Childrens Literature Degree

Children’s Literature Degree

Even though a few colleges in the US offer extensive children’s literature degrees, there are still plenty of education options in this field that indirectly deal with the various perspectives shaping literature for today’s children.

Let’s have a look at some of the degrees available:

Bachelor’s Degree in Children’s Literature

An undergraduate degree would focus on building a foundation in children’s literature. This could also be a major in English, with a concentration option in children’s literature. Bachelor’s degrees in this field can include the in-depth analysis of a variety of popular works for children. Courses in children’s literature would help students understand the style and context of various literary masterworks. Here are a few examples of courses you may come across in a 4-year bachelor’s degree in this discipline:

• Cultural Literature
• History of Storytelling
• Literacy in the World
• Mythology
• Rhetoric
• Writing and Composition
• Comprehension
• Poetry and Verse

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree in children’s literature, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. Along with that, you will also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Master’s Degree in Children’s Education

Various schools across the country offer graduate degrees in children’s education, along with disciplines such as education and library science. Master’s degrees in this field are also available in fully or partially online format. This degree would help you explore everything from classic literary pieces to contemporary prize-winning works of writing. You will also be exposed to the imaginative elements in literature and factors that contribute to making a piece of writing a critical success.

You may have the opportunity to explore any or all of the following genres in literature for children:

• Poetry
• Non-fiction
• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Young-Adult realistic Fiction
• Creative non-Fiction

In addition to that, a graduate degree might allow you the chance to speak to famous authors and illustrators and discuss their intentions and imaginations. Typical coursework might include the following:

• Public Library Options
• International Literature
• Teaching Reading Skills
• Literature in Academics
• Historical and Contemporary Authors
• Picture books, Poetry and Fiction for Children

A master’s degree is typically 2 years long. You will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in English or comparative literature from an accredited college to be eligible for admission into a master’s program. Your GRE scores would be required along with letters of recommendation and a creative writing portfolio. Be sure to check with individual college’s admission requirements before making any decision.

Ph.D. in Children’s Literature

Students who enroll in doctoral programs in children’s literature would be exposed to topics such as the growth and development of literary composition over time, along with its economic, social and religious effects on various kinds of people. Students may choose their concentration from a variety of available options, such as the artistic elements of literature, imaginative concepts and how they work, contexts of various literary pieces and so on. Courses in this advanced degree program would focus on the diverse types of literary genres, theory and topics. Some typical topics in this degree might include the following:

• Literacy Development
• Foreign Language Literature
• Teaching Language and Reading
• Fiction, Fantasy and Poetry for Children
• Foreign Language Literature

A doctoral degree in children’s literature can take 3-5 years. Admission into a Ph.D. program would require letters of recommendation, undergraduate or graduate GPA, GRE scores and a portfolio of creative writing. A personal statement or a college essay might also be a requirement by some institutions.

Careers for Children’s Literature Degree-Holders

Depending on the level of the educational qualification, professionals who hold a children’s literature degree can find work in a variety of academic settings. They may pursue a career in teaching at the primary or elementary level, as a librarian, or even as an author. The career outlook for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers is as follows:

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Another potential career for this degree holder could be working as a librarian. Here is the career outlook for a librarian:

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

You may also find work as an Elementary, Middle and High School Principal. Have a look:

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

There are many other career options available in this field such as instructional coordinators, high school teachers, postsecondary education administrators, postsecondary teachers, and so on. You can also choose to work as a teacher’s assistant or an author’s manager.

Keep in mind that bachelor’s degree holders who are interested in teaching would need a license. Professionals looking for work as librarians would also need to get state-mandated certification. State-wise requirements for school teachers and libraries may vary, so make sure you check with your relevant state’s department before making any decisions.