Getting started on a top-tier master’s degree isn’t as hard as you think! The new WashU Engineering Graduate Connect Program, offered by KSE Global and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), offers students the chance to join a STEM master’s degree program at WashU, a top-20 U.S. university—in a more accessible, flexible, and cost-effective way than ever before.

Your Pathway to a Top-20 University

The WashU Engineering Graduate Connect Program (or “WashU Connect,” for short), allows students to take graduate engineering courses in preparation for transfer to a master's degree program at the WashU McKelvey School of Engineering. 

Students who attend the WashU Connect Program, meet GPA requirements, and complete a successful faculty interview are offered preferential admission to a WashU master's degree in either Engineering Management (MEM) or Information Systems Management (MISM), with course credits earned during the Connect Program fully transferable to their graduate degree of choice.

If you choose to pursue a master's degree other than MEM or MISM, that’s okay! WashU Connect students can also choose to apply to other McKelvey Engineering master’s degrees through the normal admissions process.

Accessible and Achievable

It can be difficult to get into a top-ranked university—especially for international students—but WashU Connect is built to expand access: the minimum GPA requirement is only 2.75 for admission to WashU Connect, and WashU Connect students need only earn a 3.0 GPA to move on to the full degree program.

Even better, you don’t have to hold a STEM bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this program! Students who have completed some STEM coursework during their undergraduate studies (even if they didn’t earn a STEM bachelor’s degree), are encouraged to apply.

Cost-Effective

Earning a master’s degree can be expensive, and WashU Connect addresses this as well: by attending the WashU Connect Summer Term (six weeks, July-August), students can save up to a full semester’s worth of time (and the associated housing/tuition fees)—by earning their degree in just one summer and two semesters, instead of three semesters.

Flexible and Supportive

The WashU Connect Program is offered in both the Summer Term and Spring Semester, creating flexible options for students at different stages of their academic journeys. Students can even join the program before completing their bachelor’s degree, an opportunity to gain significant head start in the graduate degree admissions process. The degree completion timeline is also flexible: WashU Connect students take real graduate courses and earn credits, but don’t have to commit to completing a graduate degree for up to 4 years.

The WashU Connect Program is also highly supportive for international students, offering ESL courses (non-credit bearing) to support their progress towards degree completion.

Career-Boosting

These days, STEM degrees are more valuable than ever—but WashU’s MEM and MISM degrees aren’t focused only on STEM! They’re also built to teach managerial skills, preparing students for leadership in the IT and Engineering industries. Graduates enter the workforce with a highly marketable skill set of both STEM and business expertise, making them ideal candidates for hiring managers. 

The MEM and MISM degrees’ STEM designation also means that graduates are eligible for the two-year STEM OPT extension.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a STEM master’s degree at a top-20 U.S. university, the time is now! Applications for the 2026 Summer Term are due April 13 for international students, and April 30 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents. We hope to meet you at WashU this summer!

👉 Learn More and Apply Today!