Columbia University School of General Studies
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Columbia University School of General Studies is an undergraduate school at Columbia University for non-traditional students. The school is unique in that it is the only such college in the Ivy League. While both Brown University and Yale University have similar programs, they are much smaller and integrated into their "traditional" undergraduate programs rather than existing as their own academic unit. Students have the option of attending part-time or full-time, with similar numbers choosing each option. While all courses are shared with Columbia's other undergraduate schools, the presence of GS has caused Columbia to greatly expand the number of courses which meet in the evening. The School of General Studies, commonly referred to as GS, awards both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. It is also home to Columbia's Postbaccalaureate Premedical Pre-health Program, which is the largest and oldest in the United States.
Non-Traditional Students
Columbia defines non-traditional students as those who have interrupted their education for a year or more Additionally, it includes students who are otherwise traditional but have a strong reason to attend part time (e.g. they must split time with a career in New York's performing arts industry) and students enrolled in the joint degree program with Jewish Theological Seminary. While there is no typical student, many students share similar histories. Many have enjoyed successful careers in fields such as investment banking and information technology. Several are published authors, and quite a few are non-traditional due to previous conscription or community service requirements in their home countries. Others are able to attend only part time due to work or family commitments. A substantial portion of the population enters as transfer students; the previous schools of these students ranges from the community college level to Columbia's peer institutions.