Details

Degree requirements

Forty-eight credits are required for the M.F.A. degree. Each student will undertake ten 4-credit courses and a thesis (8 credits). Four of the courses undertaken must be literature courses, which include writing critical papers. The thesis offered for the degree will consist of a booklength original work in poetry, fiction, or drama for children.

Forty credits are required for the M.A. degree. Each student will undertake eight 4-credit courses and a thesis (8 credits). Students must demonstrate proficiency in reading a foreign language. At least half of the courses undertaken must be literature courses, which include writing critical papers. The thesis offered for the degree may consist of an original work in poetry, fiction, or drama for children, or an extended critical essay.

Independent study

A student may complete up to eight Hollins credits in independent study and/or eight online credits outside the summer terms. At least 16 credits must be completed on campus.

Recent graduates' thesis projects

M.F.A. students present a full-length work of literature for children as their final project. M.A. students may present a creative work or a work of scholarly exploration. View a list of thesis projects (PDF) of our most recent graduates.

Application checklist

• Application for admission. Apply online or download an application (PDF).
• Nonrefundable processing fee
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts of all undergraduate work
• Transcripts of any graduate work

Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2014 summer term is $775 per credit hour. Hollins may offer partial tuition remission to certain qualified students, and student loans are also available. To apply, applicants should indicate their financial need on the application for admission. There is also a $40 nonrefundable processing fee.

New students must pay a nonrefundable deposit of $400 within two weeks of their acceptance. Returning students must pay a nonrefundable deposit of $200 by May 15. All deposits will be credited toward summer tuition charges.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Scholarship

The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Scholarship is a yearly competitive award that carries a $1,000 scholarship and a reading by an editor from one of HMH's three hardcover imprints: Houghton Mifflin, Harcourt, or Clarion. Learn more (PDF) »

Housing

Housing is available for 2014 in student apartments (private bedroom with shared living room, kitchen, and bath) or in dormitory rooms (communal kitchen and one bath per hall). The cost is $1,055 for the six-week term.

Library

Books and papers of poet William Jay Smith and children's editor Barbara Lucas are recent additions to the notable collection of children's books donated by Francelia Butler, former editor-in-chief of Children's Literature, the field's leading scholarly journal. In 1992, Butler moved the editorship to Hollins in recognition of Hollins' longtime commitment to the writing and study of children's literature and the reputation of the Hollins program in English and creative writing. The library also possesses many original papers and manuscripts of Margaret Wise Brown.

FAQs

Do I need to send my GRE scores?
GRE scores are not required, but many be submitted.

I didn't see a letter of recommendation form. Did I miss it?
We do not have a form for letters of recommendation. Just have your referees write a letter.

I need financial aid. How do I apply for it?
We offer student loans and some need-based grants. To apply, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), found online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Wait a few weeks for the paperwork to clear, and then contact our Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance at (540) 362-6332 or sfa@hollins.edu to follow-up on the paperwork.

What kind of writing sample do I need to send?
If you're an M.F.A. applicant, send 10-20 pages of your best creative work.

If you're an M.A. applicant, send 10-20 pages of your best creative or scholarly work:

• Poetry
• Fiction
• Creative nonfiction
• Scholarly essay
• Or an amalgam thereof (not to exceed 30 pages total)