Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

Select three of the following courses:

This certificate is a unique partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the Denver Publishing Institute (DPI), DU’s one-of-a-kind institute helping book lovers launch their publishing careers. It combines the institute’s 4-week summer program with graduate courses in four key literary genres offered through the College of Professional Studies to provide an unparalleled education in publishing.

Before you enroll in the certificate, you must apply and be admitted to DPI’s summer course. The next course will take place from Sunday, July 13 through Friday, August 8, 2025. In addition, you must meet the standard College of Professional Studies admission requirements for a 6-course graduate certificate.

At the intensive 4-week DPI program in Denver, top industry leaders present workshops, lectures, special sessions, and one-on-one discussions with seasoned publishers. Professionals will guide you through the processes of editing, marketing, book production, and distribution in both independent publishing houses and global media companies.

We encourage you to attend the summer DPI course in person, although an online option is also available.

Over six courses (three required and three electives), you’ll learn about various literary genres from a creative, rather than industry, point of view. These courses will build a depth of understanding that will help you work collaboratively with aspiring writers, giving you an edge in the publishing industry.

Once admitted to the DPI summer course, you can begin taking courses through the College of Professional Studies at any time (see Curriculum section above). You can complete the certificate in as little as 12 months. If you’ve completed the DPI course within the past three years, you can apply those credits to the Literary Genres in Book Publishing certificate.