You can study children's literature through a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts program. Read on to learn about the differences between these types of programs and courses you may take, which could include literary research, fairy tales and picturebooks. There are also further details about what you can learn as part of this kind of program, as well as potential career choices.
What Courses Will I Take as Part of a Children's Literature Master's Degree Program?
You'll study topics that provide you with a survey of children's literature, including folk tales, mythology, fairy tales and picturebooks. You might also take courses like fiction for boys, feminism in children's literature, movies for young adult audiences, children's poetry, and writing techniques in children's fiction. Additional courses might include the history of young adult literature or literary research methods. In some programs you may be required to produce your own creative writing for children.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Folk and fairy tales, children's poetry, history of YA literature, research methods</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Available Programs</b></td><td> M.A.: rooted in theory and literary criticism, <br/> M.F.A.: designed for aspiring writer's of children's literature</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Careers</b></td><td> Public school administration, teaching, book publishing, writing for children</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> More rare than campus-based programs, but available from some institutions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$60,820* (<i>for librarians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>5% growth* (<i>for all librarians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailable">What Programs Are Available?</h3><p>You could earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Children's Literature. M.A. programs are often rooted in theory and literary criticism; proficiency in a foreign language may be recommended or even required. M.F.A. programs are typically designed for aspiring authors of children's literature. Regardless of the program you select, you'll be expected to complete a final project or write a thesis paper; you could write a children's novel or a collection of poetry for adolescents if you are enrolled in an M.F.A. program. It may take 2-5 years to complete a master's program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>Earning a master's degree in this field could prepare you for work as a librarian or administrator at a public or school library. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that some states expect librarians in public schools to hold a teaching certification (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) or a master's degree in library science. Requirements for certification usually include completion of a teacher training program, a student teaching experience and a licensure exam. You could also pursue a career as a children's author or book publisher. Some master's degree recipients are current or aspiring teachers; all states require public school teachers to be licensed, as reported by the BLS.
</p><h3 id="section---CanILearnOnline">Can I Learn Online?</h3><p>Campus-based master's programs in children's literature aren't common. With that said, entirely online master's programs in this field are even more rare. However, a few schools offer graduate certificate programs. You'll need to complete 5-7 courses before earning your certificate. Some schools offer online courses in children's literature that can be taken in conjunction with on-campus courses. A computer with high-speed Internet access is required in order to participate in online programs.</p>
