English - Publishing Studies
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
The Publishing Studies sequence is designed to prepare graduates for careers in all types of publishing. Undergraduate students interested in nonprofit presses, journals, and scholarly publications are well suited for this sequence.
Skillsets acquired by completing the sequence includes proofreading, editing, design and layout, marketing, advertising, permissions, graphic work, record keeping, archiving, and bulk/distribution mailing. By providing a broad work experience, students not only build their portfolios, but also enter the marketplace with valuable and current skills.
Why Study English - Publishing Studies?
The Publishing Studies sequence requires students to hold an internship set up in consultation with the English Studies internship director. The purpose of this internship is to give students practical experience in the publishing field to better prepare them for their careers.
Many students in the Publishing Studies sequence receive their practical experience—a requirement of the program—at the Publications Unit in the Department of English.
Related Skills
- Accuracy, coherency and clarity in speech and writing
- Ability to simplify and understand jargon
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Honesty and integrity
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Good computer skills
- Detail oriented
- Developing hypothesis
- Good presenter
- Think independently
Being Successful in the Field
- A bachelor's degree in English is sufficient for many entry-level positions in business and industry.
- A graduate degree is required for teaching at the college or university level.
- Develop a specialty area of interest via additional coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.
- Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio.
- Be prepared to be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities. Writers typically experience many rejections for each piece that is accepted for publication.
- Obtain additional areas of expertise such as journalism, broadcasting, technical writing, or politics for specialized positions.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in careers of interest to learn more about their jobs.
Related Fields
Editing/Publishing/Writing
- Creative writing: poetry, plays, novels (fiction and nonfiction), screenplays, scripts, lyrics/jingle writing, blogs
- Journalism: writing/columnist, reporting, editing, critique
- Technical writing: science-medical, information technology, corporate communications and training
- Grant writing
- Freelance writing
- Advertising/marketing/sales
- Circulation/production
Employers
- Publication companies: books, newspapers, magazines, alternative media (e-books and audio books)
- Mass media (television, radio, internet sites, and the movie industry)
- Government agencies
- Universities and university presses
- Self-employed/freelance
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Ruffin | 223 Bone Student Center | mhruffi@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elise Hurley | 423C Stevenson Hall | evhurle@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7848 |
Applying to Illinois State
For new transfer and readmitted students only. New freshmen may be placed in the program at a later date. Refer to department for specific requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Minimum GPA
2.00
Middle 50% GPA
2.29 - 3.35
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Foreign language equivalent to Illinois State’s 115 level
- American, British, and non-western literature courses
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Fisher | Stevenson Hall 409 | klfish2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3667 |
Minimum GPA
2.00
Middle 50% GPA
2.29 - 3.35
Application Period
Applications are always accepted, but reviewed during September and February.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Major Requirements
Applications will be reviewed based on GPA, performance in English courses at time of application and a well-written persuasive personal statement. Admission is competitive.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Fisher | Stevenson Hall 409 | klfish2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3667 |