{"id":36759,"date":"2019-05-14T13:53:41","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T17:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/cgs-about-faq\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T13:50:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:50:56","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/about\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

General<\/h2>\n

What is CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

The College of General Studies (CGS) is a small, liberal arts college within BU, offering first-year and second-year students a program<\/a> that satisfies most of the BU Hub<\/a> University-wide general education requirements while giving students a strong foundation in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing. As a CGS student, you explore these subjects through an interdisciplinary lens that emphasizes the connections between the courses. This approach equips you with the abilities to synthesize information from multiple perspectives, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.<\/p>\n

You will start your time at CGS in January for a spring semester in Boston, followed by an intensive summer semester. You’ll continue your second year in CGS, finishing CGS courses, electives, and an interdisciplinary Capstone project. After completing the four-semester program, you will continue to one of BU\u2019s nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to pursue your major. The CGS program gives you a strong liberal arts foundation for your specialized field of study.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How many students are in CGS?<\/h3>
\n

CGS admits about 600 students each year. There are approximately 1,200 first-year and second-year students.<\/p>\n

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How big are the classes at CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Our average class size is 25 students.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

Who teaches the classes at CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Only full-time faculty members teach our classes. We believe that direct and constant access to faculty is critical to your learning experience, especially at such an early part of your college education. Because of this, CGS does not have teaching fellows or teaching assistants. Faculty members teach their own classes, host their own lectures, and hold their own office hours.<\/p>\n

Additionally, almost all of our faculty members have PhDs and work full-time at CGS\u2014we do not have any adjuncts. Our faculty is comprised of noted scholars, scientists, poets, historians, biologists, philosophers, musicians, film experts, and professionals in many other fields who are masters at classroom teaching. Visit our Faculty Profiles<\/a> to learn more about our faculty members\u2019 interests and areas of expertise.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Will I be delayed in graduating from BU if I attend CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

No. Completion of our program places you at the half way point towards a BU degree. You will take electives in other BU schools or colleges to explore and start accruing credits towards your intended major. That way, when you continue to one of the nine degree-granting colleges junior year, you\u2019ll be taking courses at the same level as the peers in your major. Visit the Pathways to a Degree<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Please note that degrees in Engineering (ENG), select programs in the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College (SAR), and some physical science majors in College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) may take longer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The CGS Program<\/h2>\n

What do people do with a liberal arts education?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

It\u2019s up to you! Our alumni<\/a> go on to lead multinational corporations<\/a>, work in nonprofits<\/a>, start their own businesses<\/a>, write books<\/a>, become doctors<\/a> and lawyers<\/a>, work in entertainment<\/a>, explore the world<\/a>, and more. The broad, interdisciplinary education you receive at CGS provides you with the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that help you succeed in any industry. You will learn skills that all employers are looking for: critical thinking, effective communication, flexibility, problem-solving, and applying your knowledge to real-world problems.<\/p>\n

Recent research shows that leadership, the ability to work in a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, problem solving skills, and analytical skills are among the top qualities that employers look for in college graduates (National Association of Colleges and Employers<\/a>, 2014). Our alumni regularly report back that CGS\u2019s interdisciplinary team approach has enabled them to excel in their professional lives.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is the CGS program?<\/h3>
\n

With over six decades of leadership in general education, CGS embodies the BU Hub<\/a>\u2019s commitment to the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary knowledge. Our program<\/a> satisfies most of the BU Hub\u2019s University-wide general education requirements<\/a> while giving you a comprehensive liberal arts foundation in humanities, social science, natural sciences, and writing. Our faculty take a cohesive and interdisciplinary approach\u2014emphasizing how each subject is relevant to real-world problems and working as a team to connect course concepts. This approach enables you to retain and apply what you\u2019re learning more effectively. At the end of the CGS program, you participate in a Capstone project<\/a><\/a>, working with peers to research a real-world, timely issue, and propose a comprehensive, practical solution.<\/p>\n

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Am I able to pick specific courses within the CGS program?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

You will choose three CGS humanities courses, three CGS social sciences courses, and electives from one of BU\u2019s other schools and colleges. CGS\u2019 menu of interdisciplinary courses<\/a> fosters deep learning and creates a cohesive, integrated educational experience.<\/p>\n

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How many semesters is the CGS program?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

The CGS program is four semesters total, completed during the first two years of college. Read more about the two-year program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Can I receive credit for advanced placement (AP) classes or coursework completed at another college?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Yes, you may receive credit if your AP scores or college coursework grades meet University standards. The Boston University Admissions site can give more information on advanced placement<\/a>.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

