CUNY Graduate Center

The CUNY Graduate Center is a public research institution and postgraduate university located in New York City. Established in 1961, it serves as the primary doctorate-granting institution of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The Graduate Center is dedicated to advanced study and research, offering a wide array of doctoral and master's programs.

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.