Intradisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate in Copyediting and Publishing

Abstract

This program showcase highlights the unique positioning of an 18-credit-hour undergraduate copyediting and publishing certificate (CPC) program. Created in an effort to increase enrollment and fill a need for such instruction in our region, the CPC pulls from the English department’s three distinct tracks (creative writing, professional writing, and literary and cultural studies) to offer intradisciplinary coursework that appeals to all English majors as well as minors, non-humanities students, and non-matriculating students. The showcase details the curriculum, both required components that every student must take as well as optional classes students can choose from in two categories: digital and textual publishing. The authors then use student feedback from 31 internship exit interviews to assess the strengths of the certificate and the challenges of administering it. By discussing issues with staffing and contingent labor, the timing of coursework, and the taxing but necessary process of requiring an internship, this showcase shares insights and strategies—from both student and faculty perspectives—related to maintaining a successful undergraduate CPC.