The College of General Studies offers a large portfolio of online classes in various subjects and disciplines. Our online classes are grounded in best practices in interactive teaching and student-centered learning.
Online faculty members are key to the success of CGS Online. Working with CGS Academic Affairs, faculty members have the opportunity to maximize the benefits of technology within the context of a traditional university setting, and the flexibility to create customized courses with support from the College of General Studies Instructional Designer Team and the Teaching Center.
Explore the sections below to learn more about the types of online courses we offer, and CGS-established quality standards and expectations for online course development and instruction.
Types of Online Courses
In addition to our evening face-to-face courses, the College of General Studies (CGS) also offers two types of online/distance education courses: web (asynchronous) and hybrid:
The Benefits of Teaching Online
College of General Studies online courses support the University of Pittsburgh's mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs, while offering individual faculty members a variety of personal and professional benefits.
Online Course Development
All courses to be developed and offered through the College of General Studies must be proposed using the CGS Online Course Development Proposal form. Learn more about our course development and approval process, expectations, steps, and timelines.
Online Course Quality
We place high value on the quality of online courses at CGS. Find out about the standards that we have adopted to guide the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of CGS online classes.
Instructional Design Support
Our team of dedicated instructional designers offers one-on-one consultations and support from beginning to end of the course development process. Meet the team.