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{{Short description|Undergraduate school of Columbia University in New York City}}
'''Columbia University School of General Studies''' is an ] school at ] for non-traditional students. Students have the unique option of attending part-time or full-time with similar numbers choosing each option. While all courses are shared with Columbia's other undergraduate schools, the presence of GS has caused Columbia to greatly expand the number of courses which meet in the evening. The School of General Studies, commonly referred to as GS, awards both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Located in Lewisohn Hall at Columbia University's Morningside Heights Campus, GS is also home to Columbia's Postbaccalaureate Premedical Pre-health Program, which is the largest and oldest in the United States.
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox university
| image = Columbia University School of General Studies logo.png
| established = 1947
| type = ]
| name = School of General Studies
| image_upright = .7
| caption = ]
| motto = ''Lux in Tenebris Lucet''<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |url=http://gs.columbia.edu/gs-at-a-glance |title=GS at a Glance {{pipe}} General Studies |access-date=2014-02-08 |archive-date=2019-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622203849/https://gs.columbia.edu/gs-at-a-glance |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| mottoeng = The light that shines in the darkness
| country = ]
| students = 2,603 (Fall 2019)
| affiliations = ] (]), ], ], ], and ]
| campus = Morningside Heights Campus,<br />urban, {{convert|36|acre|km2 sqmi}}
| website = {{official url}}
| dean = Lisa Rosen-Metsch
| address = 408 Lewisohn Hall
| logo = ]
| city = New York City
}}


The '''School of General Studies''' ('''GS''') is a ] and one of the ] ] of ], situated on the university's main campus in ], ].<ref> usnews.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323155541/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/columbia-university-2707 |date=March 23, 2016 }}</ref> GS is known primarily for its traditional B.A. program for non-traditional students (those who have had an academic break of at least one year or are pursuing dual degrees). GS students make up almost 30% of the Columbia undergraduate population.
The school is unique in that it is the only such college in the ]. While both ] and ] have similar programs, they are much smaller and integrated into their "traditional" undergraduate programs rather than existing as their own academic unit.


GS offers dual-degree programs with several leading universities around the world.<ref name="http://gs.columbia.edu">{{Cite web|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/|title=School of General Studies|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref> It offers dual degrees with ] of the ], ] in France, ] in Ireland, ] in Israel, and ].<ref name="http://gs.columbia.edu"/> It also offers the BA/MA Option with the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=BA/MA Option {{pipe}} GSAS |url=https://gsas.columbia.edu/content/bama-option |website=gsas.columbia.edu}}</ref> the Combined Plan and the MS Express program with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences,<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEAS MS Express Program < School of General Studies {{pipe}} Columbia University |url=https://bulletin.columbia.edu/general-studies/academic-policies/study-within-graduate-professional-schools/ms-express-program/ |website=bulletin.columbia.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Combined Plan Applicants {{pipe}} Columbia Undergraduate Admissions |url=https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combinedplan |website=undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu}}</ref> and five-year joint degrees with the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbia Dual Degree Programs {{pipe}} Columbia SIPA |url=https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/dual-degree-programs/columbia-dual-degree-programs |website=www.sipa.columbia.edu |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302231017/https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/dual-degree-programs/columbia-dual-degree-programs |url-status=dead }}</ref> GS offers the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, the oldest and largest program of its kind in the United States.<ref name="http://gs.columbia.edu"/>
While Columbia University’s mascot is a lion, the School of General Studies has its own mascot – the Owl. It is believed that the Owl was selected for one of two reasons. First, a connection to night classes. Second, a symbol of knowledge which can be found hiding in the robes of the Columbia University Alma Mater statue. The school’s motto -"''Lux In Tenebris Lucet,''" translated from latin: ''The light that shines in the darkness''.


Notable alumni include ] winners ], ], and ], as well as ], ], ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hidden Histories of Columbia |url=https://magazine.columbia.edu/article/hidden-histories-columbia |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Columbia Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amelia Earhart's Adventurous Side – News from Columbia's Rare Book & Manuscript Library |url=https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/rbml/2011/07/14/amelia-earharts-adventurous-side/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=blogs.cul.columbia.edu}}</ref> ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/content/notable-alumni|title=Notable Alumni {{pipe}} School of General Studies|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>
==Non-Traditional Students==


==History==
Columbia defines non-traditional students as those who have interrupted their education for a year or more. Additionally, it includes students who are otherwise traditional but have a strong reason to attend part time (e.g., they must split time with a career in New York's performing arts industry) and students enrolled in the joint degree program with ].
]