Transition to the Other BU Schools and Colleges<\/h2>\n

Will I be able to explore different majors and take classes at other BU schools and colleges while at CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Yes\u2014in fact, you are required to take courses at BU\u2019s other nine schools or colleges. Like many of our students, you will likely choose electives to explore academic disciplines or professional areas in more depth and to start accruing credits towards your intended major.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

After CGS, do I have to re-apply into one of the nine degree-granting colleges at BU?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

No, you have guaranteed continuation into one of the nine degree-granting schools or colleges at BU. When you complete CGS with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and have taken appropriate electives, you simply declare your major(s) for the junior year. See the Pathways to a Degree<\/a> for details.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What BU schools and colleges do CGS students graduate from?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

CGS students graduate from each of the nine degree-granting schools or colleges at BU. The most popular schools that students continue on to are the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Communication, and the Questrom School of Business.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What percentage of students successfully finish the program at CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

At CGS, 93% of first-year students return for their second year, one of the University\u2019s highest retention rates. On average, 96% of second-year CGS students successfully transition into another BU school or college to finish their BU degree.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Notable Features of CGS<\/h2>\n

Will I be able to study abroad if I go to CGS? Are there study abroad programs that satisfy requirements in the CGS program?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Yes. We believe global education opportunities unlock exciting, enriching and invaluable experiences \u2014 that\u2019s why we built study abroad into the College of General Studies program through the Boston-London Experience<\/a>. You can also choose to study abroad during your junior or senior year. In fact, many CGS students do both!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is the team system?<\/h3>
\n

At CGS, we organize our classes, students, faculty, and advisors using a team system<\/a>. Teams, similar to cohorts, are comprised of about 80 students who share the same faculty throughout the entire year, which enhances the teaching, learning, and social experiences by fostering a robust learning community.<\/p>\n

Your faculty and advisor team meets weekly to closely coordinate the classes and ensure interdisciplinarity. This kind of team meeting and combination of perspectives is highly unusual at any college, let alone a large research university.<\/p>\n

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Who will be my academic advisor?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Part of what makes CGS unique is our academic advising program<\/a>: we have a full-time advising team dedicated entirely to help you navigate, explore, and pursue a variety of educational experiences. Our advisors are here to assist with major exploration, course selection, and career path research. They also lend support as you transition to college, become familiar with the many resources across campus, and get to know BU\u2019s policies and procedures.<\/p>\n

In addition to meeting with you regularly, our academic advisors meet with the faculty teams to understand what\u2019s going on in your courses so that they can best advise you on academic and career matters.<\/p>\n

Read more about our academic advising<\/a> program and meet the team.<\/p>\n

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What academic services does CGS offer?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Our Robert W. Emery Writing Center<\/a> is located right in the CGS building, which is a comfortable space for you to meet with faculty members to strengthen your writing and critical reading skills. Whether it\u2019s guidance on how to develop a strong thesis, or reviewing documentation styles, it\u2019s a great place to receive individualized support.<\/p>\n

In addition to CGS-specific study centers<\/a>, the University also offers support services<\/a>, such as the Educational Resource Center.<\/p>\n

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What are the culture and environment like at CGS?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Our College maintains a strong sense of community. Our faculty members and staff not only want to know your name, they want to know your strengths, personality, and aspirations. And it shows. Faculty members are regularly asked for letters of recommendation\u2014 even if they had the student many years ago\u2014 because of our vested interest in getting to know our students so well.<\/p>\n

Our classrooms and hallways are filled with energetic conversation and enthusiasm. As students, you get to know your peers well through our team system, and develop friendships that last beyond your two years at CGS.<\/p>\n

Everyone is hard-working. You\u2019re busy balancing rigorous classes with pursuing passions outside the classroom; and your faculty members are teaching their own courses, grading their own papers, and publishing their own work all at the same time.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

Can I pursue research opportunities while at CGS?<\/h3>
\n

Yes\u2014 we encourage it. As part of a world-renowned research university, CGS offers you the chance to connect with faculty members and conduct research as early as your first year<\/a> of college. You can partner with a CGS faculty member for academic credit with a directed study, or do research for a stipend through a Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning program. Additionally, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program<\/a> (UROP) connects undergraduates interested in conducting research with BU faculty members who help provide supervision and guidance. Students may participate in the program for academic credit, for a stipend, or on a volunteer basis.<\/p>\n

Whichever way you do it, it\u2019s a great opportunity to partner with our faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields, gain research experience, explore your interests in greater depth, and potentially travel around the world and become published.<\/p>\n

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What are some of the student activity and leadership opportunities specific to CGS students?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

There are several CGS-specific student activity opportunities<\/a> among the 450+ student activities groups across campus.<\/p>\n