Once a student has been admitted to the Brown School, they are considered “Prime” to the Brown School in the degree program to which they are admitted. Every admitted student is required to follow the enrollment policies as set by the Brown School.
A student pursuing an MSW/MPH, MSW/MSP or MPH/MSP degree is considered a dual degree student and they remain Prime to the Brown School through the duration of their program. Typically dual degree students are Prime to the MSW program during the first year of study, Prime to the MPH program for the second year, and a semester each in the third year. Similarly, students in the MSP dual-degree program typically alternate their coursework with the MSP being the second year. Some students add MSP on at the end of the MSW or MPH program of study.
Students who are seeking degrees in more than one program with one program outside of the Brown School are classified as joint degree students. Joint degree students are designated Prime to a school or program depending on enrollment and the agreement of each school. Students may contact the Registrar’s Office of either school for clarification.
Student IDs are coded to a student’s Prime program. Being Prime to the Brown School affords a student evening and weekend access to Brown School buildings. Joint degree students who are Prime to another Washington University program in any given semester will have their IDs coded to allow access to Brown School Buildings. Joint degree students with building access concerns should contact the Office of the Brown School Registrar.
A student’s Prime semester designation determines how tuition and fees are assessed, as well as scholarship eligibility. Tuition varies between the Social Work, Public Health, and Social Policy programs in the Brown School and among the various graduate and professional schools at Washington University.
When dual degree students are prime to the MSW program, they are assessed tuition and fees according to the MSW tuition structure. They are also eligible to receive MSW scholarships. When dual degree students are prime to the MPH program, they are assessed tuition and fees according to the MPH tuition structure. They are also eligible to receive MPH scholarships. When dual degree students are prime to the MSP program, they are assessed tuition and fees according to the MSP tuition structure. They are also eligible to receive MSP scholarships. A dual degree student cannot receive scholarships from both programs in a single semester.
During semesters that joint degree students are Prime to their Brown School program, they are assessed tuition according to their Brown School Program’s tuition and fee structure. They are also eligible to receive their scholarships from the Brown School. During semester that joint degree students are Prime to another Washington University school or partner University, they are assessed tuition according to the program’s tuition and fee structure and are eligible to receive scholarships from the partner program. A joint degree student cannot receive scholarships from both programs in a single semester.
Students who meet the following criteria are considered full time:
Fall and Spring Semesters:
- Enrolled in 9 or more credit hours of coursework, which may include practicum credits, or
- Enrolled in 3 or more credit hours of practicum
Please refer to the Registrar’s page for Fall and Spring semester enrollment caps.
Summer Semesters:
- Enrolled in 6 or more credits hours of coursework which may include practicum credits, or
- Enrolled in 3 or more credit hours of practicum
International students must maintain full-time status.
Students adding another degree after matriculation will adhere to the credit enrollment caps for the new degree for the year in which they start the new degree.
Full-time status at the Brown School allows students to enroll in University health insurance, and to obtain a Metro U-Pass.
The Brown School does not have any formal part-time degree seeking programs; however, a student is part-time under the following enrollment criteria:
Fall and Spring Semesters:
- Enrolled in 4.5 or more, but fewer than 9, credit hours of coursework, or
- Enrolled in 2 or fewer credit hours of practicum
Summer Semesters:
- Enrolled in 3 – 5 credit hours of coursework, or
- Enrolled in 2 or fewer credit hours of practicum
If a student drops below full-time status in the Fall or Spring semesters, the student will be ineligible for their Brown School scholarship until they are once again enrolled full-time. If, however, Student Health Services or Disability Resources approves a student for a reduced course load, the student can receive a portion of their scholarship as long as they maintain part-time enrollment at the Brown School.
Part-time status at the Brown School does not allow students to enroll in University health insurance, nor to obtain a Metro U-Pass and may affect financial aid and/or scholarships.
A student who is in their final semester at the Brown School, has filed their Intent to Graduate form on WebSTAC, but is not enrolled with full–time status, may wish to maintain their health insurance and transportation benefits. These students are eligible to request Residency Status by contacting the Brown School’s Office of the Registrar, who will complete a Residency Status audit.
If Residency Status is granted, the student will incur a $125.00 Residency Status Fee, which entitles the student the right to be enrolled for health insurance and receive a Metro U-Pass.
Brown School scholarships require full-time enrollment to maintain eligibility. However, if the student is approved for Residency Status, this status will be sufficient for the student to receive the scholarship funds.
The Brown School defers to Washington University policy regarding employee/student status.
It is the responsibility of the employee/student to refer to their department of employment and consult with their appropriate Human Resources representatives regarding University benefits, the Employee Tuition Assistance program, and any information related to earnings and employee/student taxation, such as student FICA exemptions. Individuals should seek the counsel of an informed tax preparer or adviser regarding potential employee/student tax implications.