Lori Meadows
Boston University's College of General Studies (CGS) is a two-year core curriculum general education program that is part of a four-year degree at the university. After completing the CGS curriculum, students continue into one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to complete their degree. The CGS program provides a strong foundation for a specialized field of study and fulfills most BU Hub general education requirements. It offers a unique opportunity to study abroad during the first year, with a semester in Boston followed by a summer semester in London or New England. With a high retention rate, CGS students successfully transition into other BU schools, taking advantage of the global education opportunities and enriching experiences that the university offers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of semesters | 4 |
| Start month | January |
| First semester location | Boston |
| Second semester location | London or New England |
| Number of students | 600 |
| Housing | On-campus residences in Boston; residence-hall style buildings or external housing in London |
| Student groups | Over 450 |
| Continuation rate | 93% of first-year students return for their second year |
| Transition rate | 96% of second-year students transition into another BU school or college |
| Coursework | Interdisciplinary, liberal arts education |
| Curriculum | Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing |
| Credit | 32 credits for the spring semester and summer term |
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What You'll Learn
Students go to one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools
The College of General Studies (CGS) is a small, liberal arts college within Boston University. It offers first- and second-year students an interdisciplinary and global curriculum. The CGS program is a two-year core-curriculum general education program that is part of a four-year degree at Boston University. Students start their first semester in January, spending the spring semester in Boston followed by a six-week summer semester in London or New England.
The CGS program provides a strong foundation for a specialized field of study and fulfills most BU Hub general education requirements. It is unique in that it offers students the option to study abroad during their first year of college. The program emphasizes the connections between courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing, equipping students with the ability to synthesize information from multiple perspectives, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
Upon completion of the CGS curriculum, students continue their studies in one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to complete their BU degree. This transition rate from CGS to another BU school is approximately 96% for second-year students. These nine schools or colleges offer a wide range of academic disciplines and professional areas for students to explore and start accruing credits towards their intended major.
The exact schools or colleges that students can transition to are not explicitly mentioned. However, with BU's diverse range of student groups and specialty community residence programs, students have numerous opportunities to explore their interests and connect with their peers across the university.
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Students can study abroad in London
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University offers a unique opportunity for students to study abroad in London during their first summer. This program allows students to start their studies in Boston and then spend the summer semester in the heart of London, exploring the British capital.
The London semester is an intensive academic experience, with a full semester course load of 14 credits. Students will be enrolled in three CGS classes covering literature, rhetorical practices, and politics, economies, and social change in the Western world, all from the perspective of the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution. While the semester is packed with assignments and classes, there is also a strong focus on experiential learning and cultural immersion.
Outside of the classroom, students can participate in optional social programs, including trips to iconic London landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Kensington Palace, and the London Eye. They can also explore the city's amazing culinary scene or cook their meals in the shared kitchen spaces of the residence halls. The program includes mandatory field trips, international health insurance, and evacuation insurance, ensuring a safe and comprehensive experience.
Housing in London varies, with options including BU's residence-hall-style buildings or external housing within commuting distance of BU classrooms. Students will have access to academic advising, with CGS advisors on-site for part of each summer session, providing support and guidance throughout their stay in London. The CGS team system, where faculty teach the same set of students in Boston and London, fosters a cohesive and supportive environment for first-year students embarking on their study abroad journey.
The College of General Studies at Boston University provides a well-structured and immersive study abroad experience in London, combining academic rigor with cultural exploration, and offering students a unique perspective on global education.
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Students can study in Boston for a spring semester
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University offers a unique opportunity for students to start their first semester in January, allowing them to experience a gap semester filled with adventure and exploration. This interdisciplinary, liberal arts education provides a strong foundation in various subjects, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing.
Students who choose to enrol in CGS will spend their spring semester in Boston, followed by a summer semester in London or New England. This provides a great opportunity to live, study, and immerse themselves in different cultures. During their time in Boston, students will be housed in on-campus residences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The CGS program spans a total of four semesters, completed during the first two years of college. During this time, students will fulfil the University's BU Hub general education requirements and gain valuable skills that will prepare them for their next steps. With a high retention rate, CGS sets students up for success as they transition into one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools or colleges to complete their degree.
Boston, being a vibrant city, offers students a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom. They can explore museums, historical sites, and theatres, enhancing their educational experience. Additionally, BU boasts over 450 student groups, catering to a range of interests, where students can find their community and pursue their passions.
Enrolling in CGS at Boston University provides students with a well-rounded educational journey. The spring semester in Boston serves as a solid starting point, allowing students to build a strong academic and social foundation before venturing out to other parts of the world. With a balance of classroom learning and experiential opportunities, students can gain a global perspective and a memorable college experience.
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Students can study in New England
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University offers a unique program where students can choose to study in New England during the summer. This provides an excellent opportunity for those who want to remain in the United States but explore a different region.
The summer semester in New England allows students to continue their studies while immersing themselves in a new cultural setting. It offers a balance between academic pursuits and the exploration of new environments. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience, combining classroom learning with experiential opportunities.
During their time in New England, students can take advantage of the region's diverse offerings. They can engage in academic pursuits at local institutions, such as the University of New England (UNE), which offers a range of study options, including on-campus and online programs. UNE is known for its flexible study options, small class sizes, and excellent facilities, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
Additionally, New England boasts a rich history and cultural diversity, providing students with numerous opportunities for exploration and enrichment outside the classroom. They can visit historic sites, museums, and theatres, enhancing their understanding of the region's unique culture and heritage. The region is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, offering outdoor adventures and recreational activities.
By studying in New England, students can benefit from the best of both worlds – a strong academic foundation and a chance to immerse themselves in a new cultural and natural environment, fostering personal growth and a broader perspective. This option provides a valuable alternative for those who seek a unique educational journey within the United States.
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Students can continue their studies at BU's other nine schools or colleges
The College of General Studies (CGS) at Boston University is a unique, small liberal arts college offering first- and second-year students an interdisciplinary, global curriculum. The CGS program is four semesters in total, completed during the first two years of college. Students can study abroad in London during their first year, starting with a semester in Boston and ending with a summer semester in London or New England.
Upon completion of the two-year program, students continue their studies at one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools and colleges to complete their degree. Students are guaranteed continuation into one of these nine schools or colleges, where they can explore academic disciplines or professional areas in more depth and start accruing credits towards their intended major.
The CGS program provides a strong foundation for a specialized field of study and fulfills most BU Hub general education requirements. Students explore humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing, developing abilities to synthesize information, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
With a high retention rate, 96% of second-year CGS students successfully transition into another BU school or college to finish their degree. The global education opportunities offered by the CGS program, such as the Boston-London Experience, unlock enriching and invaluable experiences for students.
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Frequently asked questions
After completing the two-year CGS program, students continue to one of BU's nine degree-granting undergraduate schools and colleges to pursue their major and complete their BU degree.
The College of General Studies (CGS) is a small, liberal arts college within BU, offering first-year and second-year students a program that satisfies most BU Hub University-wide general education requirements.
The CGS program provides students with a strong foundation in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing. It also equips students with the ability to synthesize information from multiple perspectives, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
Yes, the CGS program offers students the opportunity to study abroad during their first year of college through the Boston-London Experience. Students start the year in Boston with a spring semester and then complete their first year with a summer semester in London.
