PHASE A: Foundation (Years 1 and 2)
Year One (13 required credits)
Year I requirements include an introductory sequence that teaches writing, the framework of interdisciplinary study, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as multiple Beyond Boundaries courses.
- Beyond Boundaries Seminar (1 credit) (Fall)
- College Writing (3 credits) (Fall)
- First-Year Bear Bridge Course (3 credits) (Spring)
- Beyond Boundaries Courses (6 credits) (Fall & Spring)
Year Two (point-based system)
During their second year, students will matriculate into their chosen school and declare a major in the spring as is typical of undergraduate students. Beyond Boundaries students will take a majority of their classes within their academic division during their second year but will also be involved in the second year of the program, which involves a less-structured curriculum to ensure they are able to fulfill their major and school-specific requirements.
Components of year two will include choosing from multiple…
- Interdisciplinary Courses (within their chosen school)
- Weekend Topic-based Problem-solving Seminars
- Co-curricular Service Opportunities
- Lecture Series (university-wide by prominent scholars, businesspersons, and advocates)
- Spring Break Opportunities
- Networking and Community-building Events
- Discussion Participation (on interdisciplinary lectures on campus)
These various opportunities are designed to allow students the flexibility to achieve their academic and co-curricular goals beyond the Beyond Boundaries Program, while keeping them connected to the program community.
Students who complete Year One and Two of the Beyond Boundaries Program receive a milestone notation on their transcript. Students may opt to continue this program into their third and fourth year.
Students accepted into the Beyond Boundaries Program prior to matriculation at Washington University can automatically continue into Year Three and Four of the program.
Click here for a more detailed description of our points based system.
PHASE B: Focus (Years 3 and 4)
Year Three (point-based system)
Year Three will also be open to incoming third-year students who did not start their time at Washington University as a part of the program. These students must apply to join the program at this point and will be selected for participation based on their demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary study and problem-solving.
Year Three is flexible and similar to Year Two in its requirement-based system. Students can fulfill these requirements through a combination of multiple…
- Upper-level interdisciplinary coursework
- Select courses in the graduate and professional schools
- Co-curricular service and community-building activities
- Meaningful study-abroad opportunities
The program offers students exposure to information about career and educational paths they might be interested in pursuing after graduation.
Year Four
Interdisciplinary Capstone Project or Collaborative Capstone co-advised by two faculty to offer multiple disciplinary perspectives on their work and close faculty mentorship.