Arts & Sciences offers transfer enrollment in the fall semester.

The typical semester at Washington University consists of 15 units, or 5 courses. Thus, students transferring at the beginning of the sophomore year can expect to take approximately 30 courses in residence and students transferring at the beginning of the junior year can expect to take approximately 20 courses in residence. In addition to the degree requirements, transfer students are required to complete a minimum of 60 units residence before they are eligible to graduate. All students are required to complete 120 total units in order to graduate.

The Arts & Sciences degree requirements are flexible, allowing students to pursue their individual interests while completing the degree. Between 10 and 15 courses are required to fulfill the general education requirements. Some courses will fulfill more than one general education requirement and some courses for the major will also fulfill general education requirements. In addition, students transferring as sophomores (24+ units) may receive waivers for 6 units, or 2 courses, of the general education requirement. Students transferring as juniors (57+ units) may receive waivers for 12 units, or 4 courses, of the general education requirement. These waivers will be based on courses taken at the student’s previous institution.

Transcripts of incoming transfer students are evaluated by the transfer advisor on an individual basis. Generally speaking, students transferring after one year at another school may count their non-WU course work toward their area requirements; however, they must complete their Integrations through courses taken at WU. (Refer to “Finding Your Path” for information on IQ Curriculum requirements.)

Students who transfer after two years at another school may count their non-WU course work toward their area requirements; additionally, they must complete two Integrations through course work taken at WU, each in a different area (HUM, NSM, SSC, LCD).

Transfer students who did not take a college writing course at their prior school will take Writing 1 in their first year at WU. Students who did take such a course may be eligible to submit a writing portfolio to the Writing Program for evaluation. The Program Director will review the portfolio to determine if the Writing 1 requirement has been satisfied or if the student must complete additional writing course work. Please review the University Writing Requirement for Transfer Students for more information.

NOTE: The portfolio eligibility form, available online, must be submitted prior to matriculation.

For more information on transferring to Washington University, please visit the Office of Admissions and the First Year Center.