Eastern Oregon State College

Programme overview

Eastern Oregon University offers a traditional, genre-based low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing requiring 60 credits across a two-year course of study. The format pairs two 10-day summer residencies with ongoing online mentorship, allowing students to live and work remotely while participating in concentrated in-person sessions in eastern Oregon. An optional concentration in Landscape, Ecology, and Community links writing practice to regional landscapes and ecological themes, and the program maintains a partnership with the Fishtrap Gathering of Writers.

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes advanced craft across multiple genres and styles, sustained creative projects, and engagement with landscape and ecological concerns where relevant. Students complete 60 credits including two 10-day summer residencies followed each year by online mentorship focused on writing projects. The program supports collaboration within a community of writers and includes connections to local literary events and the Fishtrap partnership to deepen experiential learning in the Grande Ronde and Wallowa valleys.

Entry requirements

The program page notes applications are currently closed and will re-open in the fall; specific admissions criteria are not listed on the provided text. Prospective applicants should consult the university for up-to-date application details and prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with advanced creative-writing skills and an understanding of the literary landscape. The program describes career trajectories including publishing, teaching, and community-based writing projects, and supports professional development through networking and participation in literary events.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Beginning in 2026 the program offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships for full- and part-time students. Other financial details and aid options are referenced on the program’s financial pages; applicants should review the university’s tuition, fees, and financial aid resources for comprehensive information.