School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Writing, Literature and PublishingBA
Program starts in the fall. Review deadlines.
Learn how to bring stories to life, across both print and digital media. Emerson College’s Writing, Literature and Publishing BA program will prepare you to be a writer, editor, and storyteller who connects deeply with audiences, and as an expert in the evolving publishing industry.
At a Glance
- Learn literary history and theory, critical reading techniques, and creative writing skills.
- Become part of a vibrant literary community through the numerous student-run literary organizations.
- Participate in a Magazine Pitch Slam event where you’ll pitch your stories to local and national editors.
- Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing faculty are established writers who have spent their careers dedicated to writing and publishing stories that connect with all types of audiences.
- Participate in a mentorship program with Penguin Random House for a semester.
Become an Impactful Storyteller
Stories shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. Emerson’s Writing, Literature and Publishing BA program explores those stories from every angle, as works of art, cultural artifacts, and published works that reach audiences across print and digital media. You’ll develop strong foundations in literature, writing, and publishing, while learning how to adapt writing skills to the changing literary world.
Coursework combines literary study with hands-on writing practice. You’ll take courses in poetry, nonfiction, magazine writing, and publishing. The courses are designed to build your skills in close reading, critical thinking, research, and storytelling. Faculty will push you to explore multiple genres and perspectives, as well as how literature and publishing have evolved over time.
Outside of the classroom, you’ll contribute to literary journals and magazines and pursue internships with publishers, magazines, and media organizations. You’ll be mentored through Emerson’s partnerships with industry leaders and a strong alumni network. At the annual Magazine Pitch Slam, you’ll share a one-minute pitch to a panel of local and national editors for the chance to have your work published. By graduation, you’ll leave with a portfolio of writing and published projects, experience across multiple forms of media, and a network of peers and mentors ready to support the next chapter of your career.
Apply your Writing and Publishing Skills
Flex your writing and publishing skills by working for student literary journals and magazines, including em Magazine, The Emerson Review, Concrete Literary Magazine, and Your Magazine. Students in the program also have access to prestigious internships through Emerson’s vast alumni network, including best-selling authors, editors, and publishing professionals. Gain a global perspective on your craft by participating in Emerson’s Global Pathways programs in Ireland and the Netherlands.
Writing doesn’t stop when class ends. Attend readings, connect with Boston’s literary community, and build relationships with writers across genres. Network with Emerson alumni who are publishers, editors, and New York Times-bestselling authors. Recent internships in the Writing, Literature and Publishing program have included Boston Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Yale University Press. You’ll leave with a polished body of work, real editorial or teaching experience, and a community that will support your writing career.
Ballyvaugh, Ireland: Writing Place and Distance—Art and Environment in the West of Ireland
Immerse yourself in the countryside of Western Ireland to learn a methodical approach to creative writing. Through workshops, seminar discussions, and dedicated writing time, you’ll immerse yourself in the art and landscape of the Burren, a spectacular region of County Clare, Ireland, and use that backdrop as a source of inspiration for your writing projects.
Kasteel Well, Netherlands: James Baldwin Writers’ Colony
Spend four weeks at Emerson’s Kasteel Well in the Netherlands to learn and be inspired by the literature of African Americans who lived and worked in Europe. Gain a better understanding of the role that Black literature has played throughout history in Europe and in America, including the Harlem Renaissance (1920s), the postwar era (late 1940s), and the Black Arts Movement (1960s).
Kasteel Well, Netherlands: Travel Writing
Write and revise creative literature of all genres, all while being inspired by your time at Emerson’s Kasteel Well. You’ll practice attentive journaling, workshop original pieces, challenge yourself to write responsibly in a culture that is not yours, and gain experience writing about the people and customs surrounding you.
Write with Professional Storytellers
Writing, Literature and Publishing faculty are renowned authors and publishers. You’ll have access to the brightest minds in literature today as you’re studying.
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Apply to Emerson
Our Undergraduate Admission team is here to find the path that fits your goals, answer your questions, and prepare you for a life in the ever-evolving communication and arts industries. Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.