===Predecessor institutions===
While there is no typical student, many students share similar histories. Many have enjoyed successful careers in fields such as investment banking and information technology. Several are published authors, and quite a few are non-traditional due to previous conscription or community service requirements in their home countries. Others are able to attend only part time due to work or family commitments. A substantial portion of the population enters as transfer students; the previous schools of these students range from community colleges to Columbia's peer institutions. Some may also be honorably-discharged veterans of the military who choose to further their formal education.
GS's evolutionary ancestor is the now-defunct, all-male Seth Low College, named for former Brooklyn mayor and President of Columbia ]. It was established in ] in 1928 to help alleviate the flood of Jewish applicants to ]. The entrance requirements for Seth Low Junior College were reportedly the same as those enforced in Columbia College.<ref name="spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu">{{Cite web|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/columbia?a=d&d=cs19280403-01.2.7|title=Columbia Spectator 3 April 1928 — Columbia Spectator|website=spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu}}</ref> Following completion of the two-year program, graduates could complete their undergraduate degrees at the university's professional schools, such as the ], ], or ] (all of which conferred terminal bachelor's degrees at the time) or earn B.S. degrees in the liberal arts as University Undergraduates.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F39SJn66jF0C&q=%22university+undergraduates%22+%22columbia%22+%22seth+low%22&pg=PA271 |title=Stand, Columbia: A History of Columbia University in the City of New York ... – Robert A. McCaughey – Google Books |access-date=2014-01-05|isbn=9780231130080 |year=2003 |last1=McCaughey |first1=Robert A. |publisher=Columbia University Press }}</ref>

Seth Low Junior College was closed in 1936<ref> by Leeza Hirt, ''The Current'', Fall 2016. (Retrieved January 18, 2020)</ref> due to the adverse economic effects of the ] and concomitant popularity of the tuition-free ] in 1930. Henceforth, its remaining students were absorbed into the Morningside Heights campus as students in the University Undergraduate program, which was established by ] in 1904.

University Extension was responsible for the founding of the ], the School of General Studies and the School of Dental and Oral Surgery (now the ]). The School of Continuing Education (now the ]), a separate school, was later established to reprise University Extension's former role.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/centennial/about-centennial/deans-columbia |title=Deans at Columbia {{pipe}} Columbia Business School Centennial |access-date=2017-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202201514/http://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/centennial/about-centennial/deans-columbia |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://library-archives.cumc.columbia.edu/finding-aid/college-dental-medicine-school-dental-oral-surgery-records-1892-1915-1976 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-03-18 |archive-date=2017-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319022649/http://library-archives.cumc.columbia.edu/finding-aid/college-dental-medicine-school-dental-oral-surgery-records-1892-1915-1976 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/columbia?a=d&d=cs19420602-01.2.16&srpos=12&e=------194-en-20--1-byDA-txt-IN-%22university+undergraduates%22---- |title=Columbia Daily Spectator 2 June 1942 — Columbia Spectator |publisher=Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu |date=1942-06-02 |access-date=2014-01-05}}</ref>

===The Establishment of the School of General Studies===
With an influx of students attending the university on the ] following the resolution of World War II, in December 1946, the University Undergraduate program was reorganized as an official undergraduate college for "qualified students who, because of employment or for other reasons, are unable to attend other schools of the University." Columbia University pioneered the use of the term "General Studies" when naming the college, adapting the medieval term for universities, "Studium Generale."<ref name="gs.columbia.edu-2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gs.columbia.edu/gs-history |title=History of the School of General Studies |access-date=2011-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719175113/http://www.gs.columbia.edu/gs-history |archive-date=2011-07-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu-2">{{cite web|url=http://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/columbia?a=d&d=cs19461210-01.2.2&srpos=2&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-IN-%22general+studies%22----# |title=Columbia Daily Spectator 10 December 1946 — Columbia Spectator |publisher=Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu |date=1946-12-10 |access-date=2014-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/columbia?a=d&d=cs19461206-01.2.5&srpos=1&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-IN-%22general+studies%22---- |title=Columbia Daily Spectator 6 December 1946 — Columbia Spectator |publisher=Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu |date=1946-12-06 |access-date=2014-01-05}}</ref> Thus, the School of General Studies bears no semblance to general studies or extension studies programs at other universities in the United States. In December 1968, the University Council permitted GS to grant the B.A. degree instead of the B.S. degree (over the objections of some members of the Columbia College Faculty).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/columbia?a=d&d=cs19681219-01.2.2&srpos=29&e=-------en-20--21-byDA-txt-IN-%22general+studies%22+%22b.a.%22-ARTICLE---# |title=Columbia Daily Spectator 19 December 1968 — Columbia Spectator |publisher=Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu |date=1968-12-19 |access-date=2014-01-05}}</ref>

===Merging of Columbia College and School of General Studies Faculties===
In 1991, the Columbia College (CC), School of General Studies (GS), and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) faculties were merged into the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, which resulted in the complete academic integration between the School of General Studies and Columbia College.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fas.columbia.edu/home/about-faculty-arts-and-sciences/history-faculty-arts-and-sciences|title=History of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences {{pipe}} Faculty of Arts and Sciences|website=fas.columbia.edu}}</ref><ref name="columbiaspectator.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbiaspectator.com/2014/02/26/gs-eliminate-bs-degree-option-may-2014/|title=GS to eliminate B.S. degree option from May 2014 - Columbia Spectator|website=Columbia Daily Spectator}}</ref> As a result, both GS and CC students receive B.A. degrees conferred by the Trustees of Columbia University through the Faculty of Art & Sciences,<ref name="columbiaspectator.com"/> and GS is recognized as an official liberal arts college at Columbia University.

