representative or bookseller with publishing operations responsibilities
• Freelance editor, proofreader, project manager or self‑publishing consultant

The programme’s practicum and internship components are specifically designed to build industry networks and a professional portfolio, which are key to securing entry-level and mid-level roles in the competitive publishing market.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University offers the advantage of being located in New York City, one of the world’s primary publishing hubs, providing direct access to major trade and academic publishers, literary agencies and media companies for internships and networking. The programme emphasises hands-on learning: small cohorts, industry-practitioner faculty, and practicum-based projects ensure students graduate with practical skills and a professional portfolio.

Students benefit from Pace’s career services and industry partnerships that facilitate internship placements, guest lectures and panel events featuring working editors, rights managers and marketing professionals. The curriculum is structured to balance traditional publishing fundamentals with contemporary digital practices, preparing graduates for both legacy and emerging roles in the publishing ecosystem.