Interested in writing, illustrating, or studying children’s and young adult literature and illustration?
If you have a passion for children’s books, from young adult novels to board books, and you dream of being an author, illustrator, or scholar, 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.
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 and Federal Financial Aid does not cover this track.
While on campus, students participate in several long-standing traditions, such as our annual student-run Francelia Butler Conference on Children’s Literature (FBC) where we celebrate student achievements and honor the Margaret Wise Brown Prize winners for the best picture book text from the previous year. (Brown graduated from Hollins in 1932.) Students attend our annual children’s book illustrator shows in the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum and the Illustrators’ Exhibition and Certificate Graduation. Students also participate in the beloved practice of placing our large collection of children’s book characters across campus, a rite also enjoyed by our local Roanoke community. In odd years, we host an on-campus alumni reunion, inviting distinguished alumni to celebrate their publishing successes at our Book Launch Party; and in even years, we host an online academic Symposium.
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!
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!
(Applications are due one month before each semester begins.)
Our Programs
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
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