== Academics ==
]
GS students make up almost 30% of the Columbia undergraduate population and in 2013 were reported as consistently collectively earning the highest average GPA among undergraduates at Columbia University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/BWARCHIVE/2013/may13.pdf |title=CU Later?|website=amazonaws.com|access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://bwog.com/2013/05/18/paying-it-forward-student-debt-at-gs/ | title=Paying It Forward: Student Debt at GS | date=18 May 2013 }}</ref> Approximately 20% of GS students are part-time students who have significant, full-time work commitments in addition to their academic responsibilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/content/statistics-and-facts|title=Statistics and Facts {{pipe}} School of General Studies|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref> Numerous GS students have gone on to win prestigious fellowships, including the ], the ], and the ].

The School of General Studies confers the degree of ] in more than 70 majors.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> All GS students are required to complete the ], which includes University Writing, Literature/Humanities, Contemporary Civilization/Social Science, Art Humanities, Music Humanities, Global Core, Quantitative Reasoning, Science, and Foreign Language.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.columbia.edu/the-core |title=The Core {{pipe}} General Studies |publisher=gs.columbia.edu |access-date=2014-01-05 |archive-date=2013-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211031509/http://gs.columbia.edu/the-core |url-status=dead }}</ref>

GS offers dual degree programs with ], the ], ] in Ireland, ], and List College of the ].<ref name="http://gs.columbia.edu"/><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/sciences-po/glance |title=At a Glance {{pipe}} Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po |access-date=2015-03-01 |archive-date=2015-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211194006/http://gs.columbia.edu/sciences-po/glance |url-status=dead }}</ref> It also offers dual degree programs with the ], the ], and ]. GS has a Post-baccalaureate Premedical Program, the oldest program of its kind.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

==Admission==
Admission to Columbia GS requires an online application, official high school (or GED) transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores within the past eight years or a score on the General Studies Admissions Examination,<ref name="GSAE">{{Cite web |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/admissions-exams |title=Admissions Exams {{pipe}} General Studies |access-date=2017-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620205227/https://gs.columbia.edu/admissions-exams |archive-date=2017-06-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> an essay of 1,500-2,000 words, and two recommendation letters.<ref name="http://gs.columbia.edu/applying-gs">{{Cite web|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/content/gs-undergraduate-admissions|title=School of General Studies Undergraduate Admission {{pipe}} School of General Studies|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref> Interviews are conducted in person and over phone.

==Dual degree programs==
===Joint Program with the Jewish Theological Seminary – Albert A. List College===
Since 1954, the ] (JTS) and the School of General Studies have offered a joint degree program leading to a B.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. from ]. Professor Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of the School of General Studies, is an alumna of the Joint Program.

===Dual BA with Sciences Po Paris===
The Dual BA Program is a unique program in which undergraduate students earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years from both Columbia University and Sciences Po, one of the most prestigious universities in France and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/studying-in-france/presentation-1988/articles-from-actualites-en-france/article/elite-paris-institut-d-etudes |title=Elite Paris "Institut d'études politiques" embraces students from all backgrounds - France-Diplomatie - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development |access-date=2016-05-26 |archive-date=2016-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604225945/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/studying-in-france/presentation-1988/articles-from-actualites-en-france/article/elite-paris-institut-d-etudes |url-status=dead }}</ref> This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school, and is one of the most selective undergraduate programs in the nation.<ref name="gs.columbia.edu faq">{{Cite web |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/sciences-po/faq |title=Frequently Asked Questions {{pipe}} Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po |access-date=2016-05-26 |archive-date=2016-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517055913/http://gs.columbia.edu/sciences-po/faq |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Students spend two years at one of four Sciences Po campuses in France (Le Havre, Menton, Poitiers, or Reims), each of which is devoted to a particular region of the world. At Sciences Po, undergraduates can pursue majors in political science, economics, law, finance, history, among others. After two years at Sciences Po, students matriculate at Columbia University, where they complete the Core Curriculum and one of over 70 majors offered at Columbia. Graduates of the program are guaranteed admission to a Sciences Po graduate program.<ref name="gs.columbia.edu faq"/>

===Joint Bachelor's Degree with City University of Hong Kong===
This program is open to top-ranked undergraduates enrolled at the ] and allows graduates to receive two bachelor's degrees from the City University and Columbia in four years. Undergraduates spend their first two years at the City University and their final two years at Columbia, where they complete the Core Curriculum and choose one of 70 majors offered at Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/cityu-hk/academics |title=Academics {{pipe}} CityU Program (Hong Kong) |access-date=2017-01-08 |archive-date=2017-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109020929/https://gs.columbia.edu/cityu-hk/academics |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/cityu-hk/admissions |title=Admissions {{pipe}} CityU Program (Hong Kong) |access-date=2017-01-08 |archive-date=2017-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107215347/http://gs.columbia.edu/cityu-hk/admissions |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Dual BA Program with Trinity College Dublin===
The Dual bachelor's degree Program with Trinity College Dublin is a unique program in which undergraduate students earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years from both Columbia University and ]. Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland and is widely considered to be its most prestigious institution. This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu/|title=TCD Dual BA Program|website=tcd.gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>

