Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

The CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) states that all students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. 

Effective Fall 2023, University Policy S19-3, Amendment B, the Writing Skills Test (WST) is no longer required as a prerequisite for enrolling in Writing in the Disciplines (100W) courses.

Satisfy the GWAR Requirement
All undergraduate students must satisfy the GWAR by either:

1. Passing a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a “C or better” (C- not accepted). View a list of Writing in the Disciplines - 100W Courses,
   or
2. Satisfying the GWAR while matriculated at another CSU campus,
   ​or
3. For students who took the WST before the Fall 2023, earning a waiver score on the WST. This applies only in majors that permitted a waiver score before Fall 2023 (See 2022-2023 catalog for previous GWAR requirements).  

Students should consult with their major advisors or the Exploratory Student Success Center for major-specific advice to satisfy this requirement. Graduate students should refer to the Graduate Policies - Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) section. 

Writing in the Disciplines/ 100W Courses 

Writing in the Disciplines (WID) courses develop students’ abilities to communicate effectively in their major course of study and in their careers. With an emphasis on critical thinking, these upper-division core courses advance students’ understanding of the genres, audiences, and purposes of college writing while preparing them for successful communication in their chosen professions.

Minimum Prerequisite: Upper division standing; 1B or equivalent second semester composition course (with a grade of C- or better); completion of core GE. Completion of the UDW-DSP is strongly recommended. 

Minimum Grade: A minimum grade of “C” or better (C- not accepted).

• AFAM 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• AMS 100W - Writing in the Humanities & Interdisciplinary Arts  3 unit(s)
• ANTH 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• ART 100W - Writing Workshop: Fine Arts  3 unit(s)
• BIOL 100W - Scientific Communication Workshop  3 unit(s)
• CHAD 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• CHEM 100W - Writing Workshop: Chemical Communications  3 unit(s)
• COMM 100W - Writing Workshop: Writing for Influence  3 unit(s)
• CS 100W - Technical Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• DSGN 100W - Writing Workshop: Design  3 unit(s)
• ECON 100W - Writing Workshop: Economic Reports  4 unit(s)
• ENGL 100W - Writing Workshop  4 unit(s)
• ENGL 100WB - Written Communication: Business  3 unit(s)
• ENGR 100W - Engineering Reports  3 unit(s)
• ENVS 100W - Environmental Research and Writing  3 unit(s)
• FORL 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• FS 100W - Forensic Science Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• GEOG 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• GLST 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• HIST 100W - History Writers’ Workshop  3 unit(s)
• HUM 100W - Writing in the Humanities & Interdisciplinary Arts  3 unit(s)
• JS 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• KIN 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• LLD 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• LLD 100WB - Writing Workshop for Business Students  3 unit(s)
• MCOM 100W - Writing Workshop: Mass Communications  3 unit(s)
• METR 100W - Writing Workshop: Meteorological Reports  3 unit(s)
• MUSC 100W - Written Communication II  3 unit(s)
• NUFS 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• NURS 100WE - Evidence Based Practice Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• PH 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• PHYS 100W - Methods of Research and Communication in Physics  3 unit(s)
• POLS 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• PSYC 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s) 
• RELS 100W - Writing in the Humanities & Interdisciplinary Arts  3 unit(s)
• SCWK 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• SOCI 100W - Writing Workshop  3 unit(s)
• TA 100W - Writing Workshop: Theatre Arts  3 unit(s)