Writing for Children (MFA)
Description
In its unique design, the MFA program combines creative work and the engaged critical study and analysis of literature for children and young adults. Students examine transformative works from folklore, fantasy, nonfiction, poetry, and realism as rich contexts to developing their individual artistic visions and voices. Small group critiques, individualized mentorships, and grounding in the publishing industry fortify each student’s career development as a writer.
MFA students join in some core courses with MA and dual degree students to learn from colleagues from across professions. Thus, four of the literature-focused core classes in the MFA program will include teachers, librarians, editors, illustrators, academics, whereas the writing courses and mentorship sequence put writers into discussions with other writers.
Learning Outcomes
Students leave Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing for Children with an extensive theoretical context and a broad knowledge of contemporary literature for children and young adults. In graduating, they have
- Developed a critical voice and demonstrated the capacity for original argument;
- Analyzed literature for children and young adults;
- Assessed and interpreted scholarship in the field of children’s and young adult literature;
- Applied critical perspectives across genres in children’s and young adult literature;
- Understood historical works, contexts, and influences in the field;
- Valued the diversities of human experiences (re)presented in literature for children and young adults and in the scholarship in the field;
- Demonstrated individual and collaborative leadership;
- Experimented with writing across genres;
- Evaluated and provided meaningful feedback on manuscripts-in-development; and
- Completed two original creative projects.
Requirements for entry into program
Admission to the MFA program requires a baccalaureate degree preferably with academic work in literature for young people and in creative writing from an accredited institution. However, the program is also open to those with practice or study in elementary or secondary education, fine arts, or social sciences and who have demonstrated engagement with creative writing and literature for children and young adults. The application should include official transcripts of all degree work, two letters of recommendation, and, for international students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants must submit a writing portfolio not to exceed 20 pages as well as a statement of purpose that reflects on their writing process. This statement should address the applicant’s goals as a writer, his/her publishing history and/or any works in progress. An interview, though not required, is strongly recommended.
Degree Requirements
Credits
MFA students must complete 32 credits of graduate coursework to qualify for the MFA degree.
Graduate students in the MFA (Writing for Children) degree program typically carry between eight and ten credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters after an initial semester of eight credits. Students considering registering for more than ten credits per term must consult with the graduate program director.
Required and Elective Courses (32 credits)
| CHL 401 | Criticism of Literature for Children | 4 |
| CHL 403 | The Picturebook | 4 |
| CHL 430 | Writing for Children I | 4 |
| CHL 431 | Writing for Children II | 4 |
| CHL 441 | MFA Mentorship I | 4 |
| CHL 442 | MFA Mentorship II | 4 |
| | Coursework in the history of children’s literature, selected from courses with a chronological focus. | 4.00 |
| | Coursework in children’s literary genres | 4.00 |
|
CHL 4XX
History elective/s
|
Coursework in the history
of children's literature,
selected from course with
a chronological focus.
|
To total 4.00 |
|
CHL 4XX
Genre elective/s
|
Coursework in children's
literary genres.
|
To total 4.00 |
Elective credits:
The remaining 16 credits are completed by drawing from a variety of two- and four-credit elective courses. Electives cover a range of academic and professional interests. See the list of general electives above in the Department page. A student's academic advisor will be an invaluable partner in determining which electives to take to meet the student's immediate interest and to build their professional portfolio.