Accelerated Programs

Get Your Degree Faster
WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) has a range of courses and programs shaped to fit each student's schedule and goals. Students may choose from the options below, and, as they browse the semester's course listings, they can also search for "Half" term and "Intersession" courses.

ACTRAC

Students wanting to advance more quickly toward their degree can do so with the Accelerated Track program (ACTRAC). Eligible WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) students may enroll in courses that carry the ACTRAC option. By completing additional coursework prescribed by the instructor, students earn 4 credits for each ACTRAC course rather than the usual 3 credits. By taking ACTRAC courses, students can reduce the total number of courses they must take before they graduate.

Program Requirements

Eligible students must:

  • Be admitted to a CAPS undergraduate degree program
  • Have successfully completed at least 12 credits in CAPS
  • Have completed an English composition course at CAPS with a grade of B or better
  • Have a 3.0 minimum grade point average
  • Have written approval from a CAPS student success navigator (advisor)

Once approved, students register and pay for 4 credits for each ACTRAC course. The ACTRAC option must be chosen at the beginning of the semester, and it is not available to WashU day students.

The "extra credit" work is determined by the instructor and will normally include extra reading, writing and research.

Combined Bachelor's & Master's Degree

The Combined Bachelor's & Master's Degree Program at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is designed for students who wish to pursue rigorous and accelerated study that will lead to both a Bachelor of Science and either a Master of Arts or Master of Science in areas of study for which there are degree programs at CAPS.

Program Requirements

  • Formal admission to CAPS
  • Completion of a minimum of 135 units of coursework, undergraduate and graduate, including all residency requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree
  • Completion of all requirements in the student’s graduate program, including a final written project where required, in accordance with all academic policies and procedures for undergraduate and graduate study in CAPS and/or the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
  • A maximum of 15 to 18 units of graduate coursework (depending on the specific MA program) at the 4000 and 5000 levels may count toward requirements for both the graduate degree and as unrestricted electives for the undergraduate degree.
  • Students must continue their master’s degree coursework in the semester (fall or spring) immediately following completion of the bachelor’s degree. 

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