The College of General Studies (CGS) at the University of Pittsburgh has a long and evolving history of innovation in adult and nontraditional education. Established in the late 1950s, CGS was founded with a bold mission: to create programs that meet the unique educational needs of adult learners in the community. Building on the foundation of Pitt’s Evening Division, CGS began by offering flexible programs in the liberal arts, business, and education—and over time, expanded into interdisciplinary majors, certificates, and continuing education options.
In the early 1970s, CGS launched the University External Studies Program (UESP), one of the earliest distance education efforts in the country. This groundbreaking program gave working students the opportunity to learn on their own schedules using printed materials, weekend workshops, and even televised and radio courses. As technology advanced in the 1990s and early 2000s, CGS transitioned to dynamic online learning formats, collaborating closely with departments and faculty to maintain a high standard of academic quality and flexibility.
Today, CGS continues to lead with career-focused programs and accessible, high-quality learning experiences. The College serves a diverse community of students, from recent high school graduates to mid-career professionals and adult learners, many of whom are balancing school with work and family responsibilities. With a strong focus on online learning, internships, global experiences, and community engagement, CGS remains true to its founding purpose: to make a University of Pittsburgh education possible and meaningful for students at every stage of life.