Writing for Children (MFA)
Simmons's Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children, like the Master of Arts in Children's Literature, has a strong theoretical focus and engages students in a rigorous and disciplined study of children's literature. The program includes four academic required courses: Criticism of Children's Literature, The Picturebook, one history of children's literature elective, and one genre-based course. In addition, M.F.A. students complete four writing courses and work closely with a mentor to produce a manuscript from conception to submission. Applicants must submit a writing portfolio.
"Simmons provided great encouragement and mentoring to get me on my feet as a children's writer and to feel confident in sustaining myself in this field."
—Anna Staniszewski, '05 M.A. Children's Literature/M.F.A. Writing for Children
2006-2007 Children's Writer-in-Residence, Boston Public Library
Degree Options
This 32-credit program leads to a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children. 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 compete 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 program. Most courses meet once a week in a three-hour seminar.
Simmons also offers a dual degree in Children's Literature and Writing for Children (M.A./M.F.A.), a 56-credit course of study that includes core requirements for both programs.
Coursework
M.F.A. requirements include four academic courses and four writing courses.
Required academic courses
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 2 Courses | ||
| Criticism of Lit for Children | CHL-401 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| The Picturebook | CHL-403 | 4.00 | Lecture |
One history of children's literature elective selected from:
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 4 Courses | ||
| 19th Century American Ch. Lit | CHL-423 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Victorian Children's Literatur | CHL-411 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Children's Book Publishing | CHL-421 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Folk and Fairy Tales | CHL-425 | 4.00 | Lecture |
One genre-based course selected from:
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 4 Courses | ||
| Poetry for Young Readers | CHL-404 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Contemporary Realistic Fiction | CHL-413 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Fantasy and Science Fiction | CHL-414 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Nonfiction: New Frontier Chld | CHL-436 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Required writing courses
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 4 Courses | ||
| Writing for Children II | CHL-431 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| MFA Mentorship I | CHL-441 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| MFA Mentorship II | CHL-442 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Writing for Children I | CHL-430 | 4.00 | Lecture |
