The following policies and deadlines apply to all WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) undergraduate degree, non-degree and certificate programs. Admissions requirements for each are listed separately.
Application Deadlines
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take less than a week once an application is fully submitted and all supporting documents have been received. Applicants must submit all materials by the following dates:
Degree seeking:
- Fall: July 31
- Spring: November 30
- Summer: April 30
Non-Degree Seeking:
- Fall: August 15
- Spring: January 2
- Summer: May 15
The online application is available online HERE. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and submitted, the application fee has been paid and any additional required materials have been received. Applications are good for up to one year (3 terms). After that time, applicants must reapply.
All applicants are required to submit a non-refundable application fee at the time of application:
– Domestic applicants: $50
– International applicants: $100
Applicants should speak with a CAPS Representative regarding preparation for specific certificates or courses. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.
Pre-nursing non-degree study allows students to fulfill prerequisites for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program at another college or university. No CAPS credentials will be awarded and no financial aid is available for this program. Applicants who are interested in earning an Associate in Arts with a pre-nursing focus should see the requirements for an Associate’s Degree admission below. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.
Applicants to an associate in arts program must have at least six credits of transferable college coursework and a GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The associate in arts program is only available to WashU employees, spouses and individuals who can submit proof of membership in specific partner programs.
Applicants to the bachelor’s degree program must have at least 45 credits of transferable coursework (these credits can include credits previously completed through CAPS) and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. These credits may include courses already completed toward an associate’s degree. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement should speak with a CAPS Representative.
Applicants for the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program must be admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in CAPS; complete a minimum of 90 units toward the Bachelor of Science degree, including transfer credit, with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average; complete a minimum of 15 units of undergraduate coursework in CAPS, at least 12 of which must be at the advanced level (3000- and 4000-level courses), with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average; complete a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program application for contingent admission; submit a Statement of Intent of no more than one page describing why this degree pathway was chosen and outlining future goals; submit a writing sample consisting of a 10- to 12-page research paper with citations and references; and submit two letters of recommendation, including at least one academic recommendation.
Non-degree enrollment is intended for students pursuing personal or professional development, as well as those taking courses to strengthen their preparation for future degree admission. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.
Statement of Admissions Conduct
WashU is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct as an integral part of its mission, the promotion of learning. To achieve this goal, the university relies on each community member’s ethical behavior, honesty, integrity and good judgment. Each community member should demonstrate respect for the rights of others. Each community member is accountable for his/her actions. Therefore, an offer of admission and a student’s enrollment at the university are contingent upon the accurate and complete representation of information within the application for admission, as well as the successful completion of their current studies. Applicants are obligated to notify the university of any changes in the information provided or responses submitted as part of their application. WashU reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission or revoke a student’s enrollment at any time if the university receives information that, in the university’s sole judgment and discretion, indicates that the information provided in the application is inaccurate or misleading or if new information leads the university to determine that a student is no longer a positive presence for study or participation in our community.
Application Requirements
Official Transcripts
Transcripts of all prior college-level work are required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to CAPS. Electronic transcripts should be sent to CAPS@wustl.edu.
Proof of High School Completion.
Applicants with fewer than 45 hours of transferable college-level credit are required to provide official transcripts or verification of high school completion, submitted directly from the issuing high school.
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.
Statement of Intent
Applicants must write a one-page Statement of Intent explaining your interests and goals in your chosen field of study.
Resume (optional)
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
Students seeking to enter the U.S on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in programs that are full-time and meet the minimum in-person enrollment requirements each semester. For eligibility requirements, please visit https://oiss.washu.edu/student-status-options/. For enrollment requirements, please visit https://oiss.washu.edu/student-enrollment-requirements/.
In addition, students residing outside the U.S. are not permitted to enroll in fully online programs with CAPS.
Many of CAPS programs are offered online, with limited in person options. If you wish to study with CAPS, please connect with a Student Success Navigator prior to applying to ensure you meet eligibility requirements.