MFAC MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted and files completed after deadlines may be reviewed if space permits and enough time exists for an application review.

We strongly encourage international students to submit all application materials two months before the priority deadline.

Application deadlines

• March 1: For summer residency (July) start. If you miss the priority deadline, the final deadline is May 15.
• October 1: For winter residency (January) start. If you miss the priority deadline, the final deadline is November 1.

Complete the program fully online or hybrid (completing some work in-person and some online).

Twice per year, you will participate in residences, which you can attend virtually or in person. Residencies are eleven days long and take place in January and July.

See our program details page for an in-depth understanding of our residency model. 

Earn your degree in two years—four semesters and five residencies.

Please submit the materials below to apply for admission to the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.

• Online application (no fee for US residents).
• Questionnaire (submitted as part of the online application). Our faculty reviewers look for well-written, thoughtful responses that let them know more about the kind of writer you are and the student you will be. 
  • To prepare, please consult the questions in advance.
• Critical essay: Three- to four-page critical essay, double-spaced, focusing on an element of craft or a particular subject in a children's or YA book that impressed you. For example, you could focus on the ways in which an author developed the characters in a picture book.
• Creative writing sample: Submit either 20 pages (double-spaced) of prose or poetry written for children or young adults OR two picture book manuscripts. Your submission may include more than one piece or genre, provided that they are fully realized pieces and do not exceed the 20-page total limit.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original and an official or certified course-by-course English translation. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
• Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you who are familiar with your academic, artistic, and/or professional qualifications.
• Additional materials you wish the admission committee to consider, such as letters of recommendation or previously published work.

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Transferring to Hamline's MFAC program

Hamline's MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) welcomes students who want to transfer from similar programs (i.e., other MFAC programs or MFA programs with a concentration in writing for children and young adults). Because of the variety of programs from which you might transfer, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at gradprog@hamline.edu and we can discuss your previous coursework and how it may transfer into Hamline's program. Please be prepared to supply a copy of your transcript to facilitate the process. 

View Hamline's transfer policy

Email grad admission