To graduate from BMCC, you need to register for and successfully complete one specially designated Writing Intensive course section. WI courses are more than “writing a lot.” They promote critical thinking and deeper learning of course topics. Many students take multiple sections of WI to help them develop their academic skills to prepare for transfer.
There are many WI course sections offered in a wide variety of disciplines and majors. Be sure to choose Writing Intensive in the Course Attribute and Course Attribute Value fields in CUNYfirst Course Search. Then click on the course to get a list of WI sections of the course—they will have a “W” at the end of the section number. For example, SOC 100-501W is a Writing Intensive section of Introduction to Sociology. Note: WI sections are not offered in January/Winter session.
Searching for WI Classes: The Basics
Searching for WI Classes: How to Find Classes that Fit My Major Pathways Needs
Writing Intensive course sections will have a W at the end of the course section number. They also include a section on the syllabus that says, What Makes this a Writing Intensive Course? At the beginning of the semester, check for this because if your syllabus does not have this, you are notin a WI course section.
Not sure if you completed your WI requirement? Go to www.cuny.edu and log on to DegreeWorks,which uses the same log in as CUNYfirst. There, you will find your BMCC academic record, including what courses you have taken and what you still need to graduate. At the top, you will see if the Writing Intensive requirement has been satisfied or if you still need to take a WI course section. DegreeWorks is a great way to check your progress, including your GPA.
Try to take your WI course early in your BMCC career for the most choice and flexibility for your course of study and schedule. Depending on your major, e.g. Nursing, you may need to take the WI when fulfilling Gen Ed requirements. There are no WI sections in January/Winter sessionand Fall/Spring semesters offer the best selection. Register early—WI sections fill up fast!
Students entering with a Bachelor’s degree or higher (from a U.S. university) will automatically receive WI credit. Transfer students can apply for credit to be applied for WI or WI-equivalent courses taken at other colleges through the WAC Program—get more info from your academic advisor. We still recommend choosing WI sections for making your writing and critical thinking skills even stronger, especially if you plan to attend graduate or professional programs.
- WI courses use the writing process to help students master course material and improve their writing skills.
- WAC Newsletters
