Creative Writing Programs in Portland, Oregon

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Portland, Oregon

A Creative Writing degree prepares individuals for a career in writing, editing, and teaching while deepening their understanding of literary arts. Prospective students have several pathways to choose from, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a focus on fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program emphasizing intensive writing practice and critique, and even minors in Creative Writing. These programs are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and often require a combination of a strong academic record, portfolio submissions, and writing samples.

About Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is known for its rich cultural tapestry and a thriving arts scene. The city offers an engaging literary community, with neighborhoods like the Pearl District and downtown serving as creative hubs. For more information on city initiatives and local governance, visit the official Portland website.

Creative Writing Programs in Portland, Oregon

While Portland itself is a creative epicenter, local residents can access a range of programs in nearby institutions. Below are three schools offering Creative Writing courses and degrees, along with their addresses, neighborhoods, and distances from Portland:

  1. Oregon State University (OSU)

    • Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Master of Fine Arts in Writing
    • Address: 1563 Pacific Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333
    • Neighborhood: Located in the heart of Corvallis
    • Distance from Portland: Approximately 85 miles
    • Program Highlights: OSU’s program offers varied specializations, including environmental writing and a Visiting Writers Series. For more details, visit the OSU Creative Writing page.

  2. Linfield University

    • Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Minor in Creative Writing
    • Address: 670 College Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128
    • Neighborhood: Centered in downtown McMinnville
    • Distance from Portland: Approximately 33 miles
    • Program Highlights: Students complete a senior thesis project in poetry, fiction, or screenplay and engage in peer workshops. Visit the Linfield Creative Writing page for additional information.

  3. OSU-Cascades

    • Programs Offered: Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing
    • Address: 19999 Campus Way, Bend, OR 97701
    • Neighborhood: Located on the outskirts of Bend
    • Distance from Portland: Approximately 160 miles
    • Program Highlights: This low-residency MFA combines virtual classes with four in-person residencies in Bend. More details are available on the OSU-Cascades MFA page.

Literary Opportunities in Portland, Oregon

Portland boasts an array of literary organizations and cultural events that support and celebrate creative writing:

  • Literary Arts
    This organization hosts the Portland Arts & Lectures series and organizes writing workshops. Located in downtown Portland, Literary Arts offers opportunities to connect with influential figures in the literary community. Learn more at Literary Arts.

  • Write Around Portland
    Focused on expanding creative opportunities for marginalized communities, Write Around Portland offers free writing workshops. Discover additional event details on their official website.

  • Portland Poetry Slam
    A key venue for spoken word and performance poetry enthusiasts, Portland Poetry Slam organizes regular events, often held in downtown venues. Visit Portland Poetry Slam for upcoming dates.

  • Multnomah County Library Writing Groups
    These groups offer a supportive environment for writers across the county, meeting regularly to share work and ideas. For current events, see the Multnomah County Library events page.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Admission to Creative Writing programs typically involves meeting certain academic and creative standards:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA):
    Applicants generally need a minimum GPA of 3.0 along with a portfolio submission of written work. No separate application is usually required.
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA):
    Prospective students must provide a writing sample (typically 15–30 pages), a CV, and a personal statement. Many programs offer rolling admissions.
  • Minor in Creative Writing:
    Enrollment requires the completion of 18 credits in creative writing courses, including hands-on workshops that emphasize peer critique and faculty mentorship.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing degree find career paths in diverse industries. Common roles include content writer, editor, publisher, and educator. Freelance opportunities and self-publishing ventures also provide avenues for creative expression. According to national estimates, salary ranges for these positions vary from $35,000 to $65,000 annually. For detailed job outlook information, visit the Writers and Authors Job Outlook page on BLS.gov.

Official Educational and Arts Regulatory Resources

Portland and the broader Multnomah County area have several regulatory bodies and funding organizations dedicated to supporting the arts:

  • Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC):
    Manages public art investments, arts education, and cultural equity initiatives.
    Website: RACC
    Contact: (503) 823-5111 | [email protected]
  • Multnomah County Arts Education & Access Fund:
    Allocates funds to enhance arts education in public schools and community programs.
    Website: Multnomah County Arts Education & Access Fund
    Contact: (503) 988-3740 | [email protected]
  • Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC):
    Oversees postsecondary education policies and approves degree programs statewide.
    Website: HECC Oregon
    Contact: (503) 378-5690 | [email protected]
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA):
    Provides nationwide funding for arts initiatives, including programs in Oregon.
    Website: NEA with additional resources available at the NEA Grants for Arts Projects.

Professional Organizations and Educational Resources

The creative writing community is further supported by several professional organizations and educational groups:

  • Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP):
    Offers access to conferences, job listings, and extensive writing resources. Visit the AWP website.
  • OSU Creative Writing Society:
    A student-run group that organizes readings and workshops.
  • Linfield’s Camas Journal:
    Publishes creative work from students and faculty, providing early career exposure.
  • Oregon Arts Commission:
    Supports arts initiatives across the state. More information is available at the Oregon Arts Commission website.

Get Started Today

Portland offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring creative writers and educators. With a variety of programs available locally and nearby, individuals can begin exploring pathways in creative writing that align with their goals. Now is the ideal time to take the next step and contact a school to learn about admissions, financial aid options, and portfolio requirements. Embrace your creative potential and start building the foundation for your future in the arts.