The following policies and deadlines apply to all undergraduate 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. Applicants must submit all materials by the following dates:
- Fall 2024: July 31, 2024
- Spring 2025: November 30, 2024
- Summer 2025: April 30, 2025
The online application is available online HERE. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and any additional required materials have been received.
There are no formal requirements for admission to undergraduate certificates for US citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older. Applicants should speak with student recruiters regarding preparation for specific certificates or courses.
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. There are no formal requirements for admission to the Pre-nursing non-degree program for US citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older. Applicants who are interested in earning an Addossicat in Arts with a pre-nursing focus should see the requirements for an Associate’s Degree admission below.
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 Washington University employees, spouses and members of partner programs.
Applicants to the bachelor’s degree program must have at least 45 credits of transferrable 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 but have significant professional experience and a thoughtful plan for career change or advancement may be offered contingent admission to a bachelor’s degree program.
Statement of Admissions Conduct
Washington University in St. Louis 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. Washington University in St. Louis 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.
Official Transcripts
Transcripts of all prior college-level work are required to apply to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program. For admission purposes, transcripts may be unofficial (issued to the student). Official transcripts (issued directly from the college or university to CAPS) are required before any transfer credit will be awarded. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to WashU – Continuing & Professional Studies. Electronic transcripts should be sent 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 SpanTran evaluations, you must use this form.
Professional Statement
Applicants to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program must write a two-page essay addressing the topics below:
- What are your career interests and goals as they relate to the field of study you have chosen? If you are pursuing a career change, what steps have you taken so far?
- How has your academic and professional background prepared you to be a student at the School of Professional & Continuing Studies?
- If applying for contingent admission for a bachelor’s degree (if your GPA is below 2.7) what else should we consider in the evaluation process? What circumstances have changed, or what will you do differently, that will enable you to succeed as a CAPS student?
Resume (optional)
A current resume reflecting your professional experience may be helpful but is not required.
International students
English Language Proficiency
Washington University 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. The School of Continuing & Professional Studies (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).