===Tel Aviv University and Columbia University Dual Degree Program===
The Tel Aviv Columbia Dual Degree Program allows undergraduates to earn two bachelor's degrees over the course of four years. Students spend the first two years of their undergraduate careers at Tel Aviv and then spend their final two years at Columbia while completing the Core Curriculum and major. Tel Aviv University is considered to be one of Israel's leading and most prestigious institutions. This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/news/columbia-university-launches-dual-degree-program-tel-aviv-university|title=Columbia University Launches Dual Degree Program with Tel Aviv University {{pipe}} School of General Studies|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tau.gs.columbia.edu/|title=TAU Dual Degree Program|website=tau.gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>

===Combined Plan with the School of Engineering and Applied Science===
GS students are eligible for competitive admission to the ] through the Columbia Combined Plan program, under the condition that they complete the necessary pre-engineering courses with a high GPA and obtain recommendations from 3 instructors. Students in the program receive a B.A. in a liberal arts discipline from GS and a B.S. in an engineering discipline from SEAS. Students may apply for the Combined Plan program in their junior (3-2 program) or senior (4-2) year of undergraduate study.

==Notable alumni==
An asterisk (*) indicates a former student who did not graduate.

===Academia===
*] (1933), American ] and political ]
*] (1923), Nobel Prize-winning economist.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Notable Alumni|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/content/notable-alumni|website=Columbia University School of General Studies|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>
* ] (1931), professor of ], recipient of the ]
* ] (1931), American biochemist, professor at ]
* ] (1939), ] writer and biochemist, professor of ]
*] (1942), Nobel Prize-winning immunologist.
*] (1949), professor at ], winner of the 1994 ]
*] (1950), professor at ], ] and ]{{Citation needed|reason=I can only find sources that he attended Columbia University, not GS or its predecessors|date=May 2019}}
*] (1952), art historian, former director of the ] and the ] in ]
* ] (1959), scholar on ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010|title=In Memoriam|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/News/columbia-gs-owl-magazine-2010.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 6, 2021|website=Columbia University School of General Studies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223104940/https://gs.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/News/columbia-gs-owl-magazine-2010.pdf |archive-date=2019-12-23 }}</ref>
* ] (1964), President of ]<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jewish cultural center - Events|url=http://jcc.ru/en/activity/cat-/item-666/|website=jcc.ru|access-date=2020-05-21}}</ref>
*] (1971), Creator of the ]<ref name=":0" />
*] (1971), Constitutional scholar and legal theorist.
*] (1963), professor at ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=George M. von Furstenberg|url=https://economics.indiana.edu/about/emeriti/vonfurstenberg-george.html|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Department of Economics|language=en}}</ref>
* ] (1968), Canadian historian of ] at ]
* ] (1984), professor at the ] and president of the ]
* ] (2003), Dean of ] and professor of political science

===Politics===
* ] (2000), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor to ] ].
* ]* (1994–1997), ] (2013–2016), White House Political Affairs Director for ] ], former executive director of the ]
* ] (1956), Former ] from Alaska and candidate for the 2008 Democratic nomination for ]. Released full ].
* ] (1975), Former ] and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
* ] (1971), ] from ].
* ] (1934), ] from ]
* ] (1997), 27th ] of ]
* ] (1959), American lobbyist and philanthropist, son of ] co-founder ]
* ] (1955), ] from 1997 to 2003
* ] (1969), former ambassador of the Republic of ] to the United States and Germany; permanent representative at the ]
* ] (1931), American diplomat, ] recipient, and one of the recognized ] who took part in the ]
* ] (1998), American transhumanist who ran for President of the United States in 2016
* ] (1986), ] and human rights advocate
* Julian F. Harrington* (1924), ] from 1955 to 1960<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Catalogue. v. 1920/1921 1897.|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nnc2.ark:/13960/t1hh7704c&view=1up&seq=518&q1=Harrington,%20Julian|access-date=2020-08-13|journal=Columbia University Catalogue| year=1897 |language=en}}</ref>

