You can begin developing your writing portfolio in high school with school assignments and journal pieces. As your skills develop, your portfolio improves.

Graduate students are expected to begin publishing their work and often read their work at public gatherings.

Some schools offer creative writing through English programs, while others have separate writing departments.

Most programs require you to specialize in either poetry or fiction, but not both.

While some programs also offer scriptwriting (for plays and screenplays), these are commonly offered through theater programs.

Most graduate creative writing programs offer Master of Fine Arts degrees. This is considered a terminal degree, meaning that you do not need a doctorate to teach at the college level.