University Writing Requirement

University Writing Requirement

Review the University Writing Requirement.

Writing Requirement Equivalencies

Students who wish to request that a college composition or academic writing course taken at different institution is evaluated to (potentially) satisfy the University's Writing Requirement, or who wish to request that a non pre-approved course taken at PSU is evaluated, should complete the following steps:

  1. Review the University Writing Requirement in consultation with your Pathway advisor to ensure that the course in question is applicable. Please note that Creative Writing and Literature courses do not satisfy this requirement. 
  2. Submit an Academic Requirement Committee (ARC) Petition.

If you have questions about this process, please reach out to your Pathway advisor.

Writing Intensive Courses (WIC)

Writing Intensive Courses (WIC) offer students an opportunity to engage deeply in course materials. Students learn the processes by which writers in the field develop and disseminate knowledge.

Writing Intensive Classes are offered throughout the university in various departments. The courses are varied but share these core characteristics:

  • Amount of writing: All WIC require approximately 5,000 words. 3,000 words are dedicated to drafts, non-graded writing, and informal papers. 2,000 words are final drafts, which students rewrite after receiving feedback for revision.
  • Activities emphasizing writing: All WIC emphasize writing as a process, which is integrated into the structure of the entire course. Students engage in writing to learn, and writing to communicate. In-class activities may include short, ungraded in-class writing, brainstorming, free-writing, and peer response groups. Other topics that are covered include appropriate citation, global revision strategies, and editing.

You can search exclusively for WIC courses by entering "Writing Intensive Courses" under "Attributes & No Cost Textbook" when browsing the class schedule.