Chapman University

What you'll study

The programme blends practical workshops, industry-facing projects and critical study. Core topics typically include editorial craft (copyediting, substantive editing, proofreading), editorial workflows and project management, book history and the contemporary publishing marketplace, design and production (typography, layout, prepress), digital publishing technologies (e‑books, CMS, metadata, digital distribution), and rights, contracts and intellectual property.

• Skills workshops: hands-on courses in editing, proofreading, manuscripts preparation and use of industry-standard tools.
• Production and design: classes in layout, cover design, file preparation and basic Adobe tools for print and digital formats.
• Marketing and publicity: courses covering market analysis, social media campaigns, author publicity and sales channels.
• Publishing law and business: rights management, contracts, royalties and ethical considerations in publishing.
• Digital publishing: e‑book production, metadata best practice, content management systems and distribution platforms.
• Work-based learning: internships with publishers, magazines, literary agencies or related media organisations and a capstone or practicum project producing a publication or professional portfolio.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s in Publishing normally requires a successful high-school completion or equivalent. Typical expectations include a solid academic record, a personal statement outlining interest in publishing, and one or more letters of recommendation. Some selective consideration of applicants’ writing samples or a short editorial portfolio is common, and applicants for whom English is not a first language will be asked to demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence.

Chapman considers each application holistically; additional assets such as relevant extracurricular activities, work experience in media or internships, and an interest in combining creative and analytical study strengthen an application. Standardised tests may be optional depending on university policy—check Chapman’s admissions guidance for current practice.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of publishing- and media-related roles. Typical career paths include editorial assistant, copyeditor, production coordinator, rights and permissions specialist, publicity or marketing assistant, digital content manager, sales representative, literary agency assistant, and project manager for independent presses. Skills learned in the programme—editing, project coordination, metadata and digital distribution—also transfer to related sectors such as educational publishing, magazine media, content strategy for brands, and self-publishing entrepreneurship.

Many students use the internship and practicum elements to build professional networks and a portfolio that helps secure entry-level positions; others progress to roles in small independent publishers, major trade houses, digital-first publishers or move into creative industries such as film, television and digital media that require editorial and content-management expertise.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a small-campus environment with faculty who combine scholarly perspectives and industry experience, enabling close mentorship and practical training. The university’s location provides access to a wide range of publishing and media organisations in the Los Angeles region for internships and guest speakers. Small class sizes and workshop-based courses allow sustained editorial practice and student-run publishing projects that build a professional portfolio.

Students benefit from campus resources such as library collections, research support and media labs as well as career services that help place interns and graduates. Chapman’s emphasis on combining creative, technical and business aspects of publishing prepares students for a changing industry where digital workflows and entrepreneurial skills are increasingly important.