Children's Literature (MA) + Children's Literature: Writing for Children (MFA)
Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! To request more information about this degree, please fill out our form. Questions? Contact admissions via email or at 617-521-2915.
How to Apply
To get started on your application, click the link below:
Applications for Fall 2023 have closed. The application for Fall 2024 will be available in late November.
Please allow at least three business days for received documents to be reflected on your application status page.
To access the application, use a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8 on Windows XP.
Application Requirements
All candidates are required to submit the following materials:
- A completed application form. Be sure to review your completed form carefully and provide your electronic signature.
- Statement of purpose.
You are welcome to write one combined essay addressing both programs, or two separate essays addressing each individual program. If you choose the latter, please save them as one document before uploading.- Children's Literature:
In no more than 500 words, describe your intellectual goals in seeking this degree. Please be sure to highlight your academic or professional engagement with children's/young adult literature and discuss the questions about children's/young adult literature that have interested you and will influence your study at Simmons. - Writing for Children:
In no more than 500 words, reflect on your personal writing process. Address your goals as a writer, your publishing history, and any works in progress.
- Children's Literature:
- Writing Portfolio: 15-20 pages of creative work for children or young adults.
- Current résumé or C.V.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate-level courses taken, including official transcripts from all study-abroad programs.* Official transcripts can be mailed to the address below or emailed. For transcripts to be official, they must come directly from your college/university or sent through a service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. There is no section in the application to upload transcripts because transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation. Applicants who have earned their bachelor's degree within the past five years must submit at least one academic recommendation. However, it is strongly recommended that all applicants submit two academic recommendations. Supplemental letters may be submitted to via email if desired. We do not accept recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with you (such as family members, doctors, or clergy).
- A non-refundable application fee of $35
- Interview (strongly recommended). After your application has been submitted and all materials, including all of your transcripts, have been received, we will reach out to you to schedule your interview. Travel to Boston is not required; interviews are available via phone as well as in person.
- International transcripts must be officially translated and evaluated for educational equivalency if they reflect conferral of a baccalaureate degree. Our preferred provider is WES. In addition to the requirements listed above, international students must also submit the following:
- Upon admission, an International Student Supplement Form (ISSF), along with accompanying financial support documents.
- An official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score (Simmons' TOEFL code is 3761) - required only of applicants with a first language other than English; can be waived for applicants who hold a degree from a university where English was the primary language of instruction.
When mailing materials to our office, please be sure to use the exact mailing address below:
Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115-5898
If you have any questions about your application, please do not hesitate to contact our office by phone at 617-521-2915 or by email.
Application Deadlines
Fall (September)
- Priority Deadline: February 1
- Final Deadline: May 1
Summer (for all applicable)
- Priority Deadline: February 1
- Final Deadline: May 1
Spring (January)
- Priority Deadline: October 15*
- Rolling admission after priority deadline.
*If you wish to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships, please make sure to have a completed application by the priority deadline.
Resources
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Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Non-degree enrollment option
If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, non-degree study at Simmons is the best option for you.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2915. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.