Children's Literature: Writing for Children

The Master of Fine Arts degree program in Writing for Children dares you to begin your own story as a writer for young people. The study of transformative works — fantasy, verse, graphic novels, picturebooks, informational books, and realistic fiction — provides a rich context for your developing vision and voice.

Program Overview

Throughout the program, you'll address structures of genre and consider potential audiences. Learn about market influences and the cultural work, obligations, and challenges of creative writing for young people. Small group critiques, mentorships with professionals, and a grounding in the children's book publishing industry will fortify your developing career as a writer.

What Distinguishes Our Program

• One-to-one mentorships in which you'll work with a publishing professional to develop two full manuscripts. Regular seminars provide insight into today's practices and prepare you to launch your writing career.
• Outstanding faculty — including scholars, writers, and publishers — bring excellent teaching through relational pedagogy, and experiential knowledge of publishing.
• Advising, support, and guidance from faculty based on your academic interests and career goals
• Speakers and programs such as the Children's Literature Summer Institute, to deepen your participation and widen our network
• Partners , such as The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, to expand your horizons
• A BookNook that makes available to students the 4,000 titles published every year
• An expansive welcoming network of alumnae/i in teaching, librarianship, varied publishing practices, doctoral studies, and internships

Why Get an MFA in Writing for Children?

Our master's degree program combines the academic study of literature with courses on writing and manuscript development. Learning about the history, culture, and society behind children's literature gives you important context. This knowledge helps you as you enter a lively and competitive publishing market.

Program Details

In our program, you will:

• Gain a robust knowledge of historical and contemporary literature published for children and young adults.
• Curate a critical vocabulary and vital practices for understanding the diverse genres of literature for young readers.
• Develop a deep understanding of the craft as you write, revise, and polish your manuscripts.
• Put your scholarly and craft knowledge into practice as you engage in critiques of creative projects in development.
• Explore the Boston literary scene. You can join the Boston Book Festival, visit local bookstores, and attend many literary events.
• Access internships in publishing houses, libraries, and literary organizations.

Degree Requirements

The MFA in Writing for Children requires completing 32 credits of coursework.

MFA Required Courses (18 credits)

• CHL401: Criticism of Literature for Children (3 credits)
• CHL403: The Picturebook (3 credits)
• CHL430: Writing for Children I (3 credits)
• CHL431: Writing for Children II (3 credits)
• CHL441: MFA Mentorship I (3 credits)
• CHL442: MFA Mentorship II (3 credits)

MFA Elective Requirements (12 credits)

• CHL History Elective(s): A history (h) course of your choosing (3 credits)
• CHL Genre Elective(s): A genre (g) course of your choice (3 credits)
• Two General Electives: Select an additional two electives (6 credits)

Examples of Electives

• CHL 413: Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults (h, g)
• CHL 414: Fantasy and Science Fiction (h, g)
• CHL 419C: Genre Study: Romance in Children's and Young Adult Literature (h, g)
• CHL 421: Children's Book Publishing
• CHL 422: Editing the Children's Book
• CHL 424C: Series Fiction (h, g)
• CHL 509: Summer Institute and Symposium

Customize Your Program

Work with two mentors to advance your creative work toward publication. Authors, literary agents, and editors serve as mentors. Recent mentors have come from:

• Candlewick Press
• Charlesbridge Books
• Scholastic Books
• Tu Books
• Walden Media
• Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

All Children's Literature degree and dual degree programs are offered on the Boston campus. In addition, the MA in Children's Literature, MFA in Writing for Children, the dual degree MA/MFA are also offered at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.

Scholarships, Fellowships, Discounts, and Additional Benefits

All applicants are considered for a range of university scholarships, including endowed and departmental awards; new and returning students may apply for selective fellowships to help fund their degrees. Students who have completed at least eight credits are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships to gain experience in the classroom and help finance their degree.

Our Faculty

• Cathryn Mercier: Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children's Literature
• Kelly Hager: Associate Provost, Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation
• Amy Pattee: Professor
• Anita Silvey: Adjunct Faculty

Related Programs

Undergraduate

• Design: BA Concentration, Minor
• Journalism: BA Concentration, Minor
• Literature: BA
• Literature and Writing: Minor
• Writing: BA

Graduate

• Children's Literature: MA
• Children's Literature + Children's Literature: Writing for Children: MA, MFA
• Children's Literature + Library Services to Children: MA, MS

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.