Claremont Graduate University: Innovative Graduate Programs and Transdisciplinary Research Hub

Claremont Graduate University (CGU), founded in 1925 and part of The Claremont Colleges consortium, is a graduate-only institution known for its commitment to transdisciplinary research and academic innovation. Recognized as an R2: Doctoral Research University, CGU offers master’s and doctoral programs across 31 disciplines within seven academic units, fostering close faculty-student collaboration and applied, practice-based learning.

With a diverse student body of around 2,000–2,200 and a strategic Southern California location, CGU provides access to extensive professional opportunities, rich resources through its consortium, and robust support services. It emphasizes leadership, global impact, and interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal challenges.

Claremont Graduate University: A Hub of Advanced Graduate Education and Transdisciplinary Research

Claremont Graduate University (CGU), established in 1925, stands as a distinctive and independent institution wholly dedicated to graduate-level study. As a proud member of The Claremont Colleges consortium, CGU leverages a vast network of resources, faculty, and facilities, offering an unparalleled academic experience focused on inquiry, research, and practice.

A Legacy of Excellence and Evolution

Founded as the second institution within The Claremont Colleges, CGU has evolved significantly since its inception, undergoing several name changes to become Claremont Graduate University in 1998. The university’s foundation is rooted in the Oxford Model of higher education, which fosters close engagement between students and faculty.

CGU is recognized by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as an R2: Doctoral Research University, signifying “Higher Research Activity,” and has been continuously accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1949.

Academic Innovation and Transdisciplinarity

At the core of CGU’s pedagogy is “Transdisciplinarity”—an innovative approach that encourages students to pursue academic research both within and across traditional curricular boundaries. This focus on integrating diverse disciplines prepares graduates to address complex societal issues through applied, practice-based research.

CGU offers master’s and/or doctoral degrees across 31 disciplines, organized into seven distinct academic units:

• School of Arts & Humanities: Encompasses fields such as Art, Arts Management, Religion, History, English, Music, Cultural Studies, Archival Studies, Media Studies, and Applied Women’s Studies.
• School of Community & Global Health
• Drucker School of Management: Known for its comprehensive programs in Business Administration (MBA, EMBA), Financial Engineering, Management, and Marketing Analytics.
• School of Educational Studies
• School of Social Science, Policy, & Evaluation: Includes divisions for Politics and Economics, and Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, offering programs in Political Science, Public Policy & Evaluation, International Studies, Economics, Global Commerce & Finance, and the first Ph.D. and M.A. concentrations in the Western U.S. focused on the Science of Positive Psychology, alongside a Ph.D. in Neuroeconomics.
• Center for Information Systems & Technology: Focuses on software development, database systems, networking, and IS&T management.
• Institute of Mathematical Sciences: Offers programs in Mathematics, Engineering & Computational Mathematics, Financial Engineering, and Statistical Sciences.

Beyond degrees, CGU also provides various credentials and certificates, including Advanced Study in Evaluation, Africana Studies, California Teaching Credentials, and Professional Development Certificates in College Teaching.

A Diverse and Engaged Community

CGU fosters a vibrant and diverse graduate community. The university enrolls approximately 2,000-2,200 students, with about 61% pursuing full-time studies. The student body is remarkably diverse, with 57% female students, 54% domestic students of color, and 22-23% international students representing over 50 countries. The university maintains a competitive acceptance rate of 35%, reflecting its commitment to attracting dedicated scholars. For domestic students, part-time enrollment options are available.

The university’s faculty comprises approximately 200 full and part-time members, who provide individualized mentorship in small class settings, fostering strong vocational networks for students.

Campus and Resources

Situated on a 19-acre suburban campus in Claremont, California—often referred to as “The City of Trees and PhDs”—CGU offers a safe and enriching environment just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. This strategic location provides unparalleled access to Southern California’s rich concentrations of scientific research, arts, tech innovation, and manufacturing, presenting extensive opportunities for networking, internships, and employment.

As part of The Claremont Colleges consortium, CGU students benefit from shared resources, including the extensive Honnold/Mudd Library, which houses nearly two million volumes and provides access to several affiliated libraries. The university also offers a wide array of student support services, including:

• Admissions and Financial Aid offices
• International Student support
• Career Development services
• Preparing Future Faculty program
• Disability Services
• Student Life, Diversity & Leadership
• Center for Writing & Rhetoric
• Academic Computing Building
• Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence (CAFE)

Admissions and Financial Aid

Prospective students can apply through the CGU application, with specific public health programs utilizing the SOPHAS application. While annual tuition for international postgraduate students ranges from USD 36,360 to 64,640, CGU encourages applicants to apply by priority deadlines to be considered for fellowship aid funding.

