OSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The university’s 2019 report to the NWCCU indicates how central writing is to academic and professional success for all students, across all fields.

The report mentions five areas of the curriculum that support student’s critical thinking and writing:

  • Writing I
  • Writing II
  • Courses on Contemporary Global Issues
  • Courses on Science, Technology, and Society
  • WIC courses, taken in students’ majors

The report conclusion highlights the particular importance of critical thinking and writing when it states that:

In addition to providing access to affordable higher learning through multiple pathways, OSU is committed to delivering liberal education with a focus on critical thinking, writing, cultural understanding and service to others. (p. 330)

Writing is also key in accreditation for programs in many fields.