The impetus for growth in institutions of higher education can be to generate profit to grow endowments, fund capital improvements, diversify the offering of an institution to reduce risk and augment reputation, and fund strategic experiments.   
 
This case explores the rapid growth of graduate school programs in a small, enrollment-dependent, non-profit private institution of higher education.  An overview of program growth is provided, and a case study of the genesis of one program is presented.  The case focuses on the decision to start a Master's program of Fine Arts in creative non-fiction.  Was it a good idea? Should it persist?
 
The case material is used to demonstrate the use of a range of well-known management and strategy frameworks in understanding the choice and deployment of the program.