Doctorate programs in creative writing generally offer two concentrations: fiction and poetry. Some programs also offer a creative nonfiction concentration.
Each university has its own special requirements, but prospective PhD students will have to submit transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Fiction writing samples of approximately 20 to 40 pages or 10 poems will also be required and constitute the most important part of the admissions process.
Many graduate creative writing programs give students editorial fellowships at the campus's literary magazine, if it has one. Prominent visiting authors also speak to creative writing PhD students at most schools, either in the form of conventional seminars or writing conferences.
Class sizes are kept very small so writers have a community in which to share their work and receive constructive feedback from faculty and other students. Small class sizes also mean that spaces in the program are very competitive and only go to the most-qualified candidates.
People who earn PhD degrees in creative writing are qualified to become writing professors at the college level. Other students simply enroll in the program to strengthen their writing and to further develop novels and other writing endeavors.