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Publishing Program | Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology AƬ×ÊÔ´°É Calendar | Fall 2025

Publishing

Master of Publishing

This program leads to a master of publishing degree (MPub) and is designed for those in, or intending to enter, print or digital publishing work in trade companies, government, scholarly communications, new media companies, or non-profit organizations. The program is composed of seminar and simulation courses and a final internship, self-directed project, or research project, and encompasses a range of print and online publishing activities including editing, marketing, management, design and technology. Students may choose to focus their studies on trade publishing, scholarly communication, or innovation and entrepreneurship.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Meeting the minimum university requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance. Entering students are expected to have a minimum knowledge of publishing which will be assessed through an evaluation of experience and submitted documents, and in some cases, through interviews and examinations. For further information on additional admission requirements, see the or contact pub-info@sfu.ca.

Program Requirements

This program consists of course work and a final internship or self-directed project or research project for a minimum of 42 units.

Students must complete all of

PUB 600 - Topics in Publishing Management (4)

An analysis of management issues essential to the daily operation of publishing firms. Emphasis will be placed on the distinctive nature of publishing as a cultural/information industry, the applicability of theory and practice in marketing and accounting and the legal underpinnings of publishing. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Christine Johnson
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 800 - Publishing and the Problem of Capitalism (4)

A critical analysis of the state of contemporary publishing in the context of public policy, legal frameworks, international agreements, cultural and professional practice. Emphasis is placed on trade, educational, and scholarly publishing, with attention to both research and industry discourse. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
John Maxwell
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 801 - Theories of Publishing (4)

An examination of major theories of publishing from the historical development of print technologies, mass production, and publics to contemporary work on decolonial and anti-racist perspectives in publishing, the impact of self-publishing, and micropublics. Emphasis is placed on theoretical frameworks for engaging with publishing as an industry and a cultural practice.

PUB 802 - Technology and the Evolving Form of Publishing (4)

An examination of the economic, legal, social, and cultural role of publishing vis-à-vis the emerging digital paradigm. The emergence of new forms, genres, and contexts is explored, as is the adaptation and evolution of existing industrial forms. Attention is given to both broad-scale phenomena and to the details of digital technology. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 890 - Professional Practices Seminar I (0)

A non-credit course for master of publishing students that foregrounds professional skills in preparation for their professional placement term. Includes visits with publishing professionals, as well as workshops on industry positions, CVs and cover letters, interview techniques, and topics of concern within the publishing industry (e.g. remote versus in-person work, mental health, etc.). Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Marieve Page
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 891 - Professional Practices Seminar II (0)

A non-credit course for master of publishing students that foregrounds professional skills in preparation for their professional placement term. Includes visits with publishing professionals, as well as workshops on industry positions, CVs and cover letters, interview techniques, and topics of concern within the publishing industry (e.g. remote versus in-person work, mental health, etc.). Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 890.

and an additional 20 units of graduate coursework. Chosen from the following

PUB 601 - Editorial Theory and Practice (4)

An examination of and engagement with editorial work, which comprises tasks ranging from conceptual to copy editing, as well as close collaboration with artists, designers, and marketers. Through readings, discussions, exercises, and assignments, all approached in the context of rhetorical theory, students learn to edit text, images, and combined forms - in print and online. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 602 - Design and Production Management (4)

A project-based consideration of the theory, elements, and principles of graphic design, as well as current trends in publication design for both print and online projects. The course examines the essential role of design and production in editorial, planning, budgeting, and marketing. This course is taken over two terms. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 603 - Journal Management and Editing (4)

Students will explore peer review into peer review processes, publication ethics, journal integrity, content curation, and editorial strategies, equipping them with the expertise to navigate the growing landscape of academic journal publishing. The course will cover the practical skills and tools necessary to operate a journal as well as discussions on the concepts necessary to ensure high editorial quality and integrity. Prerequisite: Admission to the program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Juan Pablo Alperin
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 604 - Technologies and Infrastructure for Academic Publishing (4)

Explore the technologies and infrastructures necessary to support the publishing, discovery, preservation, and linking of scholarship. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn about the tools and services that create the "scholarly record.". Prerequisite: Admission to the program.

PUB 605 - Book Publishing Simulation (4)

Students work in teams to set up simulated publishing companies, taking on industry roles such as editor, art director, and marketing manager. Each team then develops a company mission and a list of printed books and digital publications. The team produces editorial and marketing documents; creates design solutions for print and online; projects revenue and expenses for each publication; and makes a final presentation to a panel of publishing professionals.

