Accelerated Programs in Children's Literature & Library Science

Program Overview

This dual degree program combines a Master's in Children's Literature with a Master's in Library and Information Science: Library Services to Children. It prepares students for careers in libraries, publishing, and advocacy groups. The program emphasizes literary analysis, collection evaluation, and the study of children's and young adult literature. Students have opportunities for internships, research, and participation in literary events.

Program Outline

Children's Literature + Library Services to Children Dual Degree Program:

Degree Overview:

This program is the first and only dual degree program in the country that prepares students and professionals in library youth and young adult services. It combines the Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and the Master of Science in Library and Information Science: Library Services to Children. The program aims to meld theory and practice, allowing students to examine literary history and evaluate children's literature collections. They will consider critical frameworks and assess appropriate young adult texts for readers. Students will also study the form of the picturebook and research contemporary nonfiction to build common core knowledge and prepare future scientists.

Outline:

Children's Literature (MA) Requirements:

• Required Courses:
• CHL401: Criticism of Literature for Children (4 credits)
• CHL403: The Picturebook (4 credits)
• CHL413: Contemporary Realistic Fiction for Young Adults (4 credits)
• CHL414: Fantasy and Science Fiction (4 credits)
• 4 credits of CHL History coursework
• 4 credits of CHL elective coursework
• Capstone Course:
• CHL437: Critical Positionality (4 credits)
• Freely Chosen Program Electives:
• Students may select 9-12 credits of elective coursework from among courses offered by Library and Information Science and the department of Children’s Literature.

Library and Information Science (MS) Requirements:

• Core Courses:
• LIS415: Information Organization (3 credits)
• Children's Library Collections Courses:
• LIS481: Library Collections and Materials for Children (3 credits)
• LIS483: Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults (3 credits)

Library Science: School Library Teacher Requirements:

• Courses in Library and Information Science:
• LIS415: Information Organization (3 credits)
• LIS460: Technology and the School Library Teacher (3 credits)
• LIS459: Fundamentals of School Librarianship (3 credits)
• LIS406: Management and Evaluation of School Library Programs (3 credits)
• LIS461: Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for the School Library Teacher (3 credits)
• LIS481: Library Collections and Materials for Children (3 credits)
• LIS483: Library Collections and Materials for Young Adults (3 credits)
• LIS498: Practicum (PreK-8) (3 credits)
• LIS499: Practicum (7-12) (3 credits)

Careers:

• Students can pursue careers in:
• Public libraries
• School libraries
• Academic libraries
• Publishing houses
• Literary agencies
• Advocacy groups

Other:

• Students have the opportunity to participate in the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, including the summer institute, the Horn Book at Simmons Symposium, and literary events in Boston.
• Students can participate in literary society events like Children’s Books Boston and the Boston Book Festival.
• The program offers scholarships, fellowships, professional and partner discounts, and other funding sources.
• Students can complete the MA in Children’s Literature/MS in Library Science with MA courses at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst and LIS courses on the Mount Holyoke campus.
• Students can participate in internships at publishing houses, literary agencies, advocacy groups, and local schools and libraries.