Master’s in Children’s Literature
Program Overview
Simmons University's Master of Arts in Children's Literature is a 36-credit program designed for individuals pursuing careers in teaching, library services, publishing, writing, or related fields. The program emphasizes historical and critical analysis of children's and young adult literature, exploring diverse perspectives and drawing upon interdisciplinary fields. Graduates are prepared for careers in the children's and young adult book industry, including editorial, marketing, writing, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Children's Literature at Simmons University is a 36-credit program designed for individuals interested in teaching, library services, publishing, writing, or related fields. The program provides a rigorous, disciplined study of children's and young adult books, emphasizing historical and critical analysis. Students delve into materials ranging from folklore and fantasy to contemporary realistic fiction, nonfiction, and picturebooks, exploring diverse perspectives including gender studies, ideological, and multicultural viewpoints. The interdisciplinary curriculum draws upon literature, art, history, education, sociology, psychology, and media studies.
Outline:
The program requires four mandatory courses:
- CHL401 Criticism of Literature for Children (4 credits)
- CHL403 The Picturebook (4 credits)
- CHL413 Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults (4 credits)
- CHL414 Fantasy and Science Fiction (4 credits) In addition to these core courses, students must complete 4 credits in history electives (CHL 4XX) focusing on the history of children's literature and 4 credits in genre electives (CHL 4XX) exploring various genres of children's and young adult literature. Students typically take 8-10 credits per semester after their initial 8-credit semester.
Teaching:
The program boasts faculty from both academic and professional fields. Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to tailor their program to their specific interests and future goals. The program offers a variety of two-credit courses using intensive weekend, week-long, or short-term models throughout the year.
Careers:
The MA in Children's Literature prepares students for careers in creating, analyzing, and publishing books for children and young adults. Students have access to career exploration and internship opportunities in Boston and Amherst. Graduates work in various roles within the children's and young adult book industry, including:
- Marketing positions within publishing houses.
- Leadership roles, as exemplified by the founder of the Boston Book Festival and the children's book editor of Kirkus Reviews, both Simmons Children's Literature alumni.
- Authors and illustrators of best-selling and award-winning children's and young adult books.
- Translators of children's literature for international audiences.
Other:
The program is offered on the Boston campus and at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst. Students can complete the MA in Children's Literature/MS in Library Science with MA courses at the Carle and LIS courses on the Mount Holyoke campus. The program offers scholarships, fellowships, professional and partner discounts, and other funding sources. Students who have completed at least eight credits are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships.
Simmons University
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.
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.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.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.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.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.
