Writing for Young Readers, MFA

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The MFA in Writing for Young Readers is a 24-month low-residency graduate program for those wanting to write for children and young adults. Students will begin with a Summer residency, followed by courses during typical Fall & Spring semesters, and additional Winter and Summer residencies during their program. Students will work directly and online with expert faculty to contribute to youth literacy and the creation of more inclusive materials for the full development of young people.

Program Learning Outcomes

When students graduate from the MFA in Writing for Young Readers program, they will:

Identify, analyze, articulate, and apply core elements of storytelling craft for young readers
Collaborate with others in analyzing narratives in multiple forms, engaging in discussions about writing, and providing feedback grounded in understanding of craft, audience, and cultural considerations
Demonstrate the ability to research, draft, revise, and complete a work of fiction or nonfiction, exhibiting a comprehensive understanding of the creative process as well as their own authorial voice, vision, and style
Prepare and present their critical and creative work in public, demonstrating essential audience engagement skills

Major Requirements (28 units)

Workshop courses (4 units)

A student needs to register for a 2-unit workshop course in each of the three summer and two intersession terms during their degree. The intersession workshops and final summer workshop have zero units.

MFAY 601 - Workshop I
MFAY 602 - Workshop II
MFAY 603 - Workshop III
MFAY 604 - Workshop IV
MFAY 605 - Workshop V

Craft Courses (8 units)

A student needs to register for a 2-unit Craft Elements & Criticism course in each fall and spring semester terms during their degree.

MFAY 611 - Craft Elements & Criticism I
MFAY 612 - Craft Elements & Criticism II
MFAY 613 - Craft Elements & Criticism III
MFAY 614 - Craft Elements & Criticism IV

Critical & Thesis courses (8 units)

A student needs to register for a 2-unit Critical course in each of the first fall and spring semesters of their degree, and a 2-unit Thesis course in each of the second fall and spring semesters of their degree.

MFAY 621 - Critical I
MFAY 622 - Critical II
MFAY 631 - Thesis I
MFAY 632 - Thesis II

Elective Seminar Courses (8 units)

A student needs to register for four 2-unit Seminar courses during their degree, which are offered in the fall and spring semesters.

MFAY 641 - Seminar: The Novel in Verse
MFAY 642 - Seminar: Exploring Forms
MFAY 643 - Seminar: Horror and Process
MFAY 644 - Seminar: Developments in the Novel and Narrative
MFAY 645 - Seminar: The Short and Surreal