CUNY Graduate Center
NYC's research hub: Advance knowledge, shape the future.
📍 New York, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #517 in United States · ARWU #401
Quick Facts about CUNY Graduate Center
- Type: Public
- Students: 3,100
- International: 24%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $13,832 – $48,149/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Intakes: September, January
About CUNY Graduate Center
Academics
The CUNY Graduate Center offers over 40 doctoral and master's programs across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It emphasizes innovative and interdisciplinary academics, with programs like the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies fostering broad and deep learning. The institution is a recognized center for advanced studies, with a core faculty of approximately 130 professors and over 1,700 faculty members from other CUNY colleges. Notable programs include those in criminal justice, English, audiology, history, philosophy, and sociology, with several ranking among the top in the U.S. and globally.
International Students
The Office of International Students provides comprehensive support, including advice and assistance with immigration issues related to F-1 and J-1 student statuses. They also help students understand American cultural behavior and navigate bureaucratic procedures like nonresident alien taxation. Over 25% of the Graduate Center's doctoral students are international, representing 40 countries, contributing to a diverse academic environment. The office conducts orientation sessions for international students every fall.
Campus & Location
The CUNY Graduate Center is strategically located in Midtown Manhattan at 365 Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 35th Streets, near the Empire State Building. This central location offers easy access to New York City's vibrant life and cultural attractions. The campus is well-served by public transportation, with numerous subway and bus lines within walking distance, and is also close to Penn Station. The Graduate Center's main building, formerly the B. Altman Department Store, was redesigned to feature classrooms and office spaces, while the Advanced Science Research Center in Harlem provides state-of-the-art labs and research facilities.
Career Outcomes
The Graduate Center prepares students for diverse careers in academia, non-profit, government, and private sectors. Most doctoral graduates, about 65%, find employment within academia, with 21% working within the CUNY system and 35% in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area. The Office of Career Planning and Professional Development offers workshops, networking events with alumni and employers, and one-on-one career advising to help students explore career paths and develop transferable skills. Doctoral alumni employment outcomes show that 74% are employed one year after graduation, with diverse career paths in industries such as educational services, finance, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Information for International Students at CUNY Graduate Center
CUNY Graduate Center in New York, United States welcomes international students, with 24% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 24% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for CUNY Graduate Center
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to CUNY Graduate Center:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- GPA minimum: 3
- GRE required
- Application fee: $75
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: January 1 for fall enrollment
Programs at CUNY Graduate Center (16 programs)
CUNY Graduate Center offers 16 programs across PhD levels.
PhD Programs (16)
- Biology (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
Students conduct advanced research in various biological disciplines, including ecology, evolution, genetics, and neuroscience, contributing to scientific knowledge.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Academic, Biomedical Researcher - Art History (PhD) — 60 months · English
Students engage in rigorous scholarship across diverse periods and geographies of art history, developing critical methodologies and research skills.
Field: Art History
Career outcomes: Art Historian, Museum Professional, Academic, Art Critic - Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · $13,620/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the scientific study of communication and its disorders, preparing students for research and clinical leadership roles.
Field: Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, Researcher, Academic - Business (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program prepares students for academic careers in business, focusing on research in areas such as finance, marketing, management, and accounting.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Professor, Economist, Market Researcher, Consultant - Classics (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program offers in-depth study of ancient Greek and Roman languages, literature, history, and culture, fostering critical engagement with classical antiquity.
Field: Classics
Career outcomes: Classicist, Academic, Librarian, Archivist - History (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program provides rigorous training in historical research and methodology, allowing students to specialize in various geographical and thematic areas.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Historian, Academic, Archivist, Museum Professional - Philosophy (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program offers rigorous training in philosophical inquiry, covering metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: Philosopher, Academic, Ethicist, Policy Analyst - Biochemistry (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms, preparing students for research in molecular biology, genetics, and related fields.
Field: Biochemistry
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Pharmacologist, Academic - Criminal Justice (PhD) — 60 months · English
Students conduct interdisciplinary research on crime, justice systems, and social control, contributing to policy and theoretical advancements.
Field: Criminal Justice
Career outcomes: Criminologist, Policy Analyst, Academic, Criminal Justice Administrator - Anthropology (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program offers advanced study in cultural, linguistic, biological, and archaeological anthropology, preparing students for research and teaching careers.
Field: Anthropology
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Museum Curator, Policy Analyst - English (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program offers advanced study in literary history, theory, and criticism, with opportunities for specialization in various periods and genres.
Field: English Literature
Career outcomes: English Professor, Literary Critic, Editor, Writer - Neuroscience (PhD) — 60 months · English · $13,620/yr · STEM
This interdisciplinary program investigates the brain and nervous system, preparing students for research in areas such as cognitive neuroscience and neurobiology.
Field: Neuroscience
Career outcomes: Neuroscientist, Research Scientist, Biomedical Researcher, University Professor - Computer Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program provides advanced training in theoretical and applied computer science, including areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Computer Scientist, Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Academic - Earth and Environmental Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program offers research opportunities in geology, oceanography, atmospheric science, and environmental studies, addressing critical global challenges.
Field: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Academic, Policy Advisor - French (PhD) — 60 months · English
Students engage in advanced research in French language, literature, and culture, covering diverse historical periods and theoretical approaches.
Field: French Studies
Career outcomes: French Professor, Translator, Cultural Specialist, Academic - Sociology (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program provides rigorous training in sociological theory and research methods, enabling students to analyze social structures, inequalities, and cultural phenomena.
Field: Sociology
Career outcomes: Sociologist, Academic, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst
Scholarships & Tuition at CUNY Graduate Center
Annual tuition for international students: $13,832 – $48,149/year
✅ CUNY Graduate Center offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of CUNY Graduate Center
- National Ranking: #517 in United States
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #401
- Ranking tier: Graduate Institution
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at CUNY Graduate Center
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Primary CUNY doctorate-granting institution
- Diverse doctoral and master's programs
- Top-ranked programs in several fields
- Midtown Manhattan prime location
- Significant international student body
Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Notable Alumni
- Camille Paglia
- bell hooks
- Marshall Berman
- Lisa Farrington
- Gregory Pardlo
Frequently Asked Questions about CUNY Graduate Center
What is CUNY Graduate Center?
CUNY Graduate Center is a public university located in New York, United States. It has approximately 3,100 students, with 24% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at CUNY Graduate Center?
Tuition fees at CUNY Graduate Center for international students range from $13,832 – $48,149/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for CUNY Graduate Center?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. GPA minimum: 3. GRE required. Application fee: $75. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: January 1 for fall enrollment.
What language are courses taught in at CUNY Graduate Center?
Courses at CUNY Graduate Center are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does CUNY Graduate Center offer?
CUNY Graduate Center offers 16 programs: 0 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 16 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is CUNY Graduate Center ranked?
#517 in United States · ARWU #401.
Does CUNY Graduate Center offer scholarships?
Yes, CUNY Graduate Center offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does CUNY Graduate Center provide visa support?
Yes, CUNY Graduate Center provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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