CGS - College of General Studies - University of Pittsburgh

Dean's Message

The small college in the large university, the College of General Studies connects regional and nontraditional students to the prestigious University of Pittsburgh faculty and to the vast resources of the University community. Academic programs offered have both interdisciplinary and pre-professional emphases that prepare students for graduate education and a broad variety of professional careers.

At the College of General Studies, we recognize that adult students face different circumstances and challenges from traditional undergraduates. Financial, professional, and other factors cause many people to interrupt the pursuit of an education or require a longer period of time to finish a baccalaureate degree. Once a student enrolls in the College of General Studies, whether full- or part-time, or takes courses in Oakland during the day or at a satellite campus in the evening, they are University of Pittsburgh students—the only difference is how they got here.

Working with transfer and reentry students and helping them to change their lives is one of my greatest rewards. The College of General Studies places a high value on each individual and on contributing to the social and economic ambitions of the region through its students and alumni. Our graduates join a legacy of distinguished alumni — teachers, researchers, business leaders, artists, technologists, lawyers, engineers, healthcare professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, critics, and activists — who have made positive and lasting contributions to their fields and to their communities.

As more adults continue to pursue education and the love of learning, the College of General Studies has responded to their growing needs with undergraduate baccalaureate degree programs, post-baccalaureate opportunities, professional development, and through learning in retirement with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The College of General Studies staff and University faculty comprise an academic community that is in the business of changing lives and is committed to cultivating current and future generations of leaders and innovators. We take pride in our mission and strive daily to deliver on our promise of helping adults achieve their academic and professional goals.

Sincerely,

Kelly Otter
Associate Dean