Additional Writing

Effective writing is one of the most valuable skills you’ll develop at UW. It’s essential for success in your courses, future career, and graduate or professional programs. To build this skill, you must complete at least 10 credits of writing-intensive (“W”) courses, in addition to the 5-credit English composition requirement.

In college, writing goes beyond summarizing—it’s about developing your own ideas and arguments through research and analysis. Much of your learning will happen through this process. As you write, focus on organizing your thoughts clearly, revising your work, and learning from instructor feedback. Strong writing will also sharpen your analytical and communication skills.

Where to Find W Courses

Courses that count toward the additional writing requirement are available in a range of subject areas. Although you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to meet the W-course requirement, it was originally intended that at least some of your writing-intensive courses should be courses in your major, providing you with writing instruction and practice in your chosen area of study.

For most majors (including those in the the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences), writing courses may be additional courses from the English Composition list, or any courses designated in the quarterly Time Schedule with the comment “Writing.” The easiest way to look for W courses is to use the General Education Requirement Course Search offered by the Office of the Registrar.

Grades Required

Any passing grade (0.7 or higher) is acceptable for the “W” requirement. Courses may not be taken on the satisfactory/not satisfactory (S/NS) grading option.

Overlap with Other Requirements

W courses may overlap with any other requirement except the 5-credit English composition course. The courses you use to satisfy the W-course requirement may also count toward your major, a minor, the Areas of Inquiry requirement, and/or the RSN requirement.

For Transfer Students

Many students transfer courses which required enough writing to qualify as W courses. A “W” usually means that a course requires either several short papers or a term paper with a required revision. If you think you have transferred a course that should count as a W course, consult your advisor.

For Postbaccalaureate Students

Postbaccalaureate students are not required to complete the additional writing requirement.