Certificate in Somatic Studies

Certificates 

Somatic practices promote integrated personal development by training students in processes for mindful, embodied living; they complement disciplines of inquiry and knowledge related to the human body and mind. Although these disciplines are relatively new to Western thought, somatic practices are recognized in numerous ancient and contemporary cultures not only as beneficial to physical health but also as methods for the cultivation of the mind and the discovery of knowledge. Such experience may inform and complement knowledge in such areas as biology, neuroscience, physics, psychology, philosophy, anthropology and religious studies. Somatic practices also have applied value in professions such as education, performing arts, athletics, medicine and physical therapy.

The Certificate in Somatic Studies offers a diverse spectrum of established movement processes aimed at self-development, with courses taught by certified instructors in their respective disciplines. With the coordinator’s approval, a maximum of 3 units of course work from other disciplines may be applied to the Certificate in Somatic Studies.

Admission Requirements

There are no formal requirements for admission to undergraduate certificates. Students should speak with an academic advisor regarding their preparation for specific certificates or courses.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

International students interested in the certificate programs must hold a visa that permits part-time study (including F-2 and J-2 visas).  Students holding  F-1 visas are not eligible for these programs.  Students holding a B-2 visa may be eligible if the coursework is recreational or avocational in nature.

NOTE: The School of Continuing & Professional Studies is designed for students with adult responsibilities who may require part-time and flexible course schedules. Current high school students and recent graduates seeking a traditional WashU college experience should apply through the undergraduate admissions office: admissions.wustl.edu.

Application Requirements
Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take three to five business days.  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:

  • Summer 2024: April 30, 2024
  • Fall 2024: July 31, 2024
  • Spring 2025: Dec. 31, 2024
Completed Application Form

The online application is available on our Apply page. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and the required documents have been received.

Enrolling in UWashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)

We are here for you every step. Getting started at CAPS is easy.

1. Meet with a Recruiter
2. Start Your Application
  • Applying is easy, and our advisors are here to help you find the path that fits your needs. Apply Today!
3. Plan Ahead

Take a course today. Apply later.

At CAPS, students can take courses without applying to a degree program. If you are interested in taking a class to get to know CAPS, to fulfill credits, for professional development, or to follow a passion, the non-degree option is for you. Learn more.

Course Work

REQUIRED COURSES: 15 UNITS

The program is composed of a minimum of 15 credit units of course work, including the required 2-unit course Introduction to Somatic Practices (U31 285), which is an introductory survey of a variety of practices offered in the program, complemented by lectures on related disciplines such as biology, philosophy and psychology.

Students choose an additional 13 units from the courses noted below according to their individual interests and goals. With the coordinator’s approval, a maximum of 3 units of other course work, including courses from other disciplines, may be applied to the Certificate in Somatic Studies.

Note: Courses that apply to the Certificate in Somatic Studies must be taken for a letter grade. If a course is offered as pass/fail only, certificate candidates should inform the instructor and contact the registrar to verify that they are registered for graded credit.

  • Body Conditioning (U31 104)
  • Topics in Dance: Alexander Technique (U31 110)
  • Beginning T’ai Chi Ch’uan I (U31 115)
  • Beginning T’ai Chi Ch’uan II (U31 116)
  • Body-Mind Balance (U31 119)
  • Yoga and Relaxation Techniques (U31 120)
  • Dance Workshop (U21 157)
  • Introduction to Authentic Movement & Body-Mind Integration (U31 176)
  • Introduction to Pilates (U31 208)
  • Awareness Through Movement: The Feldenkrais Method (U31 209)
  • Contact Improvisation (U31 212)
  • Intermediate Yoga (U31 220)
  • Mind Body Movement: Yoga and Pilates (U31 221)
  • Introduction to Somatic Practices — Required (U31 285)
  • Movement for Writers (U31 290)
  • Creative Dance Movement for Grades K-5 (U31 324)
  • Special Studies in Somatics (U31 385)
  • Topics in Dance: Dance Movement Therapy (U31 423)
  • Applied Anatomy for the Performing Artist (U31 430)
  • Somatic Awareness Approaches I: Somatic Psychology (U31 433)

Contact Us

Contact us today to see how CAPS can work for you.

Student Success Navigators

Every CAPS student is paired with a Student Success Navigator at the time of admission to help you navigate your path and needs. We will provide you with the tools to make each moment spent on your education as valuable as possible. Students will receive:

  • individual appointments with an experienced Student Success Navigator;
  • career planning services to prepare you for opportunities after graduation;
  • a partner throughout your journey to ensure success.

HOURS
Student Success Navigators are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.