Writing Requirement Overview and Resources

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.

 

Entry Level Writing Requirement

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Entry Level 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) 
  • Or Community college courses
  • Or One of the Following Test Scores 

Collaborative Writing Placement Score of 2, ACT ELA score: 30+, ACT English + Reading score: 63+, AWPE score: 8 or higher, AP English (either test) score: 3, AP Seminar/Research score: 3, RSAT Read/Writ score: 680+, IB High Level English Score: 5,  IB Standard Level English Score: 6 or 7

GE Area A1

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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
  • Or One of the Following Test Scores

    • AP English (either test) score: 4

    • IB High Level English Score: 6 (ENGL A not B)

 

GE Area A2

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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

 

View all available classes after taking Writing 2 here

Requirement Timeline

Requirement When to Complete Options Notes
ELWR First three quarters
  • Writing 1 (C or higher)
  • AP/IB exam scores
  • Collaborative Writing Placement
  • Community college courses
 Must be completed before moving on to Writing 2
Area A1 First six quarters
  • Writing 2
 Introduces academic writing, disciplinary genres, and rhetorical strategies
Area A2 After 90 units
  • Writing 105 (Interdisciplinary)
  • Writing 107 (Professional)
  • Writing 109 (Academic)
  • Writing 50 (Research)
  • English 10
 Choose based on your academic interests and career goals

Recommended Course Planning

Year Quarter Recommendation Requirement
First Year Fall
  • Complete Writing 1 or satisfy ELWR
 ELWR
Winter
  • Complete Writing 2
 Area A1
Spring
  • Research upper-division writing courses
 -
Junior Year Any Quarter
  • Enroll in Writing 105, 107, or 109 (after completing 90 units)
 Area A2
Senior Year Fall
  • Apply to Professional Writing Minor (optional)
 Optional