Below is a list of general requirements for an application to any WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) graduate (master’s) degree. Each graduate program may have its own set of application requirements, in addition to what is listed below. Please contact a student recruiter for more information. Applications will be reviewed once all requirements are received.
Application Deadlines
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take one to two weeks. An application is incomplete and will not be reviewed until all of the application requirements have been received or processed. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by the following dates:
Domestic students:
- Fall 2024: July 31, 2024
- Spring 2025: Nov. 30, 2024
- Summer 2025: April 30, 2025
International students:
- Fall 2024: March 1, 2024
- Spring 2025: Aug. 1, 2024
- Summer 2025: Not applicable
The application is available online HERE. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and all application requirements are received.
Official Transcripts
Admission to a graduate degree program must include a minimum GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, cumulatively, or in the last 60 hours of coursework. Contact a student recruiter to discuss options for contingent admission, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement.
Transcripts are required from each institution that you have attended and taken courses, received your bachelor’s degree, taken post-graduate courses, or where a higher-level degree was conferred. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school’s registrar to CAPS. Electronic transcripts should be forwarded to CAPS@wustl.edu.
Non-United States course work transcript verification
If the transcript you submit for consideration is from a college or university outside the United States, a course-by-course transcript evaluation is also required. Evaluations will be accepted from World Education Services (WES), or other member institution of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For The Evaluation Company (TEC) evaluations, you must use this form.
Professional Statement
Applicants must write a two-page essay describing their interests and goals as they relate to their field of interest and address the topics below:
- What are your career interests and goals as they relate to the major field of study?
- How has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study in your major field of interest?
- What are the academic and professional strengths that you can bring to the profession? How have these been demonstrated in the past?
- If your GPA is below the required GPA for admission, what else should we consider in the evaluation process?
Two Letters of Recommendation
A college instructor and/or a current or previous supervisor should provide your letters of recommendation. Letters can be submitted through the online application HERE, or mailed by the recommender to:
WashU Continuing & Professional Studies
11 N. Jackson Ave.
Suite 1000
MSC 1085-414-20
St. Louis, MO 63105
Writing Sample
Some graduate programs require a writing sample. The writing sample will typically be academic in nature, research-based, and will address topics relevant to your major field of study. Please contact a student recruiter for additional information and to find out if this is a requirement for your desired program.
Resume (optional)
A current resume reflecting your professional experience may be helpful but is not required.
International Students
English Language Proficiency
WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program. View the WashU English Language Proficiency requirements HERE.
US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen
This program is offered either mostly or fully online. Students entering the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in a program full time. F-1 students are only permitted to enroll in one online course per semester and J-1 students may only enroll in non-credit online courses that do not count toward their degree program. CAPS cannot guarantee face-to-face enrollment options each semester of full time enrollment, therefore cannot issue an I-20 or DS 2019 to F-1 and J-1 students for this program. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and wish to enroll in a CAPS program while here on a Visa, please contact our recruitment team to discuss your options for face-to-face program enrollment. F-1 and J-1 students should not enroll in online courses or programs without first consulting the university’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS).
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Effective summer 2025, those seeking to enroll in graduate-level courses outside of a formal degree program must apply for admission to CAPS as a graduate non-degree seeking student. Please contact a student recruiter to learn more about application requirements for this status.