Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Children’s Literature [M.A.]


The Master of Arts in Children’s Literature (CHL), a fully online program, is designed to provide master’s level competency in all major areas of children’s literature, including folklore, mythology, literary theory, illustrated texts, 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. Students can choose to take CHL courses for all 30 credits or can include electives from such programs as creative writing, literature, technical and professional writing, English education, theatre and drama for the young, women’s studies, or reading.

  

This program is available online. International applicants should check with International Admissions or program advisor before applying.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • A personal statement (we recommend that these statements be 1 to 2 pages in length)
  • An academic writing sample (preferably something related to children’s literature)
  • Two letters of recommendation

Department Information


English Language & Literature | Joseph Csicsila, Ph.D., Department Head | 612 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.4220, jcsicsila@emich.edu

Eric Acton, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 612S Pray-Harrold, 734.487.7952, eacton1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Annette Wannamaker, PhD, Program Coordinator, 603E Pray-Harrold, awannamak@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from the following

Elective Courses: 0-9 hours


Select additional children’s literature courses from the above list or appropriate courses in literature, writing, linguistics, or other programs. Independent study and thesis hours also count as elective courses.

Cognate Courses: 0-6 hours


Select in consultation with the program coordinator.

Capstone Requirement


In addition to required coursework, the candidate must either complete the written M.A. examination in Children’s Literature or submit a thesis in order to complete the degree. The written examination is taken during the semester before graduation and draws from a candidate’s coursework, covering a broad spectrum of periods, genres, and critical theories. The thesis is written during a candidate’s final year in the program and fulfills three hours of elective credits, as well as serving as a culminating option for the degree.