Online Children's Literature Degrees & Programs

A certificate in children's literature is designed for people who wish to inspire young readers to appreciate literary works. A bachelor's or master's degree plus additional coursework in literature may be a prerequisite for enrollment. Certificate candidates learn to recognize motifs in literature to teach young people to understand literary meanings. Experience in using technology for research and web page development may be required. A certificate in children's literature generally requires about 15 credits to complete.

Taking a children's literature certificate program online is a great resource for working professionals. Students can register for courses online during any academic semester. Varieties of children's literature courses online focus on youth literature styles of classic and contemporary authors. Various genres of children's literature are studied for various critical perspectives. Assignments are scheduled by instructors through the school's online learning system. Students complete and submit assignments online. Technical assistance can be available through online chat or phone support. Resources for research and assignments are available through the school's online catalog and databases.

Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and Boston University all offer Graduate Certificates in Children's and Young Adult Literature, some of which can be completed online.

List of Common Children's Literature Certificate Courses

• Technology and Online Media Study
• Reading Picture Books
• Fantasy and Fiction for Children
• Researching Literature
• Myths and Legends

Master of Arts in Children's Literature

An MA in Children's Literature examines the multiple perspectives that contribute to the study of children's literature. Cultural, social, familial, and professional ideals are explored in reference to navigating the literature of children and young adults. Theoretical study of presentation and practice are applied to a broad array of children's literary genres. Historical works and notable influences of the field are analyzed to understand contemporary children's texts to be able to teach, compose, and study children's literature.

The MA in Children's Literature requires an average of 36 credits to complete and a Bachelor of Arts in English or a closely related field is generally needed to apply to a program. Courses in children's literature online are available in many master's programs.

University of North Carolina - Charlotte, Eastern Michigan University, and The University of British Columbia are all great programs offering both an MA in children's literature through distance learning and in-person classes.

List of Common Courses

• Book Publishing
• Folklore & Orality Stories & Tales
• Contemporary Realistic Fiction
• Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children
• Criticism of Literature for Children

Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Children

An MFA in Writing for Children focuses on the creative writing, critical analysis, and study of literature for children and young adults. The degree focuses on developing the craft of writing construction and process, as well as improving writing skills and techniques. Experimentation of writing across multiple genres will be explored and group writing review workshops are a critical part of an MFA in Creative Writing for Children's Literature.

An MFA in Writing for Children generally requires 32 credits to complete with a number of required and elective courses. To apply for an MFA, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature or Creative Writing, or a similarly related academic field, is most often required.

Hollins University has a great Fine Arts master's in Children's Literature online, while Simmons University and Spaulding University offer excellent graduate programs in children's literature featuring in-person learning.

List of Common Courses

• Criticism of Literature for Children
• Writing for Children
• The Picturebook
• Beginning and Middle-grade Readers
• Graphic Novels

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Children's Literature

Teachers and librarians who seek to improve strategies in the craft of children's literature in education enroll in this program. Students are introduced to authentic assessment tools specific to literature. Instructors may demonstrate strategies for modifying instructional plans to accommodate diverse cultures and students with special needs. Coursework fulfills the goals of continuing development credit for educators.

A Master of Education is typically 30 credit hours and can be completed within two years. To apply for a Master of Education, one most generally needs to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

University of Georgia, Simmons University, and Eastern Michigan University offer graduate programs in the education of children's literature.

List of Common Courses

• Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
• Instructional Strategies & Pedagogies of Teaching Young Students
• Developing Effective Reading Skills
• A final project on research in children's literature may be required.
• Contemporary School Curriculum
• Young Adult and Children's Literature
• Individual Research

Professionals who benefit from holding a certificate in children's literature include teachers, librarians and writers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), kindergarten and elementary school teachers could expect job growth of 4%, about as fast as average for all occupations, from 2019-2029. Librarians could expect job growth of 5%, faster than average for all occupations, during the same decade, and writers could expect a job decline of two percent.

For local kindergarten teachers, the median salary as of 2019 was $58,380, while local elementary school teachers had a median salary of $60,870. Employment growth for writers is expected to decrease, but competition will likely be high as companies that employ writers downsize. The median salary as of 2019 was $63,200 for writers, according to the BLS.

Graduates with a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction qualify for positions as instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists. Job opportunities are considered to be favorable, particularly for reading, math and science specialists who must revise curricula to adhere to the No Child Left Behind standards. Instructional coordinators' median yearly salary was $66,290 as of May 2019, as reported by the BLS (www.bls.gov).

Although not too common, online master's degree and certificate programs for children's literature are available through online study. They offer in-depth courses for current educators and librarians interested in exploring various types of literature and how to use them to teach children.