Writing Emphasis Requirement

The rationale for writing emphasis courses is that writing is integral to all academic learning in liberal and professional studies. These courses are not foundational; they are intended to enhance. The University regards writing as much more than a set of basic language skills.

The curriculum structure for writing-emphasis at West Chester University consists of the requirement that graduating seniors will have taken three writing-emphasis courses prior to graduation. These three writing-emphasis courses are required in addition to the two introductory writing courses students take in the first-year writing program (WRT 120 or WRT 123; WRT 200 level). Unlike these first-year writing program courses, writing-emphasis courses are taught by faculty “across the curriculum” as opposed to only by writing specialists historically located in the English Department. WRT 120, WRT 123, WRT 200, WRT 204, WRT 205, WRT 206, WRT 208, and WRT 220 do not count as Writing Emphasis courses.

Students must earn 9 credits of Writing Emphasis coursework, 3 credits of which must be at the 300-400 level. 

NOTE: A Writing Emphasis designation may only transfer into WCU if the course from a student's prior institution has been submitted to and approved by the Writing Emphasis Committee of the Curriculum and Academic Policies Council (CAPC). To receive credit for this type of course, students must submit a Course Substitution Request to the Office of the Special Assistant for Academic Policy. For a course substitution to be granted, the substituting course must demonstrate not just that writing was assigned or completed by students in the course, but that writing was a significant part of course content, including opportunities for drafting and revision of written work, and that direct instruction in writing skills took place in the course. Ideally, a substituting course meets all of WCU’s Writing Emphasis designation criteria.

All transfer students who enter with fewer than 40 college-level credits must complete 9 credits of Writing Emphasis coursework.  Transfer students who enter with 40-70 college-level credits, must take at least 6 credits of Writing Emphasis coursework.  Students who transfer more than 70 college-level credits must take at least 3 credits of Writing Emphasis coursework at the 300-400 level.

Each Writing Emphasis course may simultaneously fulfill another degree requirement.