Frequently Asked Questions
Who are CGS students?
Most CGS students are adults over the age of 21 who study on a part-time basis. In addition, we welcome qualified college and high school students in some programs. CGS students come from Philadelphia and its suburbs, from across the United States, and from many other countries. Our students include Penn employees and Alumni, employees in regional companies and hospitals, teachers, and retirees. Some are changing careers or seeking to enter the work force; others are people who simply want to learn a new subject or revisit a favorite topic.
What kinds of opportunities exist at CGS?
Opportunities range from undergraduate and graduate degree programs, post-baccalaureate study in specific course sequences, and professional certificate programs, to cultural and enrichment programs, programs for high school students, and online courses. A large number of international students take part in our English Language Programs. CGS is also the administrative home of Summer Sessions at the University of Pennsylvania.
What degrees are offered by CGS?
The College of General Studies offers two undergraduate degrees— the
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA, in association
with Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts). CGS also offers six master's degrees:
For more detailed information on CGS degree policies and programs, please visit the links to the individual degrees listed on the left hand side. And don't hesitate to
contact us if your questions are not answered on this Website.
What sort of credit does CGS award?
Credit earned through the College of General Studies is full University of Pennsylvania
academic credit, awarded in course units (c.u.s). One course unit at Penn is
usually equivalent to a three-credit hour course at other colleges and universities.
CGS credit is transferable to almost all other academic institutions according
to their policies. Credit students at CGS earn a University of Pennsylvania
transcript, obtainable by contacting the
University
Registrar.
When and how can I register?
You can register for courses after you have been formally admitted to
a degree or program. You can register by telephone through PARIS (Penn
Automated Registration and Information System) at 215-573-PENN, or through
Penn InTouch at
https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch.
You may also register at the CGS office. Instructions for using PARIS
and Penn InTouch are provided in the
CGS Course Guide.
May I take daytime courses?
Yes, if space is available in the course. Note that there is a cost difference
between daytime and evening (CGS) courses.
Can CGS students be enrolled at Penn full-time?
Yes. CGS students may take a full-time load (a minimum of 3 courses
for undergrads or graduate students) by enrolling in any combination
of day and /or evening classes. In most cases, courses taken in the
day will cost more than courses offered after 4:30 p.m. or online through
CGS.
Is a CGS undergraduate degree equivalent to a College of Arts and
Sciences undergraduate degree?
Absolutely. CGS students fulfill the same requirements, earn the same
degree, receive the same diploma, and in many cases study with the same
professors as traditional, day school undergraduates in the College
at Penn.
Why do CGS courses cost less than day courses at Penn?
For several reasons. CGS hires individual instructors from Penn and
elsewhere to teach its courses and so does not have the financial obligation,
and overhead, of supporting entire departments. In addition, CGS was
founded over a century ago as Penn's outreach division, and has a commitment
to keeping tuition costs down for part-time students and making Penn
more accessible to the Philadelphia community. There is also less financial
aid available for part-time students, an issue CGS seeks to address
through lower tuition costs and specialized scholarships for part-time
students.
What is the refund policy?
CGS students are eligible for full or partial refunds if they drop a
course within the CGS deadlines. A complete schedule for each semester,
including deadlines, may be found on the first two pages of the current
CGS Course Guide.
When will my bill arrive, and where will it be sent?
Students who advance register are billed before the start of the term.
Others receive their bills two to six weeks after registering. If you
do not receive a bill within six weeks, contact
Student
Financial Services at 215-898-1988. Unless a specific billing
address is requested in writing, your initial term bill is mailed
to your permanent home address, and monthly bills are mailed to your
local address.
How do I pay my bill?
Payment may be made in person to the University Cashier at the Franklin
Building, 3451 Walnut Street, by mail, or online through the Student
Financial Services site . Bills should be paid in full (to avoid
a late penalty) with cash or check only. The bill includes your charges
for tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses from a variety of
offices across Penn in a central billing statement. It may show both
actual and "temporary credits" from a variety of sources.
If you have questions about any transaction on your bill, please contact
the office responsible for the transaction.
