Children's Literature is Key to Their Success

K–12 teaching professionals, librarians, children's writers, and illustrators all have a vested interest in the study of children's literature. Teachers and librarians are looking to increase their abilities to engage children in reading, and aspiring children’s writers and illustrators want to hone their craft.

To help professionals lead with confidence in children’s literature, Penn State World Campus and Penn State’s College of Education have partnered to offer an online Graduate Certificate in Children’s Literature.

Study Children's Literature at Penn State

Penn State’s online Graduate Certificate in Children’s Literature explores the classic works of children’s literature, presents the best works by modern-day authors, and encourages professionals to learn about the use of picturebooks, folklore, and myths while requiring no residencies or visits to campus to complete the program. You can learn about imagination and its role in the lives of children, and you will interpret picturebooks as an active, creative process that is socially, culturally, and historically situated. We will also discuss the diverse and popular Harry Potter series, along with other children’s literature topics.

Penn State’s College of Education is regularly ranked among the nation’s best graduate schools, according to U.S. News & World Report, and this online graduate program is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty.

Choose the Online Children’s Literature Graduate Program That Is Right for You

In addition to our graduate certificate, we also offer a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction — emphasis Children’s Literature.  If you are a teacher or librarian who wants to improve your strategies for encouraging students to master their reading skills, this program is for you. 

And with proper advanced planning, the credits you earn in the certificate program will count for up to half the required credits in our online master’s degree in children’s literature.

Let your passion for children’s literature become the focus of your professional development plan.

Act 48 Approved

Penn State is an Act 48-approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the graduate certificate in children's literature may count toward professional development hours.

Who Should Apply?

Whether you are, or aspire to become, a teacher, librarian, children’s writer, or illustrator, Penn State’s online programs in children’s literature can give you the skills to transform the lives of your readers and advance your career goals.

Please note that this program does not lead to initial teacher certification, however, this program may help you to renew your certification. Check with your state's Department of Education for exact requirements for recertification.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Your graduate studies in children's literature can lead to an exciting career in various fields, including education, the arts, and publishing. Possible careers for you may include but are not limited to:

• teacher
• school administrator
• professor
• writer
• illustrator
• publisher

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.