As it embarks on an effort to create 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs by 2020, Oregon State University – Cascades is working in partnership with the OSU Program in Creative Writing and the School of Writing, Literature, and Film in the College of Liberal Arts to create a low-residency master of fine arts in creative writing to be offered at the campus in Bend. The degree requires an agreement between the two campuses that is now under review at the main campus. OSU-Cascades campus administrators hope to launch the degree in 2013.
Although it would mirror the MFA degree in creative writing offered at the main campus in Corvallis, the low-residency component — where students attend seven to 10-day seminars on site twice a year and return home for the remainder of the term for distance learning – would be unique to OSU-Cascades. The format gives the degree program flexibility and will allow it to attract students, as well as leading authors from outside Central Oregon.
OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson will announce the proposed MFA degree at the Nature of Words author reading event at The Tower Theatre on Thursday, November 3. Said Dr. Johnson, “If the program is approved it could add to the wonderful literary experience that the Nature of Words has brought to Central Oregon and give students an opportunity to work side-by-side with visiting authors.”
Community members who would like to be contacted should the degree be approved can provide their contact information to info@osucascades.edu or 541-322-3100.
