Certificate in Publishing, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Graduate Coordinator: Ms. Emily Smith

Open to students in the MFA program in creative writing, the Certificate in Publishing provides a foundation in the current practice, theory, and history of the publishing industry, taught in conjunction with the UNCW Publishing Laboratory and its affiliated literary journals, Chautauqua and Ecotone, and imprint, Lookout Books. The certificate offers a professional credential for students who aspire to enter the fields of book or magazine publishing as editors, agents, designers, production coordinators, publicists, or marketing specialists, among other areas; students also learn skills beneficial in a variety of adjacent fields—from grant writing to nonprofit leadership.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Certificate in Publishing must be enrolled in Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing and are required to submit the following:

A completed application form.
An essay of intent addressing the applicant’s goals in the field of publishing, including interests and proficiencies developed in The Publishing Process and/or through Chautauqua, Ecotone, or Lookout Books. The essay should also include relevant independent experience, such as editing for a magazine or press, designing books or collateral materials, managing digital content, working in marketing or publicity, or pursuing other external preparation.

An applicant must have successfully completed the required foundational publishing course, CRW 520, The Publishing Process, before applying. Acceptable fulfillment of CRW 520 constitutes the minimum requirement for, but does not guarantee, admission to the Certificate in Publishing.

Applications must be received by the Director of the Publishing Laboratory on or before the published deadline.

Certificate Requirements

Certificate candidates must complete 15 hours of publishing courses, to include CRW 520: The Publishing Process (required for all MFA candidates), CRW 522: The Editorial Process, CRW 523: Bookbuilding, and a publishing practicum (CRW 524, CRW 526, or CRW 560).

Certificate candidates are encouraged to take CRW 525: Special Topics in Publishing for additional elective credit.

CRW 520 - The Publishing Process Credit Hours: 3
CRW 522 - The Editorial Process Credit Hours: 3
CRW 523 - Bookbuilding Credit Hours: 3
CRW 524 - Literary Magazine Practicum Credit Hours: 1 To 3
CRW 525 - Special Topics in Publishing Credit Hours: 1 To 3
CRW 526 - Advanced Literary Magazine Practicum Credit Hours: 1 to 3
CRW 560 - Publishing Practicum Credit Hours: 1 To 3