Academics

Academics

We prepare the leaders of tomorrow, enhance the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, and improve the global quality of life through groundbreaking discoveries by fostering robust collaboration between faculty and students. Our graduate students are provided with substantial financial support, allowing them time to focus on academics and participate in intellectual activities outside of the classroom. 

Degrees, Programs & Cohort Experience

Academic Forms

Explore this easy-to-find list of commonly used academic forms

View the academic forms

Degree Requirements

PhD Requirements

To earn a PhD at Washington University, a student must complete all courses required by their department/program; maintain satisfactory academic progress; pass certain examinations; fulfill residence and mentored experience requirements; write, defend, and submit a dissertation; and file an Application to Graduate form via Workday.

For university-wide PhD requirements, visit the Vice Provost for Graduate Education’s PhD Education and Governance page.

Master’s Degree Requirements

  • Complete the minimum units required; this will vary by program area
  • Meet individual program requirements (required courses, courses from specific subject areas, and additional requirements)
  • Fulfill residence requirement
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Pass an examination which tests competence in the field of study for the "without thesis" option or prepare an acceptable thesis and successfully defend it before a committee of no fewer than 3 faculty members for the "with thesis" option

Any master's degree program can require a master's thesis, make the thesis optional or decline to offer a thesis option.

REVIEW ALL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Mentored Experiences

Arts & Sciences graduate students can pursue Mentored Teaching Experiences (LGS 600) and Mentored Professional Experiences (LGS 603) through their departments. 

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