===Literature and arts===
* ] (1950), writer and illustrator of children's books and recipient of the ] in 2009
* ] (1962), American travel writer, wife of ]
* ]* (1939), Writer, ''].'' Salinger is also a WWII combat veteran, having served in the U.S. Army's ]. He stormed ] on ] during the ].
* ]* (1929), Spanish poet and dramatist; influential member of the ]
* ] (1960), American author, essayist and journalist
* ] (1948), ]-winning American poet
* ] (1996), American writer
* ] (1993), American writer, music critic, and musician
* ] (2000s), American dancer
* ] (1991), Syndicated cartoonist, president of the ] from 2008 to 2009
* ] (1977), author, consultant, public speaker who focuses on ]
* ] (2009), author, winner of the 2022 ]
* ] (1960), Author.
* ]* (1990), biographer, essayist, translator
* ] (1983), poet, fiction writer, essayist
* ] (1984), American author; twice winner of the ]
* ] (1980s), ]
* ] (1966), African American writer and educator
* ] (1967), American sailor, author on sailing and yachting history
* ] (1968), author, '']''; contributor to '']''
* ]*, (1959). Writer, founder of the ] movement
* ] (1959), Austrian writer and translator
* ] (1953), Artist.
* ] (1952), American fiber artist
* ] (attended), poet, recipient of the 2020 ], former ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Louise Glück 2020 Winner of Nobel Prize in Literature|url=https://arts.columbia.edu/news/louise-gl%C3%BCck-2020-winner-nobel-prize-literature|access-date=2020-10-09|website=Columbia - School of the Arts|language=en}}</ref>
* ] (2010-), American ballet dancer for ]
* ] (1977), President and CEO of the ]
* ] (1948–2021) , stage actress, writer, and photographer

===Technology and entrepreneurship===
* ] (2008), creator of ]
* ] (1949), Developer of ], the first true computer language, winner of the 1977 ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=John Backus|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/computinghistory/backus.html|access-date=2020-11-10|website=www.columbia.edu}}</ref>
* ] (2005), ] and ], VP of ]
* ] (1996), ], partner of venture capital firm ], co-founder of ] and ]
* ] (2019), Founder of ]
* ] (1934), American engineer, professor at ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alumni Award Recipients {{!}} School of General Studies|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/content/alumni-award-recipients|access-date=2022-01-29|website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>
*] (1965), former chairman, President, and CEO of ]

===Activism===
* ]* (1940s), author '']'', urban theorist and activist.
* ] (1949), Feminist, Civil Rights advocate, Social activist
* ] (1965), activist, founder of the ] that aimed to find out information on non-Russians taken prisoner by the former Soviet Union
* ] (1948), founder of the ] movement
* ] (1978), co-president of CLAL, ].
* ] (2023), student activist who founded ] and organizer of ]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Profiles of the Fall 2019 Incoming Class|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/news/profiles-fall-2019-incoming-class|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=Columbia University School of General Studies}}</ref>

===Music===
* ]* (1918), Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer.
* Heather D'Angelo (2012), member of the pop band ].
*]* (1957), Musician and poet
* ] (2013), former member of ], ], other side projects. Everman also served in the U.S. Army as both a ] and ]. He completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* ] (2014), Musician, producer, founder of ] and solo artist
* ] (1990), Violinist.
* ] (2010), Korean-American singer
* ] (2016), American musician and frontman of Seattle indie folk band ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fleet Foxes Back After Six-Year Hiatus|url=https://www.thecowl.com/arts-entertainment/fleet-foxes-back-after-six-year-hiatus|access-date=2021-09-26|website=The Cowl|language=en-US}}</ref>
* ] (1957), Singer and actor.
* ] (2016), Singer.
* ]* (2016), Broadway actor and singer, '']'', '']'', '']'', transferred from ]
* ]* (2018), singer, "the Lady Gaga of ] music"

===Film and entertainment===
* ]* (2000–2004), American actor and director
* ]*, American actor
* ] (2010), Actor
* ] (1974), American production designer, costume designer, art director, and director
* ]* (1923), Hollywood producer, '']'', '']''
* ] (1946), Actor, Emmy Award winner and Oscar nominee.
* ] (2013-), American actress, '']'', '']''
* ] (2008), Senior vice president of ], producer of '']''
* ] (2003), ]-winning writer for '']''
* ] (1948), Actor and social activist, Emmy- and Golden Globe-award nominee
* ] (1994), ]-winning director and producer
* ] (2011-), Brazilian film, television and stage actress, '']''
* ] (2003), Brazilian documentary maker, director of '']''
* ] (2001), Canadian film director, '']''
* ] (1953), Film Critic
* ]* (1954), Actor and writer known for his portrayal of ] in ]'s ]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Myers|first=Steven Lee|date=1992-09-13|title=Anthony Perkins, Who Mastered a Frightening Role, Is Dead at 60|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/13/nyregion/anthony-perkins-who-mastered-a-frightening-role-is-dead-at-60.html|access-date=2020-08-08|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* ] (1952), actor, '']''
* ]* (1990s), Dutch actress, '']'', the ] series, ] and '']''<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Owl|url=https://gs.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/News/columbia-gs-owl-magazine-2009.pdf|access-date=June 25, 2020|website=Columbia University School of General Studies|page=26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=King|first=Susan|date=2000-08-26|title=Actress Famke Janssen May Get the Roles, but Not Always the Guys|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-26-ca-10592-story.html|access-date=2020-06-25|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref>
* ] (2014), American actress, '']'', winner of ] in 2009
* ] (2014), filmmaker and photographer
*] (2020), actress, ], '']''
* ] (2020), North Korean defector and human rights activist
*] (2023), actress, ]