Claremont Graduate University remains dedicated to preparing outstanding individuals for leadership roles globally through its distinctive graduate education, innovative research, and commitment to transdisciplinary practice.

FAQs about Claremont Graduate University

What is Claremont Graduate University (CGU)?
Claremont Graduate University is a private, graduate-only research institution located in Claremont, California. It offers master’s and doctoral programs across various disciplines with a focus on transdisciplinary education.

When was CGU founded?
CGU was founded in 1925 as the second institution in The Claremont Colleges consortium.

Where is CGU located?
CGU is located in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

Is CGU part of a consortium?
Yes, CGU is part of The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven independent institutions that share resources and facilities.

What is CGU’s teaching model?
CGU emphasizes transdisciplinary education, which encourages research and learning across multiple academic disciplines with strong faculty mentorship.

What types of degrees does CGU offer?
CGU offers master’s and doctoral degrees in 31 disciplines across seven academic schools and institutes. It also provides certificates and teaching credentials.

How many students attend CGU?
CGU enrolls approximately 2,000 to 2,200 graduate students.

What is the student demographic at CGU?
About 57% of students are female, 54% are domestic students of color, and 22–23% are international students from over 50 countries.

What is the acceptance rate at CGU?
CGU has a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 35%.

What is the average tuition for international students?
Annual tuition for international postgraduate students ranges from $36,360 to $64,640, depending on the program.

Is financial aid available?
Yes, CGU offers fellowship aid and encourages applicants to apply by priority deadlines for funding consideration.

What are CGU’s main academic units?
The seven academic units include the School of Arts & Humanities, School of Community & Global Health, Drucker School of Management, School of Educational Studies, School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, Center for Information Systems & Technology, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Does CGU support part-time study?
Yes, part-time enrollment options are available for domestic students.

What is CGU’s Carnegie Classification?
CGU is classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity.

Is CGU accredited?
Yes, CGU has been continuously accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1949.

What kind of research does CGU focus on?
CGU emphasizes applied, practice-based research that spans traditional academic boundaries, addressing complex societal issues.

What are some unique programs offered at CGU?
CGU offers pioneering programs such as the first Ph.D. and M.A. concentrations in Positive Psychology in the Western U.S. and a Ph.D. in Neuroeconomics.

What support services are available to students?
CGU provides a range of support services including career development, international student support, writing and rhetoric center, disability services, and teaching development programs.

What are the facilities like at CGU?
CGU shares extensive resources with The Claremont Colleges, including the Honnold/Mudd Library and various academic, computing, and wellness facilities.

How is the faculty at CGU?
CGU has around 200 full-time and part-time faculty members who mentor students in small, collaborative classroom settings.

Can CGU students use resources from other Claremont Colleges?
Yes, students have access to shared libraries, dining services, events, and select academic offerings across the consortium.

Does CGU have housing on campus?
While CGU itself doesn’t provide extensive housing, students have access to housing options in Claremont and nearby communities, and some housing services are offered through the consortium.

What is the campus environment like?
The 19-acre suburban campus offers a peaceful, tree-lined setting with easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the greater Los Angeles area.

What are the main application platforms for CGU?
Applicants can apply through CGU’s online application system, and certain public health programs require the SOPHAS application.

When should I apply for the best chance at financial aid?
Applicants should apply by CGU’s priority deadlines to be considered for fellowship and funding opportunities.

What are CGU’s strengths in research and academics?
CGU is known for its strengths in interdisciplinary research, small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and its focus on real-world application of scholarly work.

Does CGU have international student services?
Yes, CGU provides comprehensive support for international students, including visa services, orientation, and cultural adjustment assistance.

What career support is available to students?
Career development services include job search assistance, internship placement, resume building, and networking opportunities with local and global employers.

Is CGU suitable for mid-career professionals?
Yes, many programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, including evening and part-time options.

What distinguishes CGU from other graduate schools?
CGU stands out for its transdisciplinary approach, close faculty-student engagement, access to consortium-wide resources, and commitment to socially impactful research.