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Columbia University School of General Studies is an undergraduate school at Columbia University for non-traditional students. Students have the 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.

The school is unique in that it is the only such college in the Ivy League. While both Brown University and Yale University have similar programs, they are much smaller and integrated into their "traditional" undergraduate programs rather than existing as their own academic unit.

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.

Non-Traditional Students

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 Jewish Theological Seminary.

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.

External links

• Columbia's homepage
• Columbia School of General Studies
• School of General Studies Student Council (GSSC)
• The GS Lounge - Student Run Portal about Columbia's School of General Studies