WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) offers two different Associate in Arts (AA) programs for pre-nursing students:
- The original Associate in Arts (AA) in Pre-Nursing is for modern learners who wish to earn an AA and potentially to continue on to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at any of the schools that offer that program. (The top half of this page shares details about this AA.)
- As of Fall 2026, CAPS also offers high school graduates a second option: completing an Associate in Arts: Direct Admit Nursing Career Pathway, a joint program offered by CAPS in partnership with the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing. (Scroll to the second half of this page for details about this program).
Associate in Arts in Pre-Nursing
The Associate in Arts (AA) in Pre-Nursing provides the opportunity for modern learners to complete the prerequisites required to continue on to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program while earning an associate's degree. The pre-nursing curriculum provides learners with an ideal foundation for their professional studies: strong communication skills, practical analytical and problem-solving abilities, an appreciation for complex ethical questions, and an introduction to human sciences. Individuals who complete this course sequence will be well equipped to continue on to a variety of clinical nursing (BSN) programs. Applicants should consult the requirements of the BSN program they wish to attend to ensure that any specific requirements are met. The AA in Pre-Nursing requires at least 6 units of transferable credit for admission, and it is only available to WashU employees or members of our partner programs. This program is offered either fully or mostly online.
The courses completed for the Associate in Arts Degree in Pre-Nursing will count toward all Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree programs at CAPS should pre-nursing students opt to continue their studies at CAPS.
Learners interested in completing only the prerequisites for nursing schools without earning the AA should apply to our Pre-Nursing Program.
Note: Learners in the AA in Pre-Nursing program fulfill the same general education requirements as students in the AA degree program but must complete certain preselected courses.
Basic Requirements: 15 units
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CAPS-ECOMP 1110 | Analytical Writing | 3 |
| CAPS-ECOMP 2020 | Critical and Researched Writing | 3 |
| CAPS-MATH 1012 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or CAPS-MATH 2000 | Applied Statistics | |
| One course that carries the Moral Reasoning attribute. | 3 | |
| One course that carries the Cultural Diversity attribute | 3 | |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Distribution Requirements: 18 units
Learners must complete 6 units in each distribution area noted below. Each distribution area must include coursework from at least two disciplines unless otherwise noted. (Courses that satisfy the numerical applications, moral reasoning, and cultural diversity Basic Requirements may also count toward the Distribution Requirements.)
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Social Sciences:
Course List Code Title Units CAPS-PSYCH 1000 Introduction to Psychology 3 CAPS-PSYCH 2005 Human Growth and Development 3 Total Units 6 - Humanities must include the following:
Course List Code Title Units CAPS-COMM 2017 Oral Communication 3
Concentration Requirements: 18 units
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CAPS-BIO 1000 | Concepts in Biology | 3 |
| CAPS-BIO 2030 | Nutrition | 3 |
| CAPS-BIO 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CAPS-BIO 2201 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| CAPS-BIO 2800 | Microbiology for Health Professions | 4 |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Electives: 9 units
- Humanities elective (3 units)
- Social Science elective (3 units)
- General elective (3 units)
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. WashU 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).
Direct Admit Nursing Career Pathway*
The CAPS/Goldfarb Direct Admit Nursing Career Pathway is a partnership between WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) and Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing that provides high school graduates with a clear, structured route to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in as few as three years. Students enter college with a defined academic plan and the assurance of guaranteed admission to Goldfarb's Upper Division bachelor's program.**
After they graduate from high school, students are admitted to WashU CAPS, where they earn an associate in arts (AA) degree while building an academic foundation aligned with Goldfarb's nursing requirements. After successfully completing 54 credits, students finish their last 6 AA degree credits with Goldfarb and then transition directly into Goldfarb's Upper Division to complete their BSN degree. This coordinated pathway removes the uncertainty of transfer or competitive reapplication and allows students to focus on academic success and professional preparation.
This pathway is designed for motivated students who demonstrate both academic readiness and a clear commitment to nursing:
- Students with a 3.5+ GPA, weighted in science coursework (AP or IB Biology and Chemistry are recommended.)
- Students involved in HOSA, pre-med, or health-focused student organizations
- Students seeking a stable, meaningful career with a clear professional outcome
- Students motivated to begin earning sooner and to progress efficiently
- Students who value a structured pathway
This program consists of 54 to 55 units of coursework, as outlined below.
Required Courses: 43 to 46 units***
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CAPS-BIO 1000 | Concepts in Biology | 3 |
| CAPS-BIO 2030 | Nutrition | 3 |
| CAPS-BIO 2200 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CAPS-BIO 2201 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| CAPS-BIO 2800 | Microbiology for Health Professions | 4 |
| CAPS-COMM 2017 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| CAPS-ECOMP 1110 | Analytical Writing (Qualified students may test out of this course and proceed directly to ECOMP 2020. Consult a Student Success Navigator for more information.) | 3 |
| CAPS-ECOMP 2020 | Critical and Researched Writing | 3 |
| CAPS-GS 1015 | College Transition Seminar | 1 |
| CAPS-MATH 1012 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or CAPS-MATH 2000 | Applied Statistics | |
| CAPS-MATH 1040 | Algebra (or the new Math Foundations for Nursing course, coming soon!) | 3 |
| CAPS-PHIL 2040 | Biomedical Ethics | 3 |
| CAPS-PSYCH 1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| CAPS-PSYCH 2005 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CAPS-SOC 2023 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Units | 46 | |
The remaining units of credit must be taken as approved electives, at least 6 units of which must be in subjects within the humanities.
Application and Admissions Requirements for First-Time-in-College Students
First-time-in-college applicants must have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA and at least four years of study of the following subjects: English, mathematics (pre-calculus is recommended), and science (physics and/or biology is recommended, depending on the student's planned major).
First-time-in-college applicants to a bachelor's or associate's degree program should submit the following:
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcripts reflecting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment college credit
- A two-page statement of intent discussing the following:
- The applicant's background and why they are interested in the chosen field of study
- What specifically in their background has set them up for success
- Their academic and professional goals
- Two letters of recommendation:
- An academic reference; science or mathematics is strongly recommended
- A professional or personal reference that speaks to the applicant's ability to be successful
- *
Partner Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing (GSON) is located at 4483 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110. GSON accepts 54 to 55 units of credit from CAPS prior to transfer into the BSN program, and students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to qualify for transfer. CAPS receives 6 units of transfer credit from GSON toward the completion of the AA.
- **
-
This is guaranteed, but it is contingent upon meeting requirements.
- ***
After the student completes a writing assessment, it may be determined that they need to take the 1-credit Writing Lab and/or the 1-credit Reading Comprehension support courses concurrently with Analytical Writing.