Claremont Graduate University (CGU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is the first university in the United States to focus entirely on academic programs at the graduate level. The school is based on the Oxford model where graduate studies are kept separate from graduate studies so that the faculty can devote all of their time teaching and doing research with those seeking these advanced degrees. Founded in 1925 in Claremont, California, not far from downtown Los Angeles, it is now one of seven institutions that make up the Claremont Colleges.

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	N/A
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	14 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,882

Academics

This graduate school offers master’s degrees in 38 fields and doctorate degrees in 22 fields. Students and faculty spend a lot of time on research for their field, making this one of the top research institutions in the country. Classes are very small with about 10 students to every teacher, making this an ideal place to develop a close working relationship with faculty.

Liberal arts are the focus of the graduate studies here; there are no programs for medical or veterinary degrees. However, there are nine schools that students can enroll in:

School of Arts and Humanities

This is the place for students pursing advanced degrees in Applied Humanities, Humanities, and the Arts. Subjects include music, art, history, philosophy, religion, English, cultural studies, archival studies, arts management, media studies, museum studies, and women’s studies. Certificate programs in Africana Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies are also available.

Behavioral and Organizational Sciences

Psychology and Evaluation are the featured courses in this department. Here, students will become educated in applied psychology and will learn how to apply that knowledge to careers outside of research centers or clinics.

Community and Global Health

Public health and the health promotion sciences are the focus of this division. Students will help create solutions for good health and to promote a high quality of life for communities around the world.

Educational Studies

Students enrolled in this division are typically already working full time in the education field. A wide range of programs such as Elementary, Special Education, Higher Education, Urban Education Leadership, and Education Policy are available plus many more.

Information Systems and Technology

This division prepares students for IS&T leadership positions in business and beyond, striking a balance between practical knowledge and management. The research conducted is used to solve trans-disciplinary issues and graduates often move on to management in large companies.

Mathematical Sciences

Research and hands-on opportunities are available in engineering and industrial applications to help solve real-world mathematical problems.

Politics & Economics

This division has a strong interdisciplinary track, blending politics and economics together to create an understanding between the two and to demonstrate how they can work for or against each other. A unique aspect is the Neruoeconomics program which focuses on economics, psychology, and public policy.

Religion

World religions are the focus of this division, and students are highly encouraged to create their own course of study based on their personal interests within this field.

Drucker School of Management

This is a unique school because it is the only one in the country to teach business in the context of liberal arts. Students here earn their MBAs and Executive Management, Financial Engineering, Advanced Management, and the Professional MBA are all available here.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Students can apply online or send in a paper application. Once the school receives the completed form, a file is created, which will need to be reviewed by the a faculty member of the academic department being applied to.

In addition to the official application, students need to send in a packet that consists of: a personal statement explaining why a graduate degree is being sought out, updated resume, official education transcripts, graduate school entrance test scores, plus three references. An application fee must also be sent in as well. Some programs have more requirements, so be sure to contact the department being applied to and inquire about their specific processes.

Financial Aid

Like most institutions of higher education, this school provides resources for students interested in financial aid. All students who need aid need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what kind of grants or loans they qualify for. Financial aid counselors are available to help guide students through this process, so if help is needed be sure to contact their office and set up an appointment.

The school does not provide scholarships, but they do have Dissertation Awards. The prize is for $10,000 and students who are doctoral candidates with all coursework completed can apply for this award.

Funding generally comes from the government and students may qualify for one or more of the following:

Federal Direct Grad Plus
Private Loans
Federal and State Aid
Veterans/Yellow Ribbon Program
AmeriCorps benefits can be applied to tutition
VetsBack2College
GI Bills
Outside Scholarships

Accreditation

Accreditation is provided by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Claremont Graduate University