===Media===
* ] (1961), '']'' associate editor.
* ] (1950s), American editor, public relations consultant for ] and ]; press secretary for ] ]; father of ], executive producer of '']''
* ] (1970), internationally recognized French ], TV personality, dean at the ]
* ] (2008), celebrity fitness guru, entrepreneur, former ] dancer
* ]* (2008), ] celebrity best known for his show "]"
* ] (2000), ] anchor
* ] (2002), comedian, host, and executive producer of "Laughs" on Fox television stations
* ] (2000) ] TV personality ]
* ] (1992), senior editor at '']''
* ] (1982), American ], known for his 1996 book, ''The End of Science''
* ] (1983), News Director, '']''
* ] (1988), Palestinian-American journalist, ] winner, and former aide to ] ]
* ] (2001), Israeli ] personality
* ] (2014), American freelance reporter and designer of video game '']''

===Athletics===
* ]* (1937–39), legendary basketball coach of the ], ], and general manager of the ]
* ] (2004), ], 2008 & 2009 ] and 2008 ].
* ] (2002), Olympic champion ]
* ] (1994), former skater; 1985 ] champion and 1986 ] champion
* ]* (1955), Hall of Fame pitcher for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers
*] (2004), Olympic ]
* ] (2015), former NBA player
* ] (2016), ] in ]
* ] (2018 - attending), Olympic show jumping competitor<ref>{{Cite web |title=71 Students Inducted into GS Honor Society {{!}} School of General Studies |url=https://gs.columbia.edu/news/71-students-inducted-gs-honor-society-0 |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=gs.columbia.edu}}</ref>
* ] (2023), figure skater and ]<ref name=":1" />

===Fashion===
* ] (1957), Founder of the ].
* ] (1959), Fashion Designer
* ] (1994), American model, landscape designer, daughter of architect ] and sister of filmmaker ]
* ] (1998), model, author, socialite, '']''
* ] (2011), American supermodel, president and founder of ]
* ] (2013), model and activist, daughter of ] founder ]
* ] (2014 - attending), model and activist, direct descendant of the Hasidic ] dynasty
* ] (2021), ballet dancer and fashion model

===Miscellaneous===
* ]* (1920), American aviator and early female pilot<ref>{{Cite web |title=Number 250 to Number One: The Process Behind the List - Columbia Spectator |url=https://www.columbiaspectator.com/2004/05/03/number-250-number-one-process-behind-list/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Columbia Daily Spectator}}</ref>
* ] (1982), investment banker, retired marine
* ] (1970), author, military-political analyst, ] designer<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbia Spectator 8 December 1969 — Columbia Spectator |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19691208-02.2.6&srpos=3&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-%22jim+dunnigan%22------ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu}}</ref>
* ] (1999) Jordanian princess, socialite, and philanthropist
* ] (1969), Rebbe of the ] and ] dynasties, and ex-husband of ] heiress ]
* ] (1962), Rebbe of the ]{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}
* ] (1963), Chief designer of the ] of 1979
* ]* (1999), Child chess prodigy and author, whose life inspired the movie '']''
* ] (1949), American ] during World War II and the ]; headed the ]
* ] (1986), eldest daughter of ], last Shah of ]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}


==External links== ==External links==
*

{{columbia}}
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{{Columbia}} ]
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Latest revision as of 21:03, 27 November 2024

Undergraduate school of Columbia University in New York City

School of General Studies
Coat of arms
MottoLux in Tenebris Lucet
Motto in EnglishThe light that shines in the darkness
TypePrivate
Established1947
DeanLisa Rosen-Metsch
Students2,603 (Fall 2019)
Address408 Lewisohn Hall, New York City, U.S.
CampusMorningside Heights Campus,
urban, 36 acres (0.15 km; 0.056 sq mi)
AffiliationsAlbert A. List College (Jewish Theological Seminary of America), Sciences Po, Trinity College Dublin, Tel Aviv University, and City University of Hong Kong
Websitegs.columbia.edu Edit this at Wikidata

The School of General Studies (GS) is a liberal arts college and one of the undergraduate colleges of Columbia University, situated on the university's main campus in Morningside Heights, New York City. GS is known primarily for its traditional B.A. program for non-traditional students (those who have had an academic break of at least one year or are pursuing dual degrees). GS students make up almost 30% of the Columbia undergraduate population.

GS offers dual-degree programs with several leading universities around the world. It offers dual degrees with List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Sciences Po in France, Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, Tel Aviv University in Israel, and City University of Hong Kong. It also offers the BA/MA Option with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Combined Plan and the MS Express program with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and five-year joint degrees with the School of International and Public Affairs. GS offers the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, the oldest and largest program of its kind in the United States.

Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winners Simon Kuznets, Baruj Benacerraf, and Louise Glück, as well as Isaac Asimov, J.D. Salinger, Amelia Earhart, Leonard Cohen and Princess Firyal of Jordan.

History

Lewisohn Hall at Columbia University, home to the School of General Studies

Predecessor institutions

GS's evolutionary ancestor is the now-defunct, all-male Seth Low College, named for former Brooklyn mayor and President of Columbia Seth Low. It was established in Downtown Brooklyn in 1928 to help alleviate the flood of Jewish applicants to Columbia College. The entrance requirements for Seth Low Junior College were reportedly the same as those enforced in Columbia College. Following completion of the two-year program, graduates could complete their undergraduate degrees at the university's professional schools, such as the School of Law, Business School, or School of Engineering and Applied Science (all of which conferred terminal bachelor's degrees at the time) or earn B.S. degrees in the liberal arts as University Undergraduates.

