Creative Writing

Embedding the development of an evolved practice of creative writing in a school of art and design, the Creative Writing program offers a unique opportunity to explore writing's relationship with contemporary art through interdisciplinary and hybridized forms.

The major is centered around creative writing studio classes in a variety of genres to build experience with the art of writing. We explore the use of language as a visual medium and incorporate writing into our visual work. We support both experimental writing practices and those focused on contemporary forms of fiction, poetry, and script writing. Innovation, crossing—and at times erasing—creative boundaries, experimentation with forms and media, and a self-determined path sit at the heart of creative writing at PNCA.

• International applicants must submit a photocopy of the name/photo page of their passport showing their image and the correct spelling of their name.
• An international applicant must demonstrate their English language proficiency to satisfy immigration policies. Proficiency may be demonstrated through any one of the following methods.
  • International Applicants Whose Native Language is English Applicants who are fluent in English because it is their first language, need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who are from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand or who coupled a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a country where the primary and dominant language is English and English was the language of instruction of the school.
  • Official TOEFL of 88 or IELTS of 6.5. The TOEFL code for Willamette is 4954.
• Financial Requirements Applicants must be able to show they have sufficient resources to fund educational and living expenses for one year of the program and provide the following:
  • A completed Statement of Financial Responsibility form
  • Official bank verification of funds (written in English), showing that you and/or your sponsor have sufficient resources to cover educational and living expenses for one year of the program, or
  • A financial guarantee letter from any government scholarship you have been awarded.

If your native language is not English, Willamette University requires you to submit scores from one of the following tests. Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency to the university. These tests can be waived if the primary language of instruction at your high school has been English.

Step 1: Begin the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate application.

Step 2: Upload your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results.

Step 3: Indicate how you meet PNCA’s English language proficiency requirements.

Step 5: Submit your application

Step 6: If you are accepted and you decide to enroll, order a transcript evaluation.