Frequently Asked Questions

It's a Master of Fine Arts degree, and it's a terminal degree, meaning you can teach at the college or university level.

It is not. Many people have wonderful careers without the degree, and an MFA is also not a guarantee of publication. However, a program like this offers a powerful learning environment. Writing books is complex work—even those that look simple, like many books for young readers. We will guide you through the work and provide a framework for continued learning throughout your life. Our systems and the one-on-one attention you'll receive create the most powerful learning environment possible. Beyond that, you will be a member of a transformative community, fostering lifelong friendships and support networks.

It's a four-semester program.

• In your first and second semesters, you will read about 40 books, annotate a bibliography, write craft-based critical essays, and produce creative pages.
• In your third semester, you will do all of this, plus write a critical thesis paper examining a slice of narrative craft.
• In your final semester, you will polish your creative thesis and prepare a lecture based on your critical thesis.

Our program focuses exclusively on books for young readers, which many low-residency MFA programs do not. Here, young readers' literature is not an afterthought; it is our primary focus. Our faculty are leaders in the field, each having published many books, won major awards, and hit bestseller lists. We are industry veterans dedicated to providing insight, care, and expertise to bring up the next generation of writers. Our program also pays faculty a fair wage and benefits because we deliberately aim for the MFA degree to provide meaningful wages for artists who want to teach. Other low-residency programs do not do this (although we invite them to join us in this practice).

There is no such thing as too young or too old to write books for young readers. While we require a bachelor’s degree, bridge support may be available for those who haven't completed that milestone.

Many children’s book authors publish for the first time in their 40s and 50s. It’s not age that matters, but your understanding of craft tools and your own narrative voice. We want to see all sorts of stories by all kinds of writers, created with the deepest insight and most diligent care. Young readers deserve no less.

No! We do want to see evidence of an established, committed writing practice and expect you to be open to feedback on new work (focusing mostly on new projects, though exceptions can be made). We also welcome writers with other experience in children’s and YA literature, from workshops to conferences and certificate programs.

That’s fantastic, and it means you know there is always more to learn. We have worked with bestselling authors and seen them improve their writing and even publish in additional categories. The skills you will learn in two years with us will pay off for the rest of your life, no matter where you are when you enter the program.

Your residency fee covers both your food and housing during the residency. Dorms are on campus, and you can choose a single or double room. The dining services team offers vegan and vegetarian options and is trained in food allergy awareness, with choices for students with food allergies and celiac disease. More information.