Planning your Writing Program courses
The UCSB Writing Program offers lower-division and upper-division courses that satisfy GE Area A requirements, along with a Professional Writing Minor that's a perfect complement to any major. This webpage contains a step by step on what classes you should take depending on where you are in your UCSB journey.
REQUIREMENT 1
English Language Writing Requirement
English Language Writing Requirement
Satisfied by passing Writing 1 with a C or higher, or through AP/IB exams, placement tests, or community college courses
Ways to complete:
- Writing 1 (C or higher)
- AP/IB exam scores
- Collaborative Writing Placement
- Community college courses
REQUIREMENT 2
GE Area A1
First-Year Writing Requirement
Satisfied by completing Writing 2, which should be taken within your first six quarters at UCSB.
Ways to complete:
- Writing 2
REQUIREMENT 3
GE Area A2
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Satisfied by completing one course from Writing 105, 107, 109 series, or Writing 50/English 10. Enroll after completing 90 units.
Ways to complete:
- Writing 105 (Interdisciplinary Writing)
- Writing 107 (Professional Writing)
- Writing 109 (Academic Writing)
- Writing 50 (Research Writing)
- English 10
Recommended Requirement Timeline
| Year | Quarter | Recommendation | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | Fall |
|
ELWR |
| Winter |
|
Area A1 | |
| Spring |
|
- | |
| Junior Year | Any Quarter |
|
Area A2 |
| Senior Year | Fall |
|
Optional |
Requirement Timeline
| Requirement | When to Complete | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELWR | First year |
|
Must be completed before moving on to Writing 2 |
| Area A1 | First six quarters |
|
Introduces academic writing, disciplinary genres, and rhetorical strategies |
| Area A2 | After 90 units |
|
Choose based on your academic interests and career goals |