GS Pathways

The GS Pathway Program is an exclusive initiative for students in Columbia University's School of General Studies, designed to provide unparalleled support as they prepare for a future in journalism.

This program offers personalized guidance from CJS faculty, tailored academic advising, and access to special events open only to CJS students. GS Pathways allows early access to the resources, expertise, and community needed to excel in graduate studies and pursue successful journalism careers.

With the education we provide here, we accelerate the growth curve and learning curve in your journalistic skills.

Jelani Cobb, Dean & Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism

The GS Pathway Program is only available to current School of General Studies students in the junior year of their baccalaureate degree to apply for admission to CJS academic programs.

Benefits of the GS Pathway Program:

Students in Jacob Kushner's long-form magazine writing class.
  • Early Preparation for success as you gain a strategic advantage in planning your graduate education and professional development journey.
  • Personalized guidance: you can schedule one-on-one meetings with CJS faculty for tailored advice and support.
  • Exclusive Advising opportunities with Academic Affairs so you can explore how to best prepare for your journalism studies and future career.
  • Access to special events designed specifically for CJS students and unavailable to the general public.

When you leave here, you have a skill set that is transferable to a lot of different undertakings.

Dean Jelani Cobb

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Students in Jacob Kushner's long-form magazine writing class

Admissions information sessions about the program are typically held in the fall term, yet students can connect with the admissions team all year round.


Learn more about deadlines and requirements — and note the application must include at least one letter of recommendation from a GS faculty member.

Eligibility & Admission

To be eligible for the pathway program, a student must  

  • be enrolled in the School of General Studies in an undergraduate degree program, either single or dual degree
  • have earned at least 60 credits toward the GS baccalaureate degree
  • be making satisfactory academic progress at the time of their application to the School of Journalism.

If admitted to one of CJS's academic programs:

  • We will extend a conditional offer of admission contingent on successfully obtaining a baccalaureate degree from the School of General Studies.
  • To ensure academic progress, we will ask for an updated copy of the most recent academic transcript at the beginning of the spring semester of the senior year.
    • If making academic progress, we will release the formal admissions offer at that time.

To enroll at CJS, the admitted student must:

  • Submit the finalized transcript from the School of General Studies verifying completion of the baccalaureate degree,
  • Formally accept the updated offer of admission by paying the enrollment fee, which is nonrefundable and not transferable.