The MS in Publishing offers students real-world experience in book publishing and digital/magazine media. Taught by top executives in the publishing and media industries, the program helps students to develop skills in creating and editing content for multiple platforms and formats including print, web, mobile, video, audiobooks, ebooks, and podcasts. In addition, the program puts a strong emphasis upon other key areas in publishing and media, including, marketing and publicity, finance, digital media management, content development, and more. By the time they graduate, students have acquired a deep understanding of all of the key publishing functions. Study abroad in the form of global volunteer opportunities, industry visits to publishing houses and media companies, and invaluable internships provide for a first-rate NYU education in NYC, the publishing and media capital of the world.
MS in Publishing
Study On-site
Degree Advantage
- 36-credit program of study
- Prepares you for a career in publishing and digital / magazine media
- Core curriculum and dedicated study of key areas that align with the functions of the publishing industry—content development, marketing and distribution, and media profitability
- Faculty of leading publishing industry executives
- Full-time (attending courses four evenings a week) and part-time study options
- Global volunteer opportunities and industry visits
- Internships at top publishers and media companies
- Networking events and opportunities
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
You can find the full curriculum details for this program on this page of the University Bulletin. All other content, including this web page is for informational purposes only.
Discover NYU SPS: Graduate Admissions Information Session
Join an online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs, including the MS in Publishing: Digital and Print Media. Our admissions team will give you insights into the NYU SPS experience, share details about the application process, and offer tips for creating a successful application. Current students will also share their personal experiences, providing a firsthand perspective on life as an SPS student.
7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EDT
7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EST
7:00 PM until 8:00 PM EST
Who Should Earn the MS in Publishing?
The publishing industry has many facets and offers a wide range of different options for those just launching their careers, as well as those who are already in publishing or a related industry. The MS in Publishing takes you beyond a traditional editorial curriculum into the technology-driven, digitally-focused, and business-oriented aspects of the industry, positioning you for success in the areas where talent is in highest demand. If you seek to build your skills and your network in the publishing and media capital of the world, then this degree is for you!
DEGREE OVERVIEW VIDEO
Acquire In-demand Skills in Growing Specialty Areas
The MS in Publishing offers areas of study that align with the publishing industry: Media Content Development, Media Marketing and Distribution, and Media Profitability. Each area of specialty provides the distinct skills and business acumen to prepare you for the publishing industry of the future—one that is ripe with opportunity for those who are equipped with the knowledge, insights, and connections that will set them apart.
Gain a Global Perspective
The MS in Publishing is based in New York City, the publishing capital of the world, but it is connected to a multibillion-dollar network of international business, with critical hubs in Europe and Asia. As a student enrolled in this program, you may have the opportunity to gain a truly global perspective through the ability to volunteer international book fairs and conferences. Previous students have enjoyed the opportunity to attend at the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Bologna Children's Book Fair, the London Book Fair, and the Beijing Book Fair, among others.
Build an Invaluable Professional and Personal Network
In publishing, building relationships and networking are critical for success. The MS in Publishing and the Summer Publishing Institute (see below) are both grounded in a close-knit community of students, faculty members, and alums, whose influence spans the globe. Students in the MS in Publishing also have the opportunity to join the award winning NYU Publishing Student Association. By the time you earn your degree or complete the SPI program, you will have developed a network that will greatly enhance your career options.
Industry Visits and Internships
Through the MS in Publishing and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS, our students have the opportunity to complete publishing internships that provide the hands-on experience needed to compete for publishing and media-focused jobs. Many of these internships evolve into permanent positions or consulting jobs. 97% (average of Classes from 2017-2021) of our students reported being employed within six months of graduation. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in a broad array of companies and organizations including:
- Condé Nast
- Hachette Book Group
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Hearst Magazines
- Macmillan
- Dotdash Meredith
- Penguin Random House
- Refinery29
- Scholastic
- Simon & Schuster
- Vox Media
- Workman Publishing
Summer Publishing Institute (SPI)
SPI is a four-week intensive dedicated to the study of books and digital magazine/media conducted in New York City.
FEATURED FACULTY
See AllSPI Students Discover the Secrets of Optimizing LinkedIn and Online Networking
Good Housekeeping: Students Tour Hearst's Premier Lifestyle Magazine
SPI Visits Dey Street Books, Where Culture Comes to Live
Writer's House Student Tour: A Day in the Life of a Literary Agent
Namrata Tripathi Keynote Launches NYU Summer Publishing Institute '24!
