Associate in Arts Degree

UNDERGRADUATE 

The Associate in Arts degree is open only to WashU employees and partner program students.

The Associate in Arts degree (AA) provides a framework for understanding the disciplines and skills of a liberal arts degree, a foundation for further study at the bachelor’s degree level, and an initial academic credential required for career advancement. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete the equivalent of two years of undergraduate study.

The courses completed for the degree count toward all Bachelor of Science degree programs at the WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS). Students preparing for a career in nursing are encouraged to meet with an advisor to select courses that meet admission requirements for Bachelor of Science nursing degree programs.

Fully-Online Option

At CAPS, we understand adult students may need more flexibility to work around busy schedules. Available 100% online or in-person, our Associate in Arts degree was designed to be a flexible option for busy professionals. 

Students who decide to complete the Associate in Arts program online will select a concentration in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Professional Studies. Courses are selected from multiple departments within those areas rather than in a single department. Students interested in the Math and Science concentration will need to take some courses on-campus.  

Admission Requirements
6 Units Of Transferable College-level Course Work
  • At least six units of transferable college-level course work; or 
  • at least six units of course work taken at CAPS and proof of high school completion, General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency (HSE).
2.7 Minimum GPA

Note: CAPS 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

Below is a list of requirements for an application to the Associate in Arts degree at CAPS. Applications will be reviewed once all requirements are received.

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.

Transcripts

Official (issued directly from the college or WashU) or unofficial (student-issued) copies of transcripts from the three most recent years of college-level work. If you have fewer than six units of transferable credit or CAPS course work, then proof of high school completion, General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency (HSE) must be submitted. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to the WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies. Electronic transcripts should be forwarded to washucaps@wustl.edu. For transcript questions, please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Patricia Agnew, at paagnew@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), Spantran or another member institution of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For Spantran evaluations, you must use this form

Personal Essay

Tell us about yourself in a brief essay (about 250 words). Why are you applying to WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies? What are your goals, both academic and professional? Is there additional information we should know about you when considering your application?

TOEFL/IELTS Scores (if applicable)

All international students are required to submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores at the time of application. The TOEFL iBT and IELTS may be waived for applicants who, immediately prior to their application for admission, have done both of the following:

  • Lived for three years or longer in the United States or another country where English is the primary language of daily life (e.g. Canada or United Kingdom).
  • Completed three or more years of study at a college or university which is located in that country and where the language of instruction is English.

This policy applies to all international students, even those who have earned a degree from a United States college or university.

If an applicant moves away from an English-speaking country after living and studying there for three years or more, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores are then required for admission. 

Changes to the English Language Proficiency Requirements (2022–23)
Effective March 23, 2022, if an applicant is unable to take the TOEFL iBT or the IELTS, they may document their efforts to take the tests, contact the CAPS Admissions, and request the Duolingo, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, or TOEFL iBT Home Edition as exceptions. 

International student application deadlines & fees

Additional TOEFL and IELTS information for international students adversely affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the CAPS International Student Information webpage.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

International students interested in undergraduate 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.

Enrolling in WashU 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

BASIC REQUIREMENTS*: 15 UNITS

  • Analytical Writing (U11 111)
  • Critical and Researched Writing (U11 203)
  • One course in numerical applications
  • One course in moral reasoning
  • One course in cultural diversity

* These Basic Requirements are effective as of Summer 2019. Students admitted to this program prior to Summer 2019 are expected to fulfill the requirements in place at the time of their admission. Questions about required course work? Please contact your advisor.

DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS: 18 UNITS

18 units, six units in each distribution area noted below. Each distribution area must include course work from at least two disciplines. (Courses that satisfy the numerical applications, moral reasoning and cultural diversity Basic Requirements may also count toward Distribution Requirements.)

  • Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS: 18 UNITS

  • Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, others with authorization
  • Social Sciences (online option available): Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Women and Gender Studies, others with authorization
  • Humanities (online option available): Classics, History, Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Art History, others with authorization
  • Professional Studies (online option available): Business, Communications, Journalism, Health Care, Clinical Research Management, Sustainability, others with authorization
    • Note: Business and Forensic Psychology certificates could be used to complete the majority of the Professional Studies area (15/18 units).

ELECTIVES: 9 UNITS

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.