First-Year Programs are courses specifically designed for first-year students that allow you to explore big questions, build meaningful relationships, and uncover new academic passions. There are several different kinds of First-Year Programs, including Ampersand Programs, First-Year Seminars, First-Year Opportunities, and Beyond Boundaries courses.

No. First-Year Programs are optional, though highly recommended. We encourage all Arts & Sciences students to consider a First-Year Program, as they are a great way to explore new interests, create lasting relationships with a community of other peers, and work closely with faculty.

We recommend thinking about where you want to go on your academic journey and what you want to learn. Consider using these guiding questions to narrow and select which First-Year Programs you rank during sign-up: 

• What am I curious about?
• How do I want to impact the world?
• What areas would I like to develop skills and knowledge in?
• What subjects am I eager to learn about that haven’t yet been part of my academic experience?

All admitted first-year Arts & Sciences students may sign up to participate in a First-Year Program during Priority and General Sign-Up, which take place in advance of regular registration. All other first-year WashU students are able to register for a First-Year Program during regular registration in July. Ampersand Programs are generally limited to Arts & Sciences students only.

Yes! All admitted first-year Arts & Sciences students may sign-up to participate in a First-Year Program during Priority and General Sign-Up. All other first-year WashU students are able to register for a First-Year Program during regular registration in July.

Yes, but you will register for a First-Year Program during regular registration in July, not during the Priority or General Sign-Up periods. Admitted first-year Arts & Sciences students may sign up for just one First-Year Program in advance of regular registration. Because you’re already in Beyond Boundaries, you’ll have to wait to sign up for additional First-Year Programs courses until regular registration.

Visit the Sign-Up page to to learn about the sign-up process.

Experiential learning refers to hands-on learning that connects course concepts to real-world experiences. Depending on the program, this might include research projects, site visits, service-learning activities, or study travel. Specific experiential components vary by program and will be introduced by faculty once the fall semester begins. We encourage students to choose a program based on their interests and curiosity.

First-Year Program courses will work with your schedule. First-Year Seminars and First-Year Opportunities are one course. Most Ampersand Programs consist of one course per semester, though some include two. We recommend first choosing a First-Year Program that fits your interests and helps you to explore. Then, with your Four-Year Academic Advisor, you will be able to build a schedule that works for you!

Yes. All classes in these programs go towards one or more A&S degree requirements.

Yes. All First-Year Programs courses carry academic credit, though the number of units depends on the program type.

Ampersand Programs consist of a minimum of two 3-unit courses taken across the academic year. Some programs also include mandatory 1-credit workshops. First-Year Seminars are 3-unit courses completed in one semester. First-Year Opportunities are 1–2 units, depending on the course. Beyond Boundaries courses are 3-unit courses completed in one semester. 

Students are not required to continue to participate in an Ampersand Program beyond the first year.