Susquehanna University

What you'll study

The programme blends core publishing skills with broader literary and communication studies. Typical areas of study include editorial practice and copyediting, book and magazine production, digital content creation and design, rights and contracts, marketing and publicity for books, and the business of publishing. Students also take courses in professional writing, literature, media studies and critical theory to support strong editorial judgement and audience awareness.

• Editorial skills: copyediting, substantive editing, proofreading and style manuals.
• Production and design: layout, typography, basic graphic design for print and web, and an introduction to production workflows.
• Digital publishing: content management systems, e‑book formats, metadata and discoverability.
• Publishing business: marketing and publicity strategies, rights and contracts, distribution and sales channels.
• Practical experience: internships with publishers or related organisations, practicum courses, and involvement in student publications or publishing projects.
• Capstone or senior project: a culminating project that may take the form of a substantive edited work, an original publishing venture, or a research project on a professional topic.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong record in English and writing-related subjects. Typical entry requirements include a completed secondary school diploma or its equivalent, a personal statement or writing sample that demonstrates interest in publishing, and academic transcripts. Susquehanna considers the whole application, so letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvement in writing or editorial activities, and relevant work or internship experience are advantageous.

Standardised test policies may vary, and prospective students should consult the university for current guidance. Mature applicants or those with practical experience in media, publishing or communications are encouraged to apply and can present portfolios or employer references to support their application.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across traditional and digital publishing and related industries. Common entry-level positions include editorial assistant, production coordinator, copyeditor, rights or sales assistant, and marketing or publicity coordinator. The programme also prepares students for roles in literary agencies, magazines, academic and educational publishing, digital content management, and self-publishing enterprises.

Alumni often progress into specialised editorial careers, publishing management, digital media strategy, or pursue further study in creative writing, publishing studies, library and information science, or business. The practical internships and project work built into the programme help students develop portfolios and professional contacts for entry into the field.

Why study at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes, allowing close mentorship from faculty who combine scholarly and professional publishing experience. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning: students gain hands‑on practice through internships, practicum courses and student-run publications that simulate real-world editorial and production workflows.

The university's career services and alumni network support placement into regional and national publishing internships, and the broader liberal arts curriculum fosters critical thinking, strong writing and versatile communication skills valued across media industries. For students seeking a balance of practical training and intellectual breadth, Susquehanna provides a focused yet flexible pathway into the publishing profession.