The Graduate Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Literature provides students with knowledge of children’s and/or young adult literature with an emphasis in multicultural and international perspectives. It explores the complex body of works in the field, in relation to theoretical perspectives, research methods and instructional approaches.

The Graduate Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Literature is not the equivalent of a state teaching license nor preparation to earn a teaching license.

If you choose to purse a master's degree in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education, these certificate courses may apply to your degree requirements. Completion of the certificate programs does not guarantee admission to the master's program.

Certificate Requirements

Major Requirements (6 cr.)

• L631 Multicultural and International Literature for Children and Young Adults (3 cr.). Offered in Fall in odd numbered years
• L641 Contemporary Issues in Children’s and Young Adult Literature (3 cr.). Offered in Fall in even numbered years

Elective Requirements (6 cr.)

Choose two of the following courses:

• L508 Teaching Young Adult Literature in a Diverse Society for Graduate Level Pre-service English Teachers (3 cr.) OR L535 Teaching Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (3 cr.)
• L559 Trade Books in Elementary Classrooms (3 cr.)
• L651 Topics in Children’s and Young Adult Literature (3 cr.)
• L661 Latino/a Children and Young Adult Literature (3 cr.)
• L630 Topics in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education/L750 Research Seminar in Literacy, Culture and Language Education (offered occasionally with a specific emphasis in children’s and young adult literature), if applicable (3 cr.)

Electives from LCLE, ILS and ENG, if applicable, and with prior approval*

*Selected in consultation with your academic advisor and with approval of the certificate coordinator.