First-Year Writing Degree Requirements

First-year writing courses fulfill a number of degree requirements for Western Michigan University students.

  • English 1050: Foundations in Written Communication satisfies the WMU Essential Studies Level 1 requirement in the writing category. Students must fulfill this requirement before taking certain WMU Essential Studies courses at the second and third levels.

  • English 1060: Writing, Research, and Inquiry fulfills the writing requirement for all College of Arts and Sciences students. This writing requirement is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Essentials requirements, which build upon WMU Essential Studies in order to make students more prepared for their academic careers and more competitive in their pursuits after graduation.

  • The College of Arts and Sciences maintains strong connections with our alumni network of more than 56,500 individuals. When I speak to our alumni, I often ask them what types of learning experiences at WMU were most helpful to them, and also what might have helped to better prepare them for their careers. Many respond that outstanding written communication skills are the key to success in a wide range of careers, and that they probably would have benefitted from completing an additional writing course.

    Dr. Carla Koretsky, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

  • If you have questions about transfer credit equivalencies for first-year writing courses, please arrange an appointment with your academic advisor.