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

    Narnia to Neverland: Children's and YA Lit in Oxford and London

    April 25-May 3, 2025.

     

    Want to see the city that inspired Wonderland, visit the famous train station where Paddington Bear was found, or hang out in the pub where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien used to meet?

    “Narnia to Neverland” is a special one-week study abroad program that invites you to discover the inspiration behind some of the most famous stories and characters in British children’s and young adult literature! Join us as we explore famous sites such as the Christ Church College, the Bodleian, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Windsor Castle; take photos with the London Eye, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace; enjoy a sightseeing river cruise of Oxford; have afternoon tea in Soho; and attend a performance of an award-winning musical in London’s famous West End (among many other activities)! “Narnia to Neverland” is an exciting adventure not to be missed!

     

    Estimated program fee: $1995.00 (includes travel within the UK, all accommodation, all experience tickets, and some meals. See the Study Abroad budget for details).

     

    Who runs this course?

    Dr. Amanda Allen is a full professor who has been running study abroad courses with EMU since 2016. She has previously lived in the UK, has lots of experience in guiding students as they explore new places, and loves to show off hidden gems that many tourists don’t know about!

     

    For more information and to apply, visit the Study Abroad website. Application deadline is December 1, 2024.

  • 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

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    Additional Information

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    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.