LSA Writing Requirements Information

LSA requires all of its students to complete the First-Year Writing Requirement and the Upper-Level Writing Requirement, both administered by the Sweetland Writing Center. To fulfill these requirements, students must complete an approved First-Year Writing Requirement course and an Upper-Level Writing Requirement course with a minimum grade of a C-.

All courses fulfilling the LSA writing requirements are approved by the Sweetland Writing Center. These courses aim to enhance students' critical thinking and writing skills, thus preparing them for writing in both their undergraduate years and future educational and professional work. LSA believes that students:

  • need regular practice to learn to write well;
  • learn best about a subject by writing about it;
  • should be able to recognize and master the writing conventions of their chosen discipline.

Once a student has satisfied the First-Year Writing Requirement and feels ready for advanced writing, the student selects an approved course to satisfy the Upper-Level Writing Requirement. A minimum grade of a C- in each course is necessary to satisfy each requirement.

For a complete explanation of the LSA Writing Requirement, read the official LSA Bulletin.