Mission Statement

The College of General Studies (CGS) in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to extending learning beyond traditional borders and engages a richly diverse population of intellectually capable students. CGS provides innovative lifelong learning opportunities in programs of study that are grounded in the humanities and the natural and social sciences. CGS educates high school students seeking academically rigorous pre-college experiences; working adults seeking to expand their knowledge and skills for personal and professional growth; alumni who wish to strengthen their connection to Penn faculty and resources; and senior citizens who enter the academic commons as active intellects. CGS meets the aspirations of these students through academically and professionally enriching programs and through responsive programming and services.

Penn’s CGS is grounded in the belief that learning in the liberal arts and sciences is essential to the development of an educated public ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. CGS enhances the capacity of individuals to develop the critical, intellectual, and creative skills needed to understand the complex world around them, to shape their lives and careers, and to become engaged citizens and leaders in their fields.

CGS programs are founded on Penn’s unique strengths in Arts and Sciences, especially its rich array of academic disciplines and its tradition of innovation and interdisciplinary study. CGS programs also build upon partnerships with Penn’s professional schools and Philadelphia institutions, organizations, and businesses. From this foundation, CGS provides a rich variety of learning opportunities including undergraduate and graduate liberal arts degrees, professional master’s degrees, pre-college and summer sessions, and professional development programs. Penn faculty, world-renowned scholars who are leaders in their respective fields, participate in developing outstanding new CGS programs, shaping CGS curricula, and teaching and mentoring CGS students.