Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
All students must fulfill the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) to be awarded a CSULB degree. A grade of C or better in a Writing Intensive (WI) course fulfills the GWAR.
Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement Placement Examination (GPE)
As of April 2025, the GPE has been discontinued. GWAR courses (301A and Portfolio courses) will no longer be required beginning Summer 2025. Courses may still be offered for students who choose to take a GWAR Portfolio course as an elective. For more details about these changes, please visit the GWAR & GPE FAQs or contact a GWAR advisor.
Per order of the Chancellor’s Office:
As of June 2022, GWAR is still required for undergraduates, but it is no longer required for graduate students.
Beginning in Fall 2016, the GWAR pathways include completion of a Writing Intensive (WI) course to satisfy the GWAR. Students should go to the Students page for detailed information about the requirements for students who were admitted or readmitted either before or after Fall 2016.
Because advisors play an important role in students’ GWAR success, please review the GWAR pathways and learn about available GWAR resources.
Faculty can help students prepare for all GWAR requirements by incorporating informed writing projects and pedagogy into their courses throughout their students' careers, from freshman to senior. To learn more please review the GWAR pathways and visit the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) website for ideas and hands on guidance.
