Certificate Information

Certificate in Publishing

The Publishing certificate program helps individuals develop the skills that could see them working for a general interest magazine, specializing in web design, or setting up their own desktop publishing business.

Do you work in publishing as an editor, writer, proofreader, manager or designer and want to know more? Do you think you have a good sense for the practicalities of business and would like to apply it to an exciting, challenging industry? Are you attracted to the potential offered by electronic publishing and the web? Are you interested in desktop publishing? If so, this program might be for you.

Recent years continue to see significant changes in publishing. If you work in the field in any capacity, or if you want to gain entry, you need to be current and to stay that way. To help you, we have designed our program to reflect the latest changes in theory, practice, technology and the marketplace.

What do people in the publishing industry do?
They can hold any number of positions from writing to design. What the successful ones all have in common, however, is a thorough knowledge of their specialty and how it fits into the overall industry. They may work for established publishing houses, corporations or institutions that produce their own materials. They may be freelancers who specialize in web design, or entrepreneurs who set up their own desktop publishing businesses.

Is publishing right for you?
If you want to see projects through from conception to completion, if you can work as part of a large or small team and are not daunted by the challenge of the bottom line and tight deadlines, then you have the right qualities for this industry.

If the idea of starting your own desktop publishing company appeals to you, or you find web design exciting, then consider taking this program.

What will the Publishing program give you?
The program will take you through the fundamentals important to all aspects of publishing: writing, editing, proofreading, basic design and typography, publishing industry history and current developments. If you are new to the field, you will learn in an environment that is structured yet flexible and supportive.

If you are experienced, the program will let you add new skills and update your knowledge of the industry and its latest technology.

What does the program cover?
By completing the required courses and selecting elective courses from one of the two specialty areas— Books or Magazines—you will develop writing, editing, proofreading and graphic design skills. You will have the opportunity to learn the business of publishing and the issues of process and publishing politics.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?
You must complete a minimum of 120.5 hours of instruction—68.5 hours of core courses and 52 hours from one stream of electives. This stream will be your specialization. If you wish to take both specializations, you may do so by taking the minimum 52 hours of electives from the second stream. If a course is present in both streams, it will count towards both specializations. Like all our certificate programs, this one is non-credit, part-time and flexible, designed so you can proceed at your own pace. Many of our students work in the field while they study and apply what they learn immediately.

We recommend that you take 18 to 24 months to finish so that you can develop skills, assimilate and practice using the information, and complete assignments in a professional manner. The certificate may be completed more quickly if the course schedule permits. There is no maximum time limit to complete a certificate, however, you must apply early in your program to lock in your graduation curriculum.

Who teaches in the program?
Our instructors are professionals and use materials based on current industry practices.

What prerequisites do you need?
Particular courses may have specific prerequisites; please refer to individual course descriptions. In addition, computer skills and good writing skills are necessary.

How can you find out more?
For further information about the application process, see the Certificate Application page or call the Program Assistant in the Writing and Publishing Program, 778-782-5073.

Certificate Requirements

Certificate students are required to complete a minimum of 120.5 hours of instruction.

Note: Some of these courses are offered by the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing through the Summer Publishing Workshops (SUMM). See www.sfu.ca/pubworks or call 778-782-5241.

  1. Core courses — recommended order (56.5 hours)

  2. Elective courses (63.5 hours)
    you may choose your electives from either stream, or a combination of both

    3. Book Specialization
    Magazine Specialization

Ready to apply?

Please see our Certificate Application Information page for information on application deadlines and the application process.

See also

 


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Advisory Committee

Michelle Benjamin
Consultant

Michael Hayward
Systems Consultant,
Academic Computing Services and web designer

Dr. Rowland Lorimer
Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing

Natalie Makortoff
Continuing Studies

Katherine McManus
Continuing Studies

Mary Schendlinger
Editor, Geist Magazine

Suzanne Norman
Centre for Studies in Publishing