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What is the Book Publishing Program and Ooligan Press?

At Portland State University, the graduate program in book publishing offers extensive experience in an exciting field. Publishing students:


  • earn an MA or MS in writing with an emphasis in book publishing;
  • take classes from publishing professionals;
  • work at the student-run Ooligan Press;
  • experience the challenges and rewards of publishing;
  • learn about a variety of job opportunities in the field;
  • prepare for a career in editing, marketing, sales, design, and more;
  • participate in internships;
  • make invaluable contacts in the publishing and business communities;
  • enjoy a city brimming with readers and writers.
Our graduate degree requires 48 credit hours, 20 of which are core classes: Introduction to Book Publishing, Book Editing, Book Design and Production, Book Marketing and Promotion, and Bookselling. Students earn the remaining credits by taking electives in publishing, English, writing, and areas of individual interest. These electives can include courses in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and technical writing. Publishing is a diverse field; those with interests outside of writing are encouraged to take advantage of Portland State's many course offeringgs. An advisor will help students determing the best elective combination to meet their goals. 

Students also earn credits by participating in the work of Ooligan Press, a small trade publishing house. Students work in groups to review, accept, and edit manuscripts; design the interior and the exterior of books; send books to press; and market the books to booksellers, libraries, and other outlets. The integration of a graduate degree program with a working press makes our publishing program unique in the world.

In addition to experience gained at Ooligan Press, students find internship opportunities and job prospects in the small-press hub of Portland. Ooligan interns have worked at Timber Press, Dark Horse Comics, Top Shelf Productions, Collector's Press, and Tin House—to name a few. Graduates have gone on to work in the industry, start a literary agency, launch freelance editing careers, and even open their own publishing houses. We hope you explore the possibilities!

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