Do you have a passion for children’s books?
From young adult novels to board books, if you dream of being an author, illustrator, or scholar, then you’ve found your happy place.
Welcome to the Children’s Literature & Illustration Graduate Programs at Hollins University located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where Margaret Wise Brown first found inspiration.
We are a close community of inspired minds passionate about creating quality literature for young readers. Our faculty is made up of highly successful authors, illustrators, and scholars from the United States and across the globe, and our students are some of the most exciting new talents in the industry.
Our M.A., M.F.A.s, and Certificate Programs
Courses run remotely with two weeks in person each summer. With our low-residency programming, you can achieve an:
- M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating (60 credits) Note: we recommend a summer semester start date for the most strategic academic experience in the most efficient timeframe.
- M.F.A. in Children’s Literature (our creative writing track – 48 credits)
- M.A. in Children’s Literature (our academic track – 40 credits)
- Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration (24 credits) Note: this path requires a summer start date.
Beyond the Classroom
Our Hollins Magic takes place both in and outside the classrooms. Throughout the year, students experience well-known and award-winning speakers including a designated:
- Writer-in-residence
- Illustrator-in-residence
- Scholar-in-residence
In-residence guests give lectures, visit classrooms, and meet with students one-on-one.
Students also have the opportunity to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy each spring or to go on field trips to children’s literature venues in nearby cities, like the Building Stories exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Our alumni stay actively engaged through the alumni-hosted reunion held every other year (in odd years). They are welcome to continue to take classes as space allows; and we also celebrate their successes in our monthly newsletter.
Program Highlights
We also host many events that are open to the public throughout the year, such as:
- The announcement of the Margaret Wise Brown Prize winners for the best picture book text from the previous year (Brown graduated from Hollins in 1932) during our Hollins KidLit Day on campus each summer
- Our annual Book Launch Party, celebrating new book releases by faculty, students, and alumni
- The student-run Francelia Butler Conference on Children’s Literature (FBC), celebrating student achievements
- Our biennial (even years) online academic Symposium
- Children’s book illustrator shows in the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum
- The Illustrators’ Exhibition and Certificate Graduation
- Our large collection of children’s book characters (60 so far) placed across campus and enjoyed by students and our local Roanoke community each summer
- Our monthly newsletter that is full of industry news and program information
Career Pathways
Graduates of our programs are well-situated to become writers, illustrators, teachers, librarians, and designers, or to pursue research-oriented career paths. They also learn skills to work as publishers, agents, and editors, or to work in creative roles within children’s media—a multi-billion-dollar global market. A career in and around children’s literature, illustration, and scholarship makes for a wonderfully fulfilling life journey. We hope you will join us!
(Applications are due one month before each semester begins.)
Questions?
Program Director Elizabeth “e” Dulemba is happy to answer your questions or provide additional information!
dulembaeo@hollins.edu
(540) 362-6024
The KidLit Bookstore
Discover the creative heart of Hollins University at our bookstore, where every book highlights the talent of our students, alumni, and faculty. From enchanting children’s stories to stunning illustrations, these works celebrate the vibrant imagination of our community!
Academic Programs in Children’s Literature
M. A. in Children’s Literature
The curriculum consists of both literature and creative writing courses taught by top experts in the field. Completed over the course of two to four summers.
M.F.A. in Children’s Literature
The curriculum consists of both literature and creative writing courses taught by top experts in the field. Completed over the course of three to five summers.
M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing and Illustration
Hollins offers the only Master of Fine Arts program in writing and illustrating children’s books in the United States. The curriculum consists of literature, creative writing, and illustration courses covering all forms and genres within children’s and young adult literature. To better support students’ needs, you can now pursue this degree either solely during summer semesters or year-round.
Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration
Completed over the course of two summers, the Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration offers working artists and art teachers a program to develop a personal vision and style for tomorrow’s picture book market.
Tribute to “Goodnight Moon” Author
The Margaret Wise Brown Prize
Hollins pays tribute to one of its best-known alumnae and one of the most beloved children’s book authors by awarding the Margaret Wise Brown Prize in Children’s Literature. The annual award showcases the best picture book manuscript as selected by a panel of judges and is among the few children’s book honors with a cash prize.
Margaret Wise Brown Prize in Children’s Literature
Journal of Children’s Literature
Encouraging serious scholarship and research, Children’s Literature publishes theoretically-based articles that address key issues in the field. Each volume includes articles, essays, and book reviews. Children’s Literature is the annual publication of the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA) and the Modern Language Association Division on Children’s Literature.
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