Non-Traditional Graduate Studies through CGS

The School of Arts and Sciences has recognized the need to open its graduate resources to well-prepared, highly motivated adult students. The SAS Graduate Division and CGS have joined to facilitate such study through the Non- Traditional Graduate Studies Program.

The Program

The Non-Traditional Graduate Studies Program enables students to enroll through the College of General Studies in regular School of Arts and Sciences graduate courses on a non-degree basis. Graduate study in the arts and sciences at Penn is organized into "graduate groups" rather than programs or departments. The feasibility of part-time or non-degree study varies greatly from graduate group to graduate group, and it is important for students to consult closely with the chairperson of the graduate group in which they are interested. Some groups will not permit such study; others are quite receptive. Some offer so-called "terminal" master's degrees; others only award the Ph.D.

The College of General Studies serves as a point of contact for students interested in part-time study in graduate courses; it provides preliminary academic and career advising and makes appropriate referrals to graduate groups. Students interested in the program must arrange an interview to discuss their plans and ambitions with the program coordinator before contacting a graduate group chairperson. In many cases a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses or a referral to specialized programs at Penn or elsewhere may be appropriate. If accepted into the program, a student may register for graduate courses through the College of General Studies office (3440 Market Street, Suite 100) by presenting written permission from the chairperson of the appropriate graduate group for each graduate course.

Graduate Degrees

When a student has completed four graduate-level courses through CGS, three alternatives become available: take additional graduate courses through CGS on a non-degree basis with the approval of the graduate group; apply for formal admission to a graduate program as a non-degree special student in the Graduate Division of SAS; or apply for admission as a regular graduate degree student. Application for admission as a special or degree student is made to the Graduate Division of SAS, 16 College Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Graduate applications and the Graduate Admissions Catalog are also available from that office. Call 215.898.7444.

Students seeking the Ph.D. must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences or to another graduate school of the University. No more than four graduate courses taken through CGS may later be counted towards a graduate degree at Penn.