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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.
"The mentoring I received at Simmons was invaluable. I had an internship in Marketing and Publicity at Houghton Mifflin, and I now work with my M.F.A. program mentor in the editorial department. Every day, I use my creativity, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills to make our books the best they can be."
—Christine Krones '08 M.F.A., '06 B.A., Simmons College
Editorial Assistant, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, Massachusetts
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
One history of children's literature elective selected from:
One genre-based course selected from:
Required writing courses