Seth Low Junior College was closed in 1936 due to the adverse economic effects of the Great Depression and concomitant popularity of the tuition-free Brooklyn College in 1930. Henceforth, its remaining students were absorbed into the Morningside Heights campus as students in the University Undergraduate program, which was established by Nicholas Murray Butler in 1904.

University Extension was responsible for the founding of the Columbia Business School, the School of General Studies and the School of Dental and Oral Surgery (now the College of Dental Medicine). The School of Continuing Education (now the School of Professional Studies), a separate school, was later established to reprise University Extension's former role.

The Establishment of the School of General Studies

With an influx of students attending the university on the GI Bill following the resolution of World War II, in December 1946, the University Undergraduate program was reorganized as an official undergraduate college for "qualified students who, because of employment or for other reasons, are unable to attend other schools of the University." Columbia University pioneered the use of the term "General Studies" when naming the college, adapting the medieval term for universities, "Studium Generale." Thus, the School of General Studies bears no semblance to general studies or extension studies programs at other universities in the United States. In December 1968, the University Council permitted GS to grant the B.A. degree instead of the B.S. degree (over the objections of some members of the Columbia College Faculty).

Merging of Columbia College and School of General Studies Faculties

In 1991, the Columbia College (CC), School of General Studies (GS), and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) faculties were merged into the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, which resulted in the complete academic integration between the School of General Studies and Columbia College. As a result, both GS and CC students receive B.A. degrees conferred by the Trustees of Columbia University through the Faculty of Art & Sciences, and GS is recognized as an official liberal arts college at Columbia University.

Academics

School bulletin, 1980

GS students make up almost 30% of the Columbia undergraduate population and in 2013 were reported as consistently collectively earning the highest average GPA among undergraduates at Columbia University. Approximately 20% of GS students are part-time students who have significant, full-time work commitments in addition to their academic responsibilities. Numerous GS students have gone on to win prestigious fellowships, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and the Fulbright Scholarship.

The School of General Studies confers the degree of Bachelor of Arts in more than 70 majors. All GS students are required to complete the Core Curriculum, which includes University Writing, Literature/Humanities, Contemporary Civilization/Social Science, Art Humanities, Music Humanities, Global Core, Quantitative Reasoning, Science, and Foreign Language.

GS offers dual degree programs with Sciences Po, the City University of Hong Kong, Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, Tel Aviv University, and List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary. It also offers dual degree programs with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the School of International and Public Affairs, and Columbia Business School. GS has a Post-baccalaureate Premedical Program, the oldest program of its kind.

Admission

Admission to Columbia GS requires an online application, official high school (or GED) transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores within the past eight years or a score on the General Studies Admissions Examination, an essay of 1,500-2,000 words, and two recommendation letters. Interviews are conducted in person and over phone.

Dual degree programs

Joint Program with the Jewish Theological Seminary – Albert A. List College

Since 1954, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) and the School of General Studies have offered a joint degree program leading to a B.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. from List College. Professor Lisa Rosen-Metsch, Dean of the School of General Studies, is an alumna of the Joint Program.

Dual BA with Sciences Po Paris

The Dual BA Program is a unique program in which undergraduate students earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years from both Columbia University and Sciences Po, one of the most prestigious universities in France and Europe. This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school, and is one of the most selective undergraduate programs in the nation.

Students spend two years at one of four Sciences Po campuses in France (Le Havre, Menton, Poitiers, or Reims), each of which is devoted to a particular region of the world. At Sciences Po, undergraduates can pursue majors in political science, economics, law, finance, history, among others. After two years at Sciences Po, students matriculate at Columbia University, where they complete the Core Curriculum and one of over 70 majors offered at Columbia. Graduates of the program are guaranteed admission to a Sciences Po graduate program.

Joint Bachelor's Degree with City University of Hong Kong

This program is open to top-ranked undergraduates enrolled at the City University of Hong Kong and allows graduates to receive two bachelor's degrees from the City University and Columbia in four years. Undergraduates spend their first two years at the City University and their final two years at Columbia, where they complete the Core Curriculum and choose one of 70 majors offered at Columbia.

Dual BA Program with Trinity College Dublin

The Dual bachelor's degree Program with Trinity College Dublin is a unique program in which undergraduate students earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years from both Columbia University and Trinity College Dublin. Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland and is widely considered to be its most prestigious institution. This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school.

Tel Aviv University and Columbia University Dual Degree Program

The Tel Aviv Columbia Dual Degree Program allows undergraduates to earn two bachelor's degrees over the course of four years. Students spend the first two years of their undergraduate careers at Tel Aviv and then spend their final two years at Columbia while completing the Core Curriculum and major. Tel Aviv University is considered to be one of Israel's leading and most prestigious institutions. This program is geared towards traditionally-aged applicants in high school.

