School of Continuing & Professional Studies
WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is the professional and continuing education division at Washington University in St. Louis. The division offers a wide range of courses in a variety of interdisciplinary and professional areas of study. Part-time and full-time study options in undergraduate degree programs, master's degree programs, and certificate programs are available. CAPS is also home to the WashU Prison Education Project (PEP), which offers credit-bearing college courses and degrees to incarcerated students at two regional Missouri prisons. For more information, visit the School of Continuing & Professional Studies website.
Since 1931, WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) has been a cornerstone of career advancement and professional development in the St. Louis region. Their mission is to empower modern learners—those balancing education with work and personal responsibilities—with flexible, high-quality educational pathways to career success.
CAPS offers a variety of degree and certificate programs tailored to meet the demands of the regional job market. The dynamic curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensures students gain the skills and knowledge employers are seeking. Whether a student is looking to upskill, reskill, or achieve a new qualification, CAPS's programs provide the practical, career-focused education they need to thrive.
Flexible learning options—including online courses, hybrid programs, and in-person classes—allow students to pursue their educational goals on their terms. CAPS is committed to supporting students' success with a range of resources and personalized advising. With the support of dedicated instructors, recruiters, student success navigators, and career specialists, students will have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Undergraduate Study
WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) awards Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies (BSIS) degrees to all and, to WashU employees, Associate in Arts degrees, in a range of interdisciplinary areas of study. Students may also select individual courses from many different academic departments and programs housed in CAPS. Undergraduate certificate programs for professional and personal development are also available. Please visit the School of Continuing & Professional Studies website or call 314-935-6700 for more detailed information, requirements and policies concerning specific undergraduate degree and certificate programs.
Admission
The admissions policies and procedures at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) reflect the special circumstances of part-time modern learners and vary by academic program. Students seeking admission to an undergraduate degree or certificate program should connect with CAPS to discuss their goals prior to submitting an application for admission. Formal admission is required of all students seeking undergraduate degrees or academic certificates at CAPS.
Admission to a bachelor's degree program requires at least 45 transferrable credits or 45 letter-graded credits completed in CAPS and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in prior college work. These credits may include courses already completed toward an associate's degree. CAPS students in an associate's degree (AA) program have the opportunity for streamlined admission to a CAPS bachelor's degree program. In their final semester of study for the AA, these students may request to continue into a bachelor's degree program and will be eligible to do so with a cumulative CAPS GPA of 2.0 or higher. This admission will be contingent on the successful completion of the associate's degree.
Coursework with a letter grade of C or above may be considered for transfer.
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 the bachelor's degree program.
Undergraduate Student Success Navigators will review each applicant's academic record. If the cumulative GPA across all transcripts is 2.7 or above, the applicant will be admitted. If the cumulative GPA is 2.7 or above with work older than 10 years excluded, the applicant will be admitted. If the cumulative GPA is below 2.7 by these measures, the applicant will be referred to the Admissions and Progression Committee for review and may be offered contingent admission.
An applicant who is offered contingent admission to an undergraduate CAPS program has an opportunity to earn regular admission by taking 6 credits of recommended CAPS coursework during the semester of admission. The courses taken must be completed with a combined GPA of 2.7 or better and no grade below C. One of the contingent courses must be English Composition at the correct placement level, either CAPS-ECOMP 1110 Analytical Writing or CAPS-ECOMP 2020 Critical and Researched Writing. Students must take a placement writing exam and will be recommended for one of these two courses. The Admissions and Progression Committee will provide a list of options for the student to choose from for their second course. Completed courses taken to satisfy contingent admission requirements will apply to the student's degree program. Students who are admitted under contingency status are eligible to apply for federal financial aid and for CAPS need-based scholarships.
The Admission and Progression Committee will review academic progress after each fall and spring semester to determine whether a student has earned regular admission, is permitted to continue studying under contingency, or is not permitted to continue.
Admission to associate's degree programs in CAPS requires at least 6 transferable credits or 6 letter-graded credits earned in CAPS and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in prior college work.
There are no formal admissions requirements for undergraduate certificates. Students should connect with CAPS regarding their preparation for specific certificates.
For more detailed information about admission requirements for the Associate in Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree, and undergraduate certificate programs, including application forms, please visit the School of Continuing & Professional Studies website; call 314-935-6700; or visit the CAPS Office of Admissions and Student Services, located on Washington University's West Campus at 11 N. Jackson Avenue, Suite 1000, St. Louis, MO 63105-2153 (appointment required).