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The Columbia University School of General Studies

By Eric Eng

By Eric Eng

The Columbia University Alma Mater statue and the university library at its back.

The Columbia University School of General Studies

The Columbia University School of General Studies is a unique institution that has been providing an unparalleled education to nontraditional students for over 75 years. But what exactly is the School of General Studies, and why is it such a special place to study? In this article, we’ll dive into the history, academic offerings, admissions process, and student life at the School of General Studies to paint a picture of what it’s like to be a part of this incredible community.

A Brief History of the School of General Studies

The School of General Studies was founded in 1947 as a way to provide returning World War II veterans with a path to higher education. At the time, Columbia was an all-male institution that only accepted students fresh out of high school. The School of General Studies changed all that, offering a more flexible and inclusive curriculum that catered to students from nontraditional backgrounds.

The Founding of the School

After World War II ended, Columbia started to see a surge in applications from veterans looking to continue their education. However, the school wasn’t equipped to handle the influx of students, many of whom were older than the average college freshman. That’s when University President Dwight D. Eisenhower (who would later go on to become President of the United States) saw an opportunity to address this issue and founded the School of General Studies.

The School of General Studies was designed to cater to students who had taken time off from their education to serve in the military, or who had other life experiences that made them nontraditional students. The curriculum was more flexible than that of other schools at the time, allowing students to take courses at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Expansion and Growth Over the Years

Over the years, the Columbia University School of General Studies has continued to evolve and expand. Today, it offers undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, joint degree, and special academic programs. The school has also become more diverse, welcoming students from a wide range of backgrounds and demographics. Today, nearly half of the student body is made up of women, and a quarter of the students are international.

Columbia University of New York in winter

In recent years, the School of General Studies has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. The school has implemented a number of green initiatives, including using renewable energy sources and reducing waste.

Notable Alumni and Achievements

Despite its relatively short history, the School of General Studies has produced an impressive number of notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and high-ranking government officials. One of the school’s most famous alumni is former President Barack Obama, who transferred to Columbia as a junior in 1981 to study political science.

Other notable alumni include actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, journalist Fareed Zakaria, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The school has also produced a number of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, including the founder of JetBlue Airways and the CEO of Goldman Sachs.

Overall, the School of General Studies has had a significant impact on higher education in the United States. By offering a more flexible and inclusive curriculum, the school has helped to make college education accessible to a wider range of students, regardless of their background or life experiences.

Academic Programs and Offerings

At the School of General Studies, students have access to a wide variety of academic programs and offerings. Whether you’re looking to earn an undergraduate degree, complete a postbaccalaureate program, or pursue a joint degree with another Columbia school, there’s something for everyone here.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Columbia University School of General Studies offers a rigorous undergraduate education in the arts and sciences. Students can choose from a variety of majors, including anthropology, history, political science, and psychology, among others. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad-based education that prepares them for a range of careers and graduate study.

For example, students majoring in anthropology will learn about the evolution of human societies and cultures, as well as the methods used to study them. They will also explore contemporary issues such as globalization, environmental sustainability, and social justice. This prepares them for careers in fields such as international development, human rights advocacy, and cultural resource management.

Students majoring in history will study the past to better understand the present. They will learn about the political, economic, social, and cultural forces that have shaped human societies over time. They will also develop critical thinking and research skills that are valuable in a variety of careers, including law, journalism, and public service.

Political science majors will study the structures and processes of government and politics. They will learn about the institutions and actors that make up political systems, as well as the policies and issues that they address. This prepares them for careers in government, law, advocacy, and public service.

Columbia University Butler Library at night

Psychology majors will study the human mind and behavior. They will learn about the biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence how people think, feel, and act. They will also develop research and analytical skills that are useful in fields such as counseling, education, and business.

Postbaccalaureate Programs

The school also offers postbaccalaureate programs for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree but want to pursue additional coursework in a specific field. These programs are designed to help students prepare for graduate study or a career change. Popular postbaccalaureate programs at the Columbia University School of General Studies include pre-medical studies, pre-law studies, and pre-business studies.

For example, the pre-medical studies program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in medicine but did not complete the necessary coursework as undergraduates. The program provides students with the science courses and clinical experience they need to apply to medical school. Students in the program also receive advice and support to help them navigate the medical school application process.

The pre-law studies program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in law. The program provides students with the legal knowledge and analytical skills they need to succeed in law school and beyond. Students in the program also receive advice and support to help them navigate the law school application process.