Combined Plan with the School of Engineering and Applied Science

GS students are eligible for competitive admission to the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) through the Columbia Combined Plan program, under the condition that they complete the necessary pre-engineering courses with a high GPA and obtain recommendations from 3 instructors. Students in the program receive a B.A. in a liberal arts discipline from GS and a B.S. in an engineering discipline from SEAS. Students may apply for the Combined Plan program in their junior (3-2 program) or senior (4-2) year of undergraduate study.

Notable alumni

An asterisk (*) indicates a former student who did not graduate.

Academia

Politics

Literature and arts

Technology and entrepreneurship

Activism

Music

Film and entertainment

Media

Athletics

Fashion

Miscellaneous

References

  1. ^ "GS at a Glance | General Studies". Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
  2. Rankings usnews.com Archived March 23, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu.
  4. "BA/MA Option | GSAS". gsas.columbia.edu.
  5. "SEAS MS Express Program < School of General Studies | Columbia University". bulletin.columbia.edu.
  6. "Combined Plan Applicants | Columbia Undergraduate Admissions". undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu.
  7. "Columbia Dual Degree Programs | Columbia SIPA". www.sipa.columbia.edu. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  8. "Hidden Histories of Columbia". Columbia Magazine. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  9. "Amelia Earhart's Adventurous Side – News from Columbia's Rare Book & Manuscript Library". blogs.cul.columbia.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  10. "Notable Alumni | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu.
  11. "Columbia Spectator 3 April 1928 — Columbia Spectator". spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu.
  12. McCaughey, Robert A. (2003). Stand, Columbia: A History of Columbia University in the City of New York ... – Robert A. McCaughey – Google Books. Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231130080. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  13. "Columbia for Jews? The Untold Story of Seth Low Junior College" by Leeza Hirt, The Current, Fall 2016. (Retrieved January 18, 2020)
  14. "Deans at Columbia | Columbia Business School Centennial". Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. "Columbia Daily Spectator 2 June 1942 — Columbia Spectator". Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu. June 2, 1942. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  17. "History of the School of General Studies". Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  18. "Columbia Daily Spectator 10 December 1946 — Columbia Spectator". Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu. December 10, 1946. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  19. "Columbia Daily Spectator 6 December 1946 — Columbia Spectator". Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu. December 6, 1946. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  20. "Columbia Daily Spectator 19 December 1968 — Columbia Spectator". Spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu. December 19, 1968. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  21. "History of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences | Faculty of Arts and Sciences". fas.columbia.edu.
  22. ^ "GS to eliminate B.S. degree option from May 2014 - Columbia Spectator". Columbia Daily Spectator.
  23. "CU Later?" (PDF). amazonaws.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  24. "Paying It Forward: Student Debt at GS". May 18, 2013.
  25. "Statistics and Facts | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu.
  26. "The Core | General Studies". gs.columbia.edu. Archived from the original on December 11, 2013. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  27. ^ "At a Glance | Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po". Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
  28. "Admissions Exams | General Studies". Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  29. "School of General Studies Undergraduate Admission | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu.
  30. "Elite Paris "Institut d'études politiques" embraces students from all backgrounds - France-Diplomatie - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development". Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  31. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions | Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po". Archived from the original on May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  32. "Academics | CityU Program (Hong Kong)". Archived from the original on January 9, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  33. "Admissions | CityU Program (Hong Kong)". Archived from the original on January 7, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  34. "TCD Dual BA Program". tcd.gs.columbia.edu.
  35. "Columbia University Launches Dual Degree Program with Tel Aviv University | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu.
  36. "TAU Dual Degree Program". tau.gs.columbia.edu.
  37. ^ "Notable Alumni". Columbia University School of General Studies. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  38. "In Memoriam" (PDF). Columbia University School of General Studies. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  39. "Jewish cultural center - Events". jcc.ru. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  40. "George M. von Furstenberg". Department of Economics. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  41. "Catalogue. v. 1920/1921 1897". Columbia University Catalogue. 1897. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  42. "Louise Glück 2020 Winner of Nobel Prize in Literature". Columbia - School of the Arts. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  43. "John Backus". www.columbia.edu. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  44. "Alumni Award Recipients | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  45. ^ "Profiles of the Fall 2019 Incoming Class". Columbia University School of General Studies. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  46. "Fleet Foxes Back After Six-Year Hiatus". The Cowl. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  47. Myers, Steven Lee (September 13, 1992). "Anthony Perkins, Who Mastered a Frightening Role, Is Dead at 60". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  48. "The Owl" (PDF). Columbia University School of General Studies. p. 26. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  49. King, Susan (August 26, 2000). "Actress Famke Janssen May Get the Roles, but Not Always the Guys". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  50. "71 Students Inducted into GS Honor Society | School of General Studies". gs.columbia.edu. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  51. "Number 250 to Number One: The Process Behind the List - Columbia Spectator". Columbia Daily Spectator. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  52. "Columbia Spectator 8 December 1969 — Columbia Spectator". spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu. Retrieved June 1, 2022.

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