General Studies
Jacquie Wayans '08 -"I am a single mom of three who used to live in one of the poorest economic sections of the Bronx. In my quest to secure strong public schools for my kids, I ended up motivating and teaching o.. Continue ...
Aries Dela Cruz '09 -"Anthropology showed me that it’s not only about the answers, but the questions that are asked. In an increasingly globalized world, a Columbia education provides students with the capac.. Continue ...
Irena Wolner '08 -“Growing up in Lithuania during the Cold War, I didn’t really know what freedom was, a fact I learned quite dramatically when Soviet troops attacked my country’s only TV station i.. Continue ...
Low Memorial Library was completed in 1897 and served as the main library until 1934. Today this landmark building functions as the administrative center of the University and houses the offices .. Continue ...
Nancy Saunders '09 -"I’ve always enjoyed studying politics, so majoring in political science seemed like excellent preparation for a career in law enforcement. But I’ve also enjoyed sampling some of t.. Continue ...
Samantha Jackson '11 -“I am guided by the African principle Sankofa, which means to return to the past in order to build for the future. Thus, I have decided to study at Columbia for the purpose of building a futu.. Continue ...
Dina Bateman '07 -“As long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor, but somewhere along the way I lost confidence in myself. Then in my first semester at GS, I was captivated by my Frontiers of Science class.. Continue ...
The Columbia Ballet Collaborative was founded in 2007 by five professional ballet dancers enrolled at the School of General Studies, and is now comprised of students from all three of the Universit.. Continue ...
Rodolfo Vazquez '08 -"My mother fled Mexico to give me everything-except her time – that was spent working, trying to ensure that I would succeed in America. But things weren't so straightforward. As a s.. Continue ...
Columbia University's Morningside Campus sits at 116th Street and Broadway in New York City. It houses the three undergraduate schools—the School of General .. Continue ...
Liza St. John - Current Student -"After years of going on auditions and working day jobs, I realized I missed learning and wanted to go back to school for a well-rounded education. At GS I’ve developed my creative.. Continue ...
John DeSerio '08 -"Having grown up the son of a hardworking plumber, I learned early that my career had to be something I loved doing, not just a job. That’s one of the reasons I became a professional bal.. Continue ...
Sergei Kuznetsov '09 -"The instructors here, who are in many cases the leaders of their respective disciplines, set high standards for students, and I'm pleased to find they challenge my way of thinking: Be it .. Continue ...
The School of General Studies of Columbia University is the finest liberal arts college in the United States created specifically for returning and nontraditional students seeking a rigorous, traditional, Ivy League undergraduate degree full or part time.
GS is also home to the oldest and largest Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program in the United States, the Joint Program with Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po.
