Writing for Children (MFA)
Description
In its unique design, the Master of Fine Arts (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 a robust familiarity with historical and contemporary literature published for children and young adults. Graduates command a critical vocabulary, analytical practices, and an understanding of craft to enable critique of this literature as well of their own and others’ creative projects-in-development. In addition, they create two original manuscripts under professional mentorship.
Graduates of the MFA in Writing for Children:
- situate a diversity of children’s and young adult literatures in English within historical and contemporary contexts that attend to the relationships between representation and power. (Also MA)
- engage in critical and theoretical analysis, methods of research, and become skilled in close reading of literature for young people. (Also MA)
- create theoretically grounded and original arguments that demonstrate praxis and interact and respond to scholars and professionals working across fields, (MA to this point) particularly in the children’s book publishing industry
- develop self-reflexive creative processes and provide meaningful developmental feedback on others’ work. (MFA)
- experiment with writing for young people in varied forms and genres. (MFA)
- create sustained original writing and demonstrate understanding of craft across sustained creative projects. (MFA)
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
The MFA in Writing for Children requires completing 32 credits of coursework.
Full-time graduate students in the MFA (Writing for Children) degree program typically carry between eight (8) and ten (10) credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters after an initial semester of eight (8) credits. Students considering registering for more than ten (10) credits per term must consult with the graduate program director.
MFA Required Courses (24 credits)
MFA Elective Requirements (8 credits)
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CHL History Elective(s)
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Coursework in the history of children's literature, selected from courses designated as (h).
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To total 4 credits
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CHL Genre Elective(s)
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Coursework in children's literary genres, selected from courses designated as (g).
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To total 4 credits
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