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GWAR Booklet

- Graduate Writing Competency -

Students working toward a master's degree should meet the GWAR requirement within the first nine units of graduate work. If GWAR is not satisfied within the first nine units, students will receive an advising hold on their registration and must be in contact with a University Advisement Center (UAC), [(310) 243-3538, WH A-220] advisor to map out a strategy, including a signed contract (which can be sent through the mail), to meet the requirement before their hold will be lifted.  Only UAC can lift this hold.  This requirement must be met before students can begin their culminating activity (thesis/project or comprehensive exam).

Graduate students may satisfy the GWAR by meeting one of the following criteria:

  1. A score of 8 or higher on the Graduation Writing Examination (GWE).
  2. A grade of B or higher in English 350.
  3. Written acknowledgment from the instructor of IDS 397 and IDS 398 that performance in coursework was commensurate with a grade of B.
  4. An earned degree from one of the CSU campuses (other than CSUDH) with the GWAR having been satisfied in 1984 or later at the previous CSU campus, along with granting of petition for GWE exemption through the Testing Office.
  5. A grade of B or higher in an accepted upper division composition course taken at another university prior to admission to CSUDH. Students who have taken the equivalent of our Advanced Composition course, ENG 350, may request a review of its equivalency. Students must complete a Petition for GWE Exemption at the Testing Office, attaching a copy of an official transcript and the catalog description of the pertinent coursework Lower division writing courses (e.g. Freshman English), literature courses and specialized courses in business, technical, report, or creative writing, among other courses, are not acceptable. Only the GWAR Coordinator is authorized to decide whether coursework done elsewhere satisfies the CSUDH writing requirement.
  6. For graduate students in English Literature, satisfactory performance on the Graduate Exercise administered by the English Department.
  7. A score of 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing Analysis of the GMAT.
  8. A score of 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE.

Note:  Candidates enrolled to receive Teaching Credentials and not seeking a master’s degree are not required to satisfy the GWAR at this time.

Departments and programs may, at their discretion, establish additional writing requirements for their graduate students. For further information regarding additional writing requirements, students should consult their program advisor.