A Program Built Around You
Sample for-credit courses at UChicago through our unique GSAL bridge program.
Program Overview
Forge connections with esteemed professors, engage in thought-provoking class discussions, and access unparalleled resources while taking for-credit courses at a world-renowned institution.
The Graduate Student-at-Large (GSAL) is tailored for individuals seeking to refine their academic interests, enhance their professional trajectory, or prepare for advanced graduate studies. This immersive experience equips students with the skills, credentials, and confidence to achieve their aspirations.
Explore Our Graduate Student-at-Large Programs
Your Bridge to an MBA
Explore courses at Chicago Booth, while boosting your resume or grad school application.
Learning Never Stops
Renew your love of learning with a unique program aimed at personal growth.
Graduate Student-at-Large provides unparalleled access to the extraordinary breadth of scholarship across the University of Chicago, making it a unique opportunity for those seeking to explore new academic horizons, prepare for graduate study, or deepen their intellectual pursuits.
Seth Green Dean, University of Chicago Graham School
I am constantly humbled and inspired by the journeys and aspirations of our GSAL students. Guiding and walking alongside them as they forge meaningful paths forward is a privilege I deeply cherish.
Esther Pandian-Riske Director, GSAL, GSALB and RS Programs
Hone Your Edge
Students in our personalized programs are diverse in age and academic background. Some seek to explore advanced graduate study in a particular field of discipline, while others wish to preview graduate level courses and seminars or switch to a new field of study.
After successful completion of graduate-level study at the University of Chicago through GSAL, our students have been accepted into Master’s and PhD programs in the humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, medical school, law school, public policy, social work, and other fields, both in the United States and overseas.
36
%
The percentage of GSAL students that have chosen to bridge into esteemed MA, MBA, and PhD programs within UChicago
10
K
The number of active GSAL alumni, representing major industries, residing all over the world.
GSAL and GSALB Alumni
Students in our Graduate Student at Large (GSAL) and Graduate Student at Large Business (GSALB) programs have gone on to various MA and PhD Programs all over the United States and used their training to succeed in various professional pathways.
We encourage our program alumni to stay in touch with the GSAL Program Office to receive program and alumni information updates and invitations to events.
About the UChicago GSAL Programs
Since its founding, the University of Chicago has exemplified an unwavering dedication to intellectual exploration and the democratization of knowledge. Rooted in this vision, the concept of the “student-at-large” has been a cornerstone of the University’s mission, extending access to rigorous scholarship beyond traditional degree pathways.
Inspired by President Harper’s transformative ideals, the “at-large” model invites individuals of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in a world-class academic environment defined by inquiry, innovation, and excellence.
Established in 1994, the Graduate Student-at-Large program embodies this enduring tradition, offering unparalleled access to graduate and undergraduate coursework across a broad spectrum of disciplines. With 36% of GSAL students from 2015 to 2024 bridging into esteemed MA, MBA, and PhD programs within UChicago and a network of 10,000+ active alumni representing major industries worldwide, the program continues to demonstrate its transformative impact.