Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Children’s Literature
Majors Overview June 18, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in children’s literature and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Children’s Literature
Students enrolled in a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program in Children’s Literature study contemporary works for adolescents and children, in addition to folktales and myths. MFA programs typically target aspiring children’s authors, and their emphasis is often on writing workshops and students are expected to create a final manuscript before they graduate. Contrastingly, MA programs are targeted at librarians, aspiring writers, teachers or reading specialists. The usual focus of MA programs is on scholarly research and critical analysis though the curriculum may also include writing for children. Varying by school, the completion of a thesis or participation in an internship may be a component part of the program.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to submitting Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and samples of scholarly writing.
Coursework
Program coursework covers topic areas in literature, grammar, and language as relating to kids. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Writing children’s literature
•Novels for young adults
•Illustrated works
•Folklore and mythology
•Developing literacy
Career Choices
Program graduates may pursue a career in the arts, education, and publishing. They may choose from popular job options such as:
•Professor
•Publisher
•School administrator
•Teacher
•Writer
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continuing education by earning a doctoral degree in a related field, such as linguistics, English, or fine arts. Graduate degree holders could pursue a professional or graduate degree in law or education.
