About this Program

The master's in children’s literature -- now fully Online! -- is a degree designed to provide a master's level competency in all major areas of children's literature, including folklore, mythology, literary theory, illustrated texts, children's culture, children's media and multicultural children's literature. The degree is an appropriate choice for candidates who anticipate teaching in the elementary, middle or junior high school levels, as well as special education teachers, reading specialists, librarians, authors and editors of children's books. It also provides preparation for college teachers of children's literature and for those who anticipate undertaking doctoral studies.

For specific information, visit the Master's in Children's Literature catalog page.

Need funding? Graduate assistant applications are usually due toward the end of January each year.

  • Children's Literature Course Offerings

    View Children's Literature course offerings for upcoming terms by visiting the course schedule page

    Courses include the following:

    • CHL 516: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Children's Literature (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 517: Children's Literature for Teachers (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 518: History of Children's Literature (3 hrs)
    • CHL 581: Critical Approaches to Mythology (3 hrs)
    • CHL 582: Folktales, Legends and Ballads (3 hrs)
    • CHL 583: Illustrated Texts (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 584: Literature for Adolescents (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 585: Children's Literature: Criticism and Theory (3 hrs)
    • CHL 586: Multicultural Children's Literature (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 587: Children's Media Studies (3 hrs) 

    • CHL 588: Topics in Children's Literature (3 hrs)
  • Study Abroad Opportunities

    We often offer Study Abroad opportunities. Recently, students have traveled to Oxford and London, UK, as part of the Harry Potter Experience study abroad class!

    While there, students have the opportunity to:

    • enjoy a guided tour of Harry Potter film sites
    • visit Christ Church College to see the model for Hogwarts
    • explore the Warner Bros. studio tour
    • discover iconic sites such as the British Library, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, and many more!

    Please refer to the Study Abroad office for information regarding future experiences.

  • Jobs We Get

    A degree in children's literature allows graduates to pursue a wide variety of careers, including:

    • Library technician, librarian*
    • Publisher, author, editor, bookseller
    • Elementary teacher, high school teacher, university professor*
    • Communications director, project manager
    • Children's media, children's television, children's marketing, children's licensing 

    To get a sense of where the MA degree has taken recent students, read our Alumni Stories

    *Please note that some careers may require additional degrees.

  • Graduate Placement Record

    Many of our alumni have continued their studies at the graduate level, including placements at:

    • Ph.D., Auburn University
    • Ph.D., Ohio State University
    • Ph.D., University of Florida
    • Ph.D., Michigan State University
    • MLIS, University of Michigan

Additional Information

A photo of students seated in big comfy chairs, working.

Alumni Stories

Our alumni have become editors, content specialists, librarians and library clerks, teachers (primary and secondary), and authors.

Graduate Assistantships

Children's literature graduate students often fund their education through graduate assistantships.