B.A. in Creative Writing

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Creative Writing program at Oregon State University (OSU) provides aspiring writers with a comprehensive education in literary craft, creative expression, and professional development. Rooted in a vibrant literary community and led by esteemed faculty mentors, the program offers students the opportunity to explore various genres, hone their writing skills, and prepare for careers in writing, publishing, education, and beyond.The B.A. in Creative Writing program at Oregon State University offers aspiring writers a rich and immersive educational experience that fosters creativity, craftsmanship, and professional growth. Through diverse course offerings, workshop-based learning, community engagement, professional development opportunities, and a capstone project, students develop the skills, confidence, and connections to pursue successful careers as writers, editors, educators, and literary professionals in today's dynamic and evolving literary landscape.

Curriculum:

1. Diverse Course Offerings: The B.A. in Creative Writing program at OSU offers a diverse range of courses covering multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and playwriting. Through workshops, seminars, and literature courses, students explore different forms of creative expression, experiment with writing techniques, and study the works of established authors, gaining insight into the craft of storytelling and the nuances of literary artistry.

2. Workshop-Based Learning: Central to the program is its workshop-based approach, where students participate in small, interactive writing workshops led by accomplished faculty members and experienced writers. In these workshops, students receive constructive feedback on their writing, engage in peer critique sessions, and refine their manuscripts under the guidance of mentors, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

3. Creative Community Engagement: OSU's B.A. in Creative Writing program encourages students to engage with the local and global literary community through readings, events, and partnerships with literary organizations and publications. Students have the opportunity to attend author readings, literary festivals, and writing conferences, connect with industry professionals, and showcase their work in public forums, building valuable networks and gaining exposure to the broader writing community.

4. Professional Development Opportunities: The program offers various professional development opportunities to help students prepare for careers in writing and related fields. Students have access to internships, publishing opportunities, and career workshops that provide practical experience and insight into the publishing industry, literary agencies, editing, marketing, and freelance writing, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the professional landscape.

5. Capstone Project: As part of their culminating experience, students complete a capstone project in their chosen genre, such as a collection of short stories, a poetry manuscript, a screenplay, or a creative nonfiction essay. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students develop and revise their manuscript, culminating in a polished creative work that reflects their artistic vision and demonstrates their growth as writers.

Undergraduate Programs Entry requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at OSU must have completed their secondary education or its equivalent with a minimum grade average of 83-86% or above.
   
• English Language Proficiency:  
  • IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.5.
  • TOEFL: A minimum score of 70 on the internet-based test (iBT).
  • PTE: A PTE score of 48.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 100.
     
• SAT or ACT: SAT - 500 Verbal (or 560 evidence-based Reading/Writing) or ACT - 21 English/Reading is required.

Oregon State University (OSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad. 

1. International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship: The ICSP scholarship is a competitive scholarship awarded to outstanding international students who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to promoting cultural exchange. Recipients receive a tuition waiver of up to 15 credits per term and a monthly stipend.

2. Provost's Scholarship for Excellence: This scholarship is available to incoming undergraduate international students who have exceptional academic records and demonstrate leadership potential. The scholarship covers a portion of non-resident tuition fees and is renewable for up to four years.

3. International Achievement Scholarship: The International Achievement Scholarship is open to incoming undergraduate international students with a strong academic background. The scholarship provides partial tuition waivers ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.

4. INTO OSU Scholarships: INTO OSU, the university's international pathway program, offers a range of scholarships to support international students transitioning to OSU. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and can provide substantial tuition reductions.

5. College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges and departments within Oregon State University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, field of study, or other criteria. Students are encouraged to explore the scholarship opportunities available within their respective colleges.

6. Global Diversity Scholarship: The Global Diversity Scholarship aims to increase access to education for underrepresented international students. The scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students and provides a partial tuition waiver.

7. Graduate Assistantships: OSU offers graduate assistantships to qualified international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. These assistantships provide financial support in the form of a stipend and often include a tuition waiver.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and award amounts may vary from year to year. 

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Creative Writing from Oregon State University (OSU) opens up a plethora of career opportunities in various fields that value strong writing, critical thinking, and creative expression. The B.A. in Creative Writing program at Oregon State University equips graduates with versatile writing skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of storytelling techniques, preparing them for diverse and rewarding careers in writing, publishing, education, marketing, and beyond. With their passion for language, storytelling, and creative expression, graduates make valuable contributions to the literary arts and cultural landscape.

1. Author/Writer: Many graduates pursue careers as authors or writers, producing original works of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenplays, or plays for publication or performance. They may write novels, short stories, poetry collections, essays, scripts, or articles for literary magazines, newspapers, websites, or multimedia platforms, showcasing their unique voice and storytelling abilities.

2. Editor/Proofreader: Graduates with strong writing skills may work as editors or proofreaders for publishing houses, literary magazines, newspapers, websites, or corporate communications departments. They review and revise written content, ensuring clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, and provide feedback to writers to improve the quality of their work.

3. Content Creator/Content Strategist: Graduates may pursue careers as content creators or content strategists, producing engaging and informative written content for digital platforms, social media channels, marketing campaigns, or corporate communications. They craft compelling narratives, develop content calendars, and collaborate with designers and marketers to create content that resonates with target audiences and achieves organizational goals.

4. Freelance Writer/Independent Author: Graduates may work as freelance writers or independent authors, offering their writing services on a freelance basis or self-publishing their own books, ebooks, or online content. They may write for clients in various industries, such as advertising, publishing, journalism, or marketing, or independently publish their creative works through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or personal websites.

5. Educator/Teacher: Graduates with a passion for teaching and education may pursue careers as educators or teachers, teaching creative writing, English composition, literature, or language arts at schools, colleges, universities, or community organizations. They inspire and mentor students, foster their creative and critical thinking skills, and cultivate a love for writing and literature in the next generation of writers and scholars.

6. Copywriter/Content Marketer: Graduates may work as copywriters or content marketers, creating persuasive and engaging written content for advertising campaigns, branding initiatives, or digital marketing efforts. They write advertising copy, website content, email newsletters, social media posts, and other marketing materials to promote products, services, or brands and attract and engage target audiences.

7. Literary Agent/Publishing Professional: Graduates may pursue careers in the publishing industry as literary agents, acquisitions editors, or publishing professionals, representing authors, acquiring manuscripts, and managing the publication process. They scout for talent, negotiate book deals, and oversee the editorial, production, and marketing aspects of book projects, contributing to the success of published authors and literary works.