Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism

The Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism (CPCJ) program surveys print and digital publishing platforms for news, magazine features, and other content, placing emphasis on critical and forward-looking forms. CPCJ broadens the lens of traditional journalism programs with its emphasis on design, contemporary publishing practices, political thought, and genres including cultural criticism, long-form creative nonfiction, and reflective writing. The work of the program’s students and faculty is deeply informed by in-depth critical theory and research.

The master's program is aimed at a variety of students: writers, reporters, and editors committed to fostering social change and intellectual engagement; graphic designers who aspire to bring writing, editing, and criticism into their practice; editors who wish to start new publications; cultural critics and political thinkers interested in raising the level of public commentary.

Students are taught by CPCJ faculty and guest lecturers with extensive industry experience, including award-winning writers and editors from the New York Times, The Intercept, The Nation, Vanity Fair, Verso Books, FSG Books, and other outlets.

Through our program, students:

• Investigate the many forms of contemporary print and online publishing in New York City and beyond, including books, magazines, journals, alternative media, and small-batch publications
• Gain foundational knowledge of the history, traditions, and styles of cultural criticism and critical theory
• Question the authority and reliability of the information conveyed by media and ask what obligation (if any) reporters, writers, scholars, or citizens have to tell the truth
• Develop an understanding of the process of creating scholarly and conceptually rich content for various platforms
• Engage in experiential learning in visual communications and new media technology, benefiting from the expertise of Parsons School of Design, a world-class institution for designers and artists that is part of The New School
• Choose from electives offered in The New School's world-famous graduate programs in politics, philosophy, creative writing, and other subjects
• Establish relationships with industry professionals and build a professional network

Graduates emerge from this program with a unique portfolio of work and a broad set of skills. Students don't just explore big ideas, great books, and contemporary theories of media. They also benefit from hands-on learning experiences: immersing themselves in New York’s publishing world , writing for online and print platforms,  engaging in personal expression, attending writing-intensive seminars, participating in collaborative multimedia studio courses, connecting with industry professionals, and working on group and individual capstone projects.

Beginning in 2026, the MA in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism (CPCJ) will join the MFA in Creative Writing, creating a unique interdisciplinary span of courses that examine writing, reporting, research, publishing, public scholarship, and design. We welcome your applications at this exciting time in our community, and encourage you to stay in touch, and join us for our information sessions.

Applications for the MFA and MA programs remain separate students of both programs will benefit from an expanded community network and roster of courses.