The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University is a small liberal arts college with an annual intake of about 600 students. The college offers a two-year, interdisciplinary core curriculum to first- and second-year students, with an emphasis on general education. The CGS student body comprises approximately 1,200 students in total, allowing for small class sizes of around 25 students on average. This intimate community provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of students | 1,200 |
Number of students admitted each year | 600 |
Average class size | 25 |
Number of semesters | 4 |
Average GPA of the Class of 2015 | 3.3 |
What You'll Learn
CGS admits about 600 students annually
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University admits about 600 students annually. This two-year program offers a world-class general education with a focus on interdisciplinary learning. CGS is a small, liberal arts college within BU, providing a unique first-year experience and a strong foundation for a specialised field of study.
With an average class size of 25 students, CGS ensures direct and constant access to faculty members. The college organises its classes, students, faculty, and advisors using a team system, enhancing the teaching, learning, and social experiences. This system, unique to CGS, fosters a robust learning community.
CGS students are required to take courses at BU's other nine schools or colleges to explore academic disciplines and start accruing credits towards their intended major. This allows students to fulfil most BU Hub general education requirements and gain a well-rounded education.
The CGS curriculum includes electives towards a major, and upon completion, students continue to one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools and colleges to complete their degree. The college provides a strong liberal arts foundation, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing, preparing students for their specialised field of study.
CGS offers a spring semester start date, followed by a summer semester in London or Boston. This provides students with the opportunity to study abroad during their first year, enhancing their educational experience with cultural and historical insights.
With a student body of approximately 1,200 first and second-year students, CGS creates an intimate community with outsized opportunities. The college's innovative approach to education, focus on interdisciplinary connections, and dedication to student success make it a dynamic and engaging choice for those seeking a well-rounded foundation for their academic and professional journeys.
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The average class size is 25 students
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University has an average class size of 25 students. This small class size is part of the college's commitment to providing an intimate community and a strong foundation in liberal arts for its students. With approximately 600 students admitted each year, CGS offers a tight-knit and personalised educational experience.
The benefits of smaller class sizes are well-known and advantageous for both students and teachers. Students in smaller classes benefit from increased opportunities for participation, improved instructor-student ratios, and a more collaborative and engaging learning environment. This allows for more meaningful interactions and a deeper understanding of the material.
Instructors, on the other hand, are able to better cater to the individual needs of each student, fostering a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere. They can provide more targeted feedback and personal attention, ensuring that no student is left behind.
The average class size of 25 students at CGS enables the college to deliver on its promise of an interdisciplinary education. This size encourages dynamic discussions, fosters a sense of community, and allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives. It also facilitates the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, which are highly valued by employers and essential for success in a wide range of industries.
The intimate class sizes at CGS create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students are known by their names and recognised for their unique strengths and aspirations. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to the overall well-being and growth of the students, empowering them to excel in their chosen fields.
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CGS has a student body of 1,200
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University has a student body of 1,200. CGS is a small, liberal arts college within BU, offering a two-year, interdisciplinary and global curriculum to first- and second-year students. The college admits about 600 students each year, with an average class size of 25 students.
The CGS program provides a strong foundation for a specialized field of study, fulfilling most BU Hub general education requirements. Students explore subjects such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing through an interdisciplinary lens, emphasizing the connections between courses. This approach equips students with the skills to synthesize information, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
The college has a unique team system that limits the number of students in sections, ensuring small class sizes. The core curriculum is taught by full-time Boston University faculty, all of whom have attained PhDs. CGS freshmen are the second-largest incoming class of Boston University's ten undergraduate schools and colleges.
Upon completion of the two-year program, CGS students continue to one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to pursue their major. The CGS program gives students a strong liberal arts foundation for their specialized field of study, placing them at the halfway point towards a BU degree.
With its student body of 1,200, CGS fosters a strong sense of community. The college's faculty and staff take a personal interest in getting to know each student's strengths, personality, and aspirations. The classrooms and hallways buzz with energetic conversation and enthusiasm, and the team system helps students develop lasting friendships. CGS offers a supportive and engaging environment for students to thrive academically and socially.
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CGS is a small liberal arts college within BU
The College of General Studies (CGS) is a small liberal arts college within Boston University (BU). It offers a two-year, interdisciplinary, global curriculum to first- and second-year students. The college admits about 600 students each year, with a total of approximately 1,200 students across the two years.
CGS provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing. The college emphasises the connections between these subjects, equipping students with the skills to synthesise information from multiple perspectives, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. The average class size is 25 students, allowing for small class sizes and an intimate community.
The CGS curriculum is designed to satisfy most of the BU Hub University-wide general education requirements. Upon completion of the two-year program, students can continue to one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to pursue their major. The CGS program gives students the flexibility to explore different majors and take classes at other BU schools, with guaranteed continuation into one of the nine degree-granting colleges.
CGS has a unique academic advising program, with a full-time advising team dedicated to helping students navigate their educational journey. The college also offers various study centres, such as the Robert W. Emery Writing Center, to support students in strengthening their writing and critical reading skills.
The college has a strong sense of community, with faculty and staff committed to knowing their students well. The team system at CGS enhances the teaching, learning, and social experiences, fostering a robust learning community. The college also encourages global education opportunities, with study abroad programs in London integrated into the first year of the CGS curriculum.
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CGS students can study abroad in London
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University offers students a unique opportunity to study abroad in London during their first summer. This educational experience is built into the first two semesters of the two-year program, allowing students to explore the British capital and immerse themselves in its rich history and culture.
The London semester provides CGS students with a global perspective and a chance to continue their studies in a new environment. They can take advantage of thought-provoking courses and gain invaluable cultural experiences. The program fosters a supportive and cohesive environment, with CGS faculty teaching the same set of students in Boston and London. This continuity enhances the learning journey.
The London curriculum is carefully designed to include both classroom learning and exploration of the city. Students can expect four hours of classes each day in social sciences, humanities, and rhetoric. Additionally, assignments and excursions take them to museums, monuments, and landmarks, providing a deeper understanding of London's history and cultural significance. The program also offers optional social programs, such as the Harry Potter Studio Tour, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye.
The CGS London Summer Semester is a full-semester course load of 14 credits. Students can reside in Boston University's residence halls or opt for external housing within commuting distance. The program includes mandatory field trips, international health insurance, and transportation to and from Heathrow Airport. Students are responsible for their meals, personal travel, and some additional expenses.
The College of General Studies at Boston University offers a distinctive opportunity for its students to broaden their horizons and gain invaluable experiences by studying abroad in London. This program enhances their academic journey and provides a global perspective, making it a valuable component of the CGS curriculum.
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Frequently asked questions
CGS admits about 600 students each year, with a total of approximately 1,200 first-year and second-year students enrolled in the program.
The average class size at CGS is 25 students.
Each team at CGS is made up of about 80 students.