Foundations Writing Requirement

Students must complete one of four strands depending upon placement. Placement in writing courses is based on the student’s high school record and standardized test scores, including the ACT1 English or the RSAT1 Verbal standardized test scores.

1. A three-course (9 credits) sequence in three semesters of:
   • English 106 (for ESL writers), English 107 (ESL equivalent) or English 101, and English 108 (the ESL equivalent) or English 102
2. A two-course (7 credits) sequence in two semesters of:
   • English 101A (4 credits) and English 102
3. A two-course (6 credits) sequence in two semesters of:
   • English 101 and English 102 or
   • English 107 and English 108 (the ESL equivalents)
4. One course (3 credits) with honors placement:
   • English 109H – a grade of C or higher is required to satisfy the requirement with this course. (Note: a grade of D necessitates a repeat of English 109H or completion of English 102 to fulfill the requirement.)

Transfer students who have at least 56 transfer credits are eligible for the Transfer Portfolio option. Students must (1) submit the portfolio within two semesters of transferring to the University of Arizona (including summer sessions), and (2) attend a portfolio information session or make an appointment to speak with the Writing Program Transfer and Placement Coordinator. The Coordinator may be contacted at Writing Placement, or at 520-621-3553. For more information about the Transfer Portfolio, see the Writing Program Website.

NOTE: Students who have earned a previous bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S. institution have satisfied the Writing requirement; they do not need to submit a portfolio.

The University Writing Requirements also include the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA), which takes place after students have completed 40 units and have been admitted to their major degree program, as well as the completion of at least one Writing Emphasis Course in the major.