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Students who are pursuing the M.F.A. in Writing for Children complete four required academic courses: Criticism of Children’s Literature, The Picturebook, History of Publishing, and one genre-based course. In addition, M.F.A. students take writing courses and work closely with a mentor to produce a manuscript from conception to submission.

Courses and Curriculum

A full course load is three courses per semester. Although the program may be completed in one academic year, including summer study, most students choose to complete the program over three to five semesters in order to explore their interests more thoroughly. Students may take up to five years to complete the degree program. Most courses meet once a week in three-hour seminar.

Dual-Degree M.A./M.F.A. or M.A./MAT

Students who wish to pursue both degrees may combine both master’s programs in a 56-credit course of study that includes core requirements for both programs. Simmons also offers a dual-degree in Children’s Literature and Education (M.A./MAT) for students who wish to become certified as an elementary, middle, or high school teacher.

Sample Courses

Victorian Children's Literature
Poetry for Young Readers
Origins of Story
Nonfiction: The New Frontier

See our "Courses" section to view all courses in the Children's Literature program

Download the PDF Document Program Fact Sheet for more information on the curriculum.

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Simmons Success

“I had never thought about how texts create their readers, how representations of children reflect adult concerns, how words and pictures ricochet to ironic effect. I never even knew there was a whole genre of fiction for young adults! Thank you Simmons for enlightening me.”
—Dylan Ward ’03 M.A. Children’s Literature

 

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