PUB 606 - Media Start-Up Simulation (4)

In the Media Project, students work in agile teams to develop a new media model. Teams build prototypes of their media model that are presented to faculty and industry guests for feedback. Working incrementally and iteratively, teams are tasked with finding a market need, building a media model, presenting the model to an audience, and developing ways to start and sustain their media enterprise. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 607 - Digital Publishing Workshop (4)

Students work in teams to explore applied research and development directions in publishing technology. Project teams design and develop working implementations and produce documentation and specifications for industry review. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 611 - Making Knowledge Public: How Research Makes Its Way into Society (4)

Making Knowledge Public explores how knowledge produced at universities makes its way into society, the public value of this knowledge, and the diminishing attention given to this public mission. The course asks questions such as: how does research shape public policy? how is the public involved in science? and, how is research taken up by the public? The course is premised on the belief that, in today’s climate, it is more important than ever for universities, researchers, and scholars to assert themselves in the public sphere in more purposeful ways. Students will have the opportunity to explore academic publishing and the importance this segment of the publishing industry plays in our society.

PUB 631 - Graphic Design: The Page and the Screen (4)

Students propose, create, produce, and defend a publication design project, which contributes to the development and understanding of the role of graphic design in society.

PUB 638 - Design Awareness in Publishing Processes and Products (4)

An exploration of fundamental design principles complemented by media-specific approaches to design as a strategic framework in publishing.

PUB 648 - Publishing and Social Change: Tech, Texts, and Revolution (4)

An exploration of the relationship between publishing and major moments of social and political change, with a focus on how publishing has historically been linked to revolution: democracy, science, abolition, anti-fascism, and feminism.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Hannah McGregor
TBD
G101 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Vancouver
G102 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
PUB 655 - Online Marketing for Publishers (4)

Explores the formulation and analysis of marketing goals within the evolving realm of online promotion and marketing. Emphasis is given to approaches to measurement of effect; implementation and campaign management; finding and nurturing audiences and conversations; branding; forecasting and budgeting.

PUB 656 - Institutional and International Event Planning and Management (4)

An exploration of events and their management with emphasis on theories, social context, practices in the context of audience building, market creation and community building. Skill development, including curating, planning, design, marketing, human and financial resource management, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation are featured in this course.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sessional
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
PUB 877 - Special Topics in Publishing (4)

Intensive study of a particular topic in publishing; course content varies per term.

Courses should be relevant to the student’s chosen area of focus and will be selected in consultation with their supervisor or the graduate program chair. Students may take a maximum of four units from another program within SFU or from another university with permission of the graduate program chair.

and one of

PUB 899 - Publishing Internship (6)

Students will complete a one term industry placement. Following the completion of this placement, they will work with their supervisory committee to complete a report that summarizes and reflects critically on their experience and the work completed. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 600, PUB 800, PUB 801, PUB 802, PUB 890, and PUB 891.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
TBD
PUB 900 - Self-Directed Publishing Report (6)

Students will complete a self-directed publishing project. The project must be accompanied by a report that summarizes and reflects critically on the work completed. They will work with their supervisory committee to bring their project and report to a final acceptable form. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 600, PUB 800, PUB 801, PUB 802, PUB 890, and PUB 891.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
PUB 901 - Publishing Research Project (6)

Students must complete two extended essays or a single article-length work. The student will select a research topic in consultation with their supervisor. Essay topics may not substantively duplicate papers presented in coursework. The work will be examined by two faculty members and submitted to the library after approval. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 600, PUB 800, PUB 801, PUB 802, PUB 890, and PUB 891. Students with credit for PUB 899 or PUB 900 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
TBD

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms.

Other Information

Satisfactory Performance

The progress of each student is assessed at the end of each term. A course grade of less than B is considered unsatisfactory. Any student who obtains a grade of less than B in two or more courses may be required to withdraw from the program.

Final Project Options

To complete the master of publishing, students must complete either an internship, a self-directed project, or a research project.

The publishing internship (professional placement) in the publishing industry generally lasts four months, during which the student receives academic supervision as required from the student’s supervisor. Day-to-day supervision is by designated industry supervisors who have appropriate qualifications and will be appointed by the university. Following the internship, the student will submit a 2,000-3,000 word report that summarizes and reflects critically on the work completed during their internship. A supervisory committee consisting of the student’s supervisor, their designated industry supervisor, and a second faculty member (generally drawn from publishing) assess the report based on the quality of writing and the scope of work completed.

The self-directed project allows the student to complete a creative output (e.g. a multi-episode podcast series, an experimental web publication, a new media startup, etc.) under direct academic supervision. Self-directed project topics may not substantively duplicate projects completed during coursework. Following the completion of their project to their supervisor’s satisfaction, the student will submit a 2,000-3,000 word report that summarizes and reflects critically on the work completed. A supervisory committee consisting of the student’s supervisor and two additional faculty members drawn from publishing and/or other relevant academic units assess the student’s final work based on the quality of writing and the scope of work completed.

The research project option comprises two extended essays or a single article-length work (10,000 words total). The student will select a research topic in consultation with their supervisor. Essay topics may not substantively duplicate papers presented in coursework. A supervisory committee consisting of the student’s supervisor and two additional faculty members drawn from publishing and/or other relevant academic units assess the student’s final work based on the quality of research and writing.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.