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Certificate in Publishing, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Enhance Your Master's Degree in Creative Writing
  • MFA

    You must be currently enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program in order to apply.

  • Lab

    Hands-on Publishing Laboratory Serves as a Learning Space

  • Skills

    Students Can Work on Literary Journals as Well as Books

Find your career in:

Correct content as well as spelling, grammar and language.

Promote products and services with your writing and editing skills.

Skilled writers and editors can help companies manage their brand identity.

Learn layout and design skills.

Learn to communicate visually.

program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn To

Develop and apply skills in writing structure, copyediting, grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, style, and other fundamentals crucial to effective, polished writing

Gain hands-on training in book design and production using desktop publishing technologies

Learn the practical business of running a literary magazine, including editorial, marketing, and sales decisions

“ Lookout Books became a vital part of the MFA experience for me, owed to Emily Smith's enthusiasm and guiding hand. I’m standing on sure footing after the publishing experiences I’ve had here. ”
Kate McMullen, MFA ‘18
MFA Certificate in Publishing Program Overview

Certifiably Creative

The MFA Certificate in Publishing is a course of study within the MFA in creative writing, offering a professional credential in literary publishing. Graduates are prepared to work in publishing, editing, publicity, marketing, grant writing, and book and magazine design and production; they also learn skills beneficial in a variety of adjacent fields—from public relations to arts management. Foregrounding our department’s nationally award-winning imprints Lookout Books, Ecotone, and Chautauqua, this track offers in-depth apprenticeships in both book and magazine publishing.

Publishing Lab

Integral to the Department of Creative Writing, the Publishing Laboratory incorporates into the apprenticeship of creative writers an applied learning experience in the process by which literary manuscripts, including their own, are designed, shaped, and edited into books and published to a wide audience of readers.

Courses leading to the MFA Certificate in Publishing give students the opportunity to study the history of the book, the art of editing, and book design. 

Sample Courses in Publishing

Check out these sample courses in publishing
CRW 520 The Publishing Process
CRW 522 The Editorial Process
CRW 523 Bookbuilding
CRW 524 Literary Magazine Practicum
CRW 560 Publishing Practicum 
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Certificate in Publishing Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are considered for admission as a group, after the published deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator:

Location/Delivery Method:

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2024:
    • March 1, 2024
    • Must currently be enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program.
      Contact the program coordinator prior to submission to ensure eligibility.
  • Fall 2024:
    • March 1, 2024
    • Must currently be enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program.
      Contact the program coordinator prior to submission to ensure eligibility.

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • None Required

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Documents After Application Submission 
  2. Eligibility: Must currently be enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program.  Contact the program for pre-requisite details and eligibility prior to application submission.
  3. Essay (Three page maximum, double-spaced):  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.
  4. Prerequisite:  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. 
  5. Federal Financial Aid:  Non-federal loans are available for this program.  Admitted students may apply through the UNCW Scholarship Application to be considered for additional scholarships.  Please consult your Financial Aid Counselor for further details.
  6. Visa Sponsorship:  This program does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

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