Frequently Asked Questions
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How long is the MPub program?
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How many students are admitted each year?
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Which areas of study do MPub students come from?
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Will I be the oldest (or youngest) student in the cohort of 20?
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How much does the program cost?
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What should I include in my portfolio?
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Where can I get the books recommended for the prerequisites?
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Can I take the MPub program in the evening or through distance education?
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What career opportunities will be available to me?
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Are awards and financial aid available?
How long is the MPub program?
The program is 16 months long—four semesters of four months each, including the internship semester.
How many students are admitted each year?
A maximum of 20 students are admitted each year.
Which areas of study do MPub students come from?
Master of Publishing students come to the program from all continents. They have studied art and humanities, social sciences, math, science, economics, business administration, and computer science. They have worked in publishing, printing, government, media and communications, and in the service, retail, and nonprofit sectors. They have been employed by large corporations, small proprietorships, universities, government offices, art galleries, NGOs, community groups, and social service agencies.
Will I be the oldest (or youngest) student in the cohort of 20?
MPub students range in age from their early twenties to their late fifties.
How much does the program cost?
Graduate student tuition fees are set on a yearly basis. Please see the SFU Student Services website for the current tuition fee schedule.
What should I include in my portfolio?
The portfolio should be a clear demonstration of the skills and abilities you will bring to the Master of Publishing program. Many applicants submit a folder with a cover sheet listing the contents of the portfolio and noting how the student created or contributed to the creation of the contents. Portfolios can include, but are not limited to, examples of design work, desktop publishing samples, newsletter and/or brochure samples, articles or books (for those who have experience in editing), samples of photography and examples of academic writing.
Where can I get the books recommended for the prerequisites?
Some books are available through the SFU Bookstore. Please email ccsp-info@sfu.ca for information about ordering.
Can I take the MPub program in the evening or through distance education?
The Master of Publishing program is only offered as a daytime, face-to-face program.
What career opportunities will be available to me?
More than forty guest publishing professionals make presentations and consult with MPub students as part of the coursework. Industry professionals provide students with valuable contacts as well as top-notch training. Thanks to these networking opportunities, as well as the internship semester, most graduates of the Master of Publishing program (more than 100 men and women) are working throughout the book and magazine publishing industries, or in associated organizations, as well as in government departments and agencies in Canada and abroad.
Are awards and financial aid available?
Yes. Please see Awards and Financial Support.

