First Year Writing Requirements

ENG 1010 is the most common starting course for incoming students. It focuses on the writing process, and students typically complete four to five essays per semester. To fulfill the written communication requirement, students must take ENG 1010 (CO1) followed by ENG 1020 (CO2). In addition, a grade of C- or better in ENG 1010 is required before enrolling in ENG 1020. Overall, this two-course sequence takes two semesters to complete the general studies written communication requirement.

ENG 1001 is a one-credit support course taken alongside ENG 1010. It provides additional reading and writing assistance for students who want the standard ENG 1010 pace but could benefit from extra support. To advance to ENG 1020, students must earn a D- or better in ENG 1001 and a C- or better in ENG 1010. As a result, this sequence — ENG 1010 (CO1), ENG 1001, and ENG 1020 (CO2) — takes two semesters to complete the general studies written communication requirement.

This two-semester sequence “stretches” ENG 1010 over more time, with students writing two to three essays per semester and fewer reading assignments. To earn ENG 1010 credit and proceed to ENG 1020, students must earn a D- or better in ENG 1008 and a C- or better in ENG 1009. As a result, the full sequence — ENG 1008, ENG 1009 (CO1), and ENG 1020 (CO2) — takes three semesters to complete the general studies written communication requirement.

ENG 1020 focuses on writing research-supported essays. A grade of C- or better is required to pass. For students who begin in ENG 1010, ENG 1010 + ENG 1001, or ENG 1008/1009, ENG 1020 is the final course needed to fulfill the written communication requirement. However, students whose test scores place them directly into ENG 1020 must also complete a CO3 course to satisfy the requirement. See the CO2 + CO3 Option below for details.

Students who are eligible by test scores may take ENG 1020 (CO2) first, followed by one of the following CO3 courses as a standing junior:

• ENG 2025 Reading and Writing Popular Culture (can be taken with Sophomore Standing)
• ENG 3525 Scholarly Writing
• ENG 3526 Writing in the Sciences
• ENG 3527 Professional Writing
• ARTH 2600 Reading and Writing Visual Culture
  • For Art History Majors Only
  • Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or ENG 1021 and ARTH 1500, ARTH 1600, or ARTH 1700 with “C-” or better; or permission of department
• HIS 3000 Historical Writing and Thinking
  • For History Majors Only
  • Prerequisite(s): ENG 1020 or equivalent and fulfillment of the General Studies Historical Requirement.

After passing both ENG 1020 and a CO3 course, the written communication requirement is complete. In total, this option takes two semesters. Similarly, students who transfer with ENG 1020 (CO2) credit will need to complete only the CO3.

Follow the chart below to see how many semesters and courses it will take to complete this requirement:

Placement		Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
ENG 1008 & ENG 1009		ENG 1008	ENG 1009	ENG 1020
ENG 1010 with ENG 1001		ENG 1010 with ENG 1001	ENG 1020
ENG 1010		ENG 1010	ENG 1020
ENG 1020		ENG 1020	ENG 3525 OR ENG 3526 OR ENG 3527 OR HIS 3000 (History Majors) OR ARTH 2600 (Art History Majors) (Must be taken as a standing junior or later)

No. CO3 courses must be taken as a standing junior or later. These courses focus on writing in your major field of study. Because of this focus, students benefit most from taking them after gaining some experience in upper-division courses related to their major.

No, professors cannot enroll students above the course limit. Instead, waitlists for writing classes are managed by the English Office, not individual professors. The enrollment cap of 22 students per first-year writing class is firm. Because small class sizes support both teaching effectiveness and student success, no exceptions are made.

When a seat becomes available in a First Year Writing course, students on the waitlist receive an email in the order they joined. Each student then has 24 hours to enroll before the seat is offered to the next person. Additionally, students may only waitlist for one section per course. Before joining a waitlist, check whether other sections of the same course have open seats — particularly if you are considering an online section. Waitlists with fewer students (0–3) offer the best chance of securing a spot. If new sections are added to the schedule, all waitlisted students for that course are notified by email with enrollment information. Seats in these new sections are first-come, first-served.

Prerequisite errors can occur for several reasons. If you encounter one, contact the English Department with your student ID number. We can then help troubleshoot the issue so you can register successfully.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 303-615-1800

Visit the English Placement Testing website and complete the Directed Self Placement.

If you have taken a writing course at another college and would like it evaluated for course equivalency, email an unofficial transcript to [email protected]. The transcript must include:

• Your name
• The writing course name
• The semester it was taken
• The grade received

If possible, also include the course catalog description and a copy of the syllabus from that institution. This additional information allows the English Department to complete the evaluation more efficiently.

Email [email protected] and attach a PDF copy of your unofficial score report from the College Board website. The report should include:

• Your name
• Test date
• Test scores

Once received, the English Department can evaluate your scores and provide the appropriate prerequisite override. However, you will still need to submit official scores at msudenver.edu/admissions/sendit to receive credit on your student account.

The writing placement provides the recommended first-year writing course. While that recommendation is strongly encouraged, it is possible to enroll in a different course. If you would like to select an alternative, email [email protected] for instructions on updating your recommended course before registering.

If you did not earn the required grade, you must repeat the course to meet the requirement. After a third unsuccessful attempt, contact the English Department for permission to register again and to discuss your success plan. Specific strategies can make a significant difference when retaking a course.

In addition, the MSU Denver Writing Center offers valuable support at every stage of the writing process. Writing Center staff are available for both in-person and virtual appointments.