The pre-business studies program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in business. The program provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to succeed in business school and beyond. Students in the program also receive advising and support to help them navigate the business school application process.

Joint Degree Programs

For students who want to blend their interests across multiple fields, the Columbia University School of General Studies offers joint degree programs in conjunction with other Columbia schools. These programs allow students to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to complete them separately. Joint degree programs are available in a variety of fields, including engineering, journalism, law, and public health.

For example, the joint degree program in engineering and applied mathematics is designed for students who want to combine their interests in engineering and mathematics. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to apply mathematical principles to engineering problems. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in fields such as aerospace, defense, and energy.

The joint degree program in journalism and international affairs is designed for students who want to combine their interests in journalism and global issues. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to report on international events and analyze their political, economic, and social implications.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in fields such as international journalism, diplomacy, and non-governmental organizations.

Special Academic Programs

The School of General Studies also offers a number of special academic programs that cater to specific interests and needs. These programs include the Dual BA Program with Sciences Po, the American Language Program, and the Postbac Premed Program. Each of these programs is designed to prepare students for specific careers or help them achieve their educational goals.

Front view of Columbia University with plenty of students in the building's staircase

The Dual BA Program with Sciences Po is a unique program that allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees from two prestigious institutions: Columbia University and Sciences Po in France. Students in the program spend two years at each institution and study a variety of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and languages. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in fields such as international relations, public policy, and journalism.

The American Language Program is designed for students who want to improve their English language skills for academic or professional purposes. The program offers courses in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as courses in academic and professional communication. Students in the program also have access to tutoring, advising, and cultural activities.

The Postbac Premed Program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree but need to complete the science courses required for medical school. The program provides students with the science courses and clinical experience they need to apply to medical school. Students in the program also receive advice and support to help them navigate the medical school application process.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions to the Columbia University School of General Studies is highly selective, and the school looks for students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service.

However, the school also recognizes that its student body is made up of nontraditional students who may have taken time off after high school or who may be returning to school after a long absence. As a result, the admissions process is tailored to consider each student’s unique circumstances.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply to the School of General Studies, students must submit a completed application, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, standardized test scores (either the SAT or ACT), and two letters of recommendation.

In addition, students must also submit a personal essay that explains why they want to attend the School of General Studies and how they plan to contribute to the campus community.

Transfer Students and Veterans

The School of General Studies welcomes transfer students from other colleges and universities, as well as veterans and active-duty military personnel. Transfer students must have completed a minimum of two semesters of college-level coursework and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel may be eligible for special financial aid programs and may receive academic credit for military training and experience.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

The School of General Studies is committed to making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The school offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students pay for their education.

Some of the options available include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs. Additionally, the school provides support and resources to help students navigate the financial aid process.

Student Life and Campus Resources

Although the Columbia University School of General Studies is a smaller institution than some of the other schools at Columbia, it still offers a vibrant student life that caters to a wide range of interests and needs. From housing and dining options to clubs and organizations, there’s always something happening on campus.

Housing and Dining Options

Students at the School of General Studies can choose to live on or off campus. On-campus housing is available in the form of dormitories, apartments, and suites. Off-campus housing options abound in the surrounding neighborhoods of Morningside Heights and Harlem. There are also plenty of dining options on campus, including cafes, coffee shops, and dining halls.

Clubs and Organizations

The School of General Studies has a number of clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests and hobbies. These clubs include academic societies, political organizations, cultural groups, and sports teams. Additionally, many students take advantage of the clubs and organizations available through other Columbia schools.

University students sitting next to each other next to a building.

Support Services and Academic Resources

The school provides a range of support services and academic resources to help students succeed. These resources include academic advising, tutoring, career services, and disability services. There are also plenty of study spaces available on campus, including libraries, computer labs, and student lounges.

Campus Events and Traditions

Throughout the year, the School of General Studies hosts a number of campus-wide events and traditions. These include performances and lectures by visiting artists and scholars, cultural celebrations, and athletic events. One of the most popular events of the year is the GS Ball, a formal dance that brings together students, faculty, and alumni for a night of celebration and fun.

Conclusion

The Columbia University School of General Studies provides a unique and enriching educational experience for nontraditional students from around the world. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or you’re returning to school after a long absence, the School of General Studies offers something for everyone.

With its rich history, rigorous academic programs, and vibrant student life, the School of General Studies is truly a one-of-a-kind place to study and grow.

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