Esther Pandian-Riske
Director, Graduate Student-at-Large
Program Overview
If you’re considering graduate study in social work, the GSAL program offers a distinctive opportunity to explore your academic and professional path with purpose and flexibility.
Through for-credit courses at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, you’ll experience the intellectual rigor, collaborative classroom environment, and deep commitment to social impact that define one of the world’s leading institutions in the field.
Whether you’re passionate about creating more equitable communities, advancing public policy, or leading social sector organizations, GSAL allows you to explore Crown coursework that reflects your values while earning credit that can be applied towards a full degree. You’ll gain exposure to the Crown academic environment, connect with faculty, and access UChicago resources.
45
%
of GSAL students that took a Crown course entered a full UChicago graduate program. 
Program benefits include:
- Access personalized academic advising with the GSAL team to help you identify and register for Crown courses aligned with your interests and goals.
- Create a stronger graduate school application through the receipt of formal grades and transcripts from UChicago.
- Gain exposure and access to esteemed UChicago Crown faculty, including the potential for references and letters of recommendation.
- Take part in the same classroom experience as current Crown students.
- Access to the abundance of UChicago resources including libraries and fitness center.
- Take part in networking opportunities with influential professionals.
- Receive support with the Crown graduate application process, including guidance on timelines and next steps after successful GSAL course completion.
Begin Your Graduate Journey at the Crown Family School
Through GSAL, you can explore courses in the Crown Family School’s Master’s in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration. It offers an interdisciplinary foundation combining direct practice, policy development, research, and theory. The program emphasizes flexibility and prepares graduates to drive social change across a wide range of settings: clinical, community-based, policy, and beyond.
GSAL offers you a unique opportunity to explore firsthand what it’s like to learn from and contribute to a community deeply committed to building a more just and humane society.
Dedicated Team
The GSAL team, housed at the University of Chicago Graham School, has decades of experience in supporting academic student success. Team members will work with you in exploring suitable courses, meeting faculty, conducting research, coordinating student engagement activities, and helping with graduate school applications (including seeking faculty for letters of recommendation).
Marla Privitera
Assistant Director for the Graduate Student-at-Large Program
Tom Shannon
Enrollment Counselor
Seth Green
Dean, University of Chicago Graham School
Michelle Libby
Graham School Dean of Students and Associate Director of Finance and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a degree from the GSAL program?
No, the Graduate Student-at-Large program is a non-degree program. You will receive an official University of Chicago transcript, which lists the courses you have taken.
What is the program tuition?
GSAL courses are offered at a reduced rate compared to the tuition for the same courses through the Crown Family School. For detailed tuition information, please visit our GSAL Tuition Page.
As a Graduate Student-at-Large, will I be taking courses with other Crown students? Which courses are open to me?
Yes, GSAL students take the same courses as other Crown students. As a GSAL student, you are also able to take all available graduate, undergraduate, or professional school courses across UChicago (except in the Pritzker School of Medicine) for which you have the prerequisites. To take any course, you must follow a particular department’s registration policy and obtain approval. Undergraduate courses require advance consent from their instructor.
Is there any way to meet fellow GSAL students?
The GSAL team hosts weekly happy hours to make sure GSAL students have regular options to meet and connect with their academic colleagues. GSAL also hosts an annual seminar on exploring graduate school so students can learn about different fields of study and how to craft a successful graduate school application from program directors and admissions personnel. Additionally, quarterly workshops, mixers, and other social events enable GSAL students to build community and learn about campus-wide resources.
I plan to apply to a Crown graduate degree program at the University of Chicago. Will these classes transfer? How many classes will transfer?
Yes, the Crown School of Social Work will accept up to three transfer courses.
As a GSAL student, will I have access to the libraries and athletic facilities?
Yes. You will have access to a variety of student services and facilities for each quarter that you are enrolled in classes. GSAL students can access campus libraries and have borrowing privileges with their UCID card.
I am working during the day, can I take evening classes?
The vast majority of classes are offered during the day; very few are offered in the evenings.
Will I have an academic and graduate school advisor?
Yes. The Program Director and her team of advisors are experienced in academic student success and will work with you to explore suitable courses, meet and converse with faculty, conduct research and student engagement activities, help with graduate school applications (including seeking faculty for letters of recommendation), and help you manage your work-life balance.
How do I register for GSAL courses?
Once you are admitted into the program, you will work closely with the Program Director to get enrolled in suitable courses of your choice.