Boston University's CGS Program Offers Immersive College Experience

Student shares how the College of General Studies provided an interdisciplinary curriculum and global opportunities.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing a group of students walking through a busy urban campus, with the iconic architecture of Boston University's campus visible in the background, conveying the sense of community and energy of the CGS program.The vibrant, interdisciplinary community of Boston University's College of General Studies offers students an immersive college experience that blends rigorous academics with global opportunities.Boston Today

A Boston University student reflects on her experience in the College of General Studies (CGS) program, which offers an immersive academic journey over the course of a year and a half. The program combines semesters in Boston with a six-week summer term in either London or Boston, allowing students to take a diverse range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, rhetoric, and natural sciences. The writer highlights the program's interdisciplinary curriculum, global opportunities, and supportive faculty mentors as key highlights of her CGS experience.

Why it matters

The CGS program at Boston University provides an innovative approach to general education, blending interdisciplinary coursework with international experiences. As higher education continues to evolve, programs like CGS that offer a unique, well-rounded curriculum and opportunities for personal growth are becoming increasingly valuable for students looking to maximize their college experience.

The details

The writer was intrigued by the CGS program after receiving her Boston University admissions letter, which outlined the opportunity to start in January 2025 with a semester in Boston followed by a six-week summer term in either London or Boston. During her admitted student visit, she was drawn to the abundant campus resources, proximity to downtown Boston, and the interdisciplinary nature of the CGS curriculum. The program allowed her to fulfill 80-90% of her general education requirements through 8-10 CGS classes focused on the humanities, social sciences, rhetoric, and natural sciences.

  • The writer received her Boston University admissions letter in March 2024.
  • The writer's CGS experience began in January 2025 with a semester in Boston.
  • The writer completed a six-week summer term in either London or Boston as part of the CGS program.
  • The writer finished her CGS program by the end of her sophomore year at Boston University.

The players

Scott Marr

The writer's CGS SS103 and CGS SS104 professor, who helped catalyze her understanding of the social sciences and concepts like human societies, ideologies, revolutions, and rationality.

Beth Kramer

The writer's CGS RH103 and CGS RH104 professor, whose passion for journalism and the written language inspired the writer's interest in rhetorical analysis.

Dr. Vail

The writer's CGS HU201 and CGS HU202 professor, who provided a welcoming and nurturing spirit while helping the writer gain a better understanding of ethics, from Socrates to Plato and Mary Shelley to Nietzsche.

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What’s next

The writer plans to continue her studies at Boston University, leveraging the foundation provided by the CGS program to pursue her pre-medical requirements and work towards her goal of becoming a physician.

The takeaway

The CGS program at Boston University offers students a unique opportunity to engage in an immersive, interdisciplinary college experience that combines rigorous academics with global experiences and supportive faculty mentors. This innovative approach to general education prepares students to tackle complex problems with a broader perspective, making it a valuable option for those seeking to maximize their undergraduate years.