CGS Online Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I participate in my course?
CGS Online Learning courses are completely Internet-based, with mandatory live lectures and discussion on a web conferencing tool, threaded discussions, academic resources and more. As is the case with face to face classes at Penn, you will need to buy required textbooks and complete a variety of assignments and exams. Instructors are available via e-mail and telephone.
Before the semester begins, you will receive instructions on how to log in to your course's website. From this page, you will be able to access all of the course materials.
Unlike the online courses at some universities, Penn’s courses follow a similar model to the face to face option on campus. You are required to attend weekly online lectures, so please make sure that you are available to attend class meetings in the required times. To check course times, click here. Classes are typically offered in the late afternoons and early evenings.
To take full advantage of the CGS Online Learning environment, students should be able to meet the technical requirements detailed here.
How much time is involved in taking a CGS Online Learning course?
CGS Online Learning courses, like all Penn courses, are academically rigorous. The time you spend each week varies according to the course syllabus, but a good approximation is to plan on spending 2 to 4 hours per week online participating in "synchronous" activities such as live lectures and chat, and 2 to 4 hours in "asynchronous" or "on demand" activities such as threaded discussions and pre-recorded video or slide shows. Budget an additional 3+ hours per week for individual study, textbook reading, problem-solving or writing, and meeting various course requirements. Be aware that extra time may be necessary when studying for exams or writing a term paper.
How do I purchase my books for CGS Online Learning courses?
Students enrolled in a CGS Online Learning course may purchase their books anywhere they like. The textbooks are listed with the course description on our course page.
What is the grading system for an online course? How are exams given?
Students enrolled in an online course are held to the same academic standards and policies as students taking similar courses on campus in Philadelphia. Students may choose to take an online course pass/fail, audit, or for a letter grade. The instructor for each course determines the nature and "grade value" of all assignments and exams. Grading may be based on written papers, problem sets, participation in threaded discussions, participation in live class sessions, individual or team projects, exams or other items. Exams may be timed or not timed, take-home or computer based. Your professor will specify grading procedures and policies at the beginning of the course. Students enrolled in a CGS Online Learning course are expected to abide by the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources.
How can I sign up to take a CGS Online Learning course?
Current Penn students can register for a CGS Online Learning course through Penn-In-Touch just as they would for any other University of Pennsylvania or College of General Studies (CGS) course. Please refer to the College of General Studies dates and deadlines for registration information. www.sas.upenn.edu/CGS/resources/calendar.php
If you are not currently a Penn student you will need to apply and be admitted to a program in order to enroll in an CGS Online Learning course.
Where can I find what classes are being offered?
CGS Online Learning courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms. A listing of the courses being offered can be found in the College of General Studies course guide. To view the course guide online please click here.
How much does it cost to take a CGS Online Learning course?
Tuition information is available here. Tuition rates vary according to the academic program you are enrolled. Please note that there is an additional $60.00 course fee for all online courses.
Can I pursue a degree to the University of Pennsylvania online?
Unfortunately no degree program at the University of Pennsylvania can be completed online. However, CGS Online Learning presents an opportunity for students from around the country, and even the world, to take some of Penn's most popular and interesting courses without having to be in the Philadelphia area. For students who have matriculated here at Penn, CGS Online Learning courses can be used to fulfill requirements towards their degree. Current Penn students should check with their academic advisor in their home school for full details.
Can I earn college credit through CGS Online Learning?
Yes. CGS Online Learning courses are equivalent to courses taught on campus at Penn. Usually, students are taught the same material at the same pace as in the corresponding on-campus courses. Students who successfully complete a course receive one course unit of Penn credit.
Can CGS Online Learning courses be transferred to other colleges and universities?
Yes. CGS Online Learning courses can be transferred to other colleges and universities, just like any of Penn’s on-campus courses. However, the transferability of the course is at the discretion of the recipient university. It is the student's responsibility to confirm whether his or her school will accept the transferred credits.
When I complete a CGS Online Learning course, how do I get a copy of my transcript?
You may order a copy of your transcript through the Registrar’s Office. Please visit the Registrar's web page at http://www.upenn.edu/registrar/transcripts/transcripts.html.
Still have questions that we haven't answered?
Please contact the CGS Main office at:
- Email: cgs@sas.upenn.edu
- Call: 215-898-7326