SCRIBE at Spirit Week: The Translated and Queer/Banned Book Expo
Tamil Writer from India Awarded Fulbright Fellowship to Pursue Publishing Degree at NYU SPS
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
#NYU Reads: The Braiding Sweetgrass Story
PALA Academic Director of Continuing Education Jenny McPhee’s Translation of Elsa Morante’s Novel ‘Lies and Sorcery’ Wins Accolades
SPI Students Discover the Secrets of Optimizing LinkedIn and Online Networking
Good Housekeeping: Students Tour Hearst's Premier Lifestyle Magazine
SPI Visits Dey Street Books, Where Culture Comes to Live
Writer's House Student Tour: A Day in the Life of a Literary Agent
Namrata Tripathi Keynote Launches NYU Summer Publishing Institute '24!
SCRIBE at Spirit Week: The Translated and Queer/Banned Book Expo
Tamil Writer from India Awarded Fulbright Fellowship to Pursue Publishing Degree at NYU SPS
Embracing Every Hue: Liberating Imposter Syndrome, Intersectionality, & Borders Through Storytelling
#NYU Reads: The Braiding Sweetgrass Story
PALA Academic Director of Continuing Education Jenny McPhee’s Translation of Elsa Morante’s Novel ‘Lies and Sorcery’ Wins Accolades
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of jobs are available in publishing?
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The types of jobs available in publishing vary widely. Graduates of our program are working as book and digital/magazine editors, marketers, and publicists, and in sales and audience development positions at major media and publishing companies. They also are employed at literary agencies and in a wide range of areas including audiobooks, podcasts, video, and more. The industry is so broad that the opportunities are almost limitless.
How does this publishing degree differ from others?
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The degree differs from others in that we emphasize a knowledge of all key publishing functions, whereas other degrees offer concentrations in a specific area such as design or marketing and publicity. With the team-based focus of the publishing industry in mind, an immersive knowledge of content creation, marketing and distribution, and profitability is critical to student success.
In addition, we put a very strong focus on real-world, real-workplace industry learning and experience. While other degrees may emphasize publishing theory, the NYU SPS MS in Publishing encompasses both theory and practical, hands-on study of all key topics. Most assignments are simulations of tasks encountered in the workplace. Students are invited to visit publishing and media companies to gain an inside understanding of how businesses operate. Faculty members and guest speakers, all senior industry experts, introduce students to the latest business strategies and practices. A strong emphasis on networking, global trips to book fairs and conferences when available, and elective internships all contribute to a unique, industry-forward approach to preparing students for careers in publishing.
What skills are required for a career in publishing?
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The skills and attributes required to succeed in publishing include curiosity and an interest in a wide range of topics. Publishing is a world of content and ideas, and a desire to shape and disseminate information is important. Those entering the industry need strong writing and communication skills, a knowledge of digital formats and assets including podcasts and video, and an understanding of marketing and social media, as well as sales and audience development, to name a few areas of expertise. As noted, this is a broad industry and the specific skills may vary according to position and the type of publishing or media business. Generally, digital media management and content management skills are important.
What's the difference between book publishing & digital/magazine publishing?
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The NYU SPS MS in Publishing includes courses in book publishing as well as digital/magazine media. While book publishers create physical and digital books and media companies focus increasingly on digital-first (with some print) content, both use many of the same areas of expertise: good writing and communication skills, as well as a knowledge of marketing and audience development, sales, and distribution. Students may choose to focus their studies more on book publishing or digital/magazine media, but the skills are often transferable.
Why do I need a graduate degree in publishing to enter the industry?
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You need a graduate degree in publishing to enter the industry because this is a complex business with multiple skills and areas of expertise needed. The NYU SPS MS in Publishing degree introduces students to all key aspects of the industry through its areas of study as well as industry outreach. This deep and broad knowledge helps to make students highly valuable to employers. The reputation of the program for providing exceptionally well-trained students with practical skills is an important factor in hiring and promotion. Furthermore, the networking and industry outreach, faculty of leading publishing professionals, and internship opportunities are invaluable in opening doors and providing access that may otherwise be unattainable.