Student and Alum Highlights
The Political Science program frequently reports on notable student and alum news and accomplishments. Our department newsletter, Homo Politicus, also regularly features interviews with students and alum about their research, their time at the GC, their plans for the future and their experience in the job market.
Recent Student News and Interviews
Recent Alum News and Interviews
Alum Dissertations
For full dissertations, please visit CUNY's Academic Works for dissertations from 2014-present or the Mina Rees Library for dissertations prior to 2014.
Alum Outcomes
The Graduate Center's Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness makes data available on alum through Tableau. For Political Science, data shows:
- In recent years, 6-22 doctoral degrees have been awarded annually.
- The current (as of Fall 2020) median time-to-degree is 10.4 years (by graduation year) and 6.0 years (by entering cohort).
- Graduates (2003-2016) work in following job sectors: education (72%), government (11%), and non-profit (7%).
Student Voices
The GC’s political science program is a great academic network that I hope to continue to engage with after graduation, wherever I end up for doctoral study. I will be better prepared to enter a doctoral program because of my incredibly useful time at the GC.
— Abby Dobson
M.A. Student

Student News and Interviews
Dec 8, 2022
Outside of the Academy: Alumni Share Advice on Launching Unexpected Careers
In recent years many Graduate Center alumni have parlayed their degrees into challenging and rewarding careers in the nonacademic world.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
Sep 6, 2022
Formerly Homeless, a Community Organizer Seeks a Ph.D. to Expand His Reach
Jawanza James Williams sees a Ph.D. in Political Science as a path to transforming more lives.
- GC Stories
- Student News
Aug 29, 2022
Advice for Thriving at the Graduate Center
These recent graduates and current students give their tips to those who are just starting their graduate school journey.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
Jun 1, 2022
Scholars We're Proud of: Pride Month 2022 Edition
During Pride Month, we're celebrating our scholars who are breaking new ground in LGBTQ studies.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
- Student News
- Alumni News
Alum Voices
I came to our program to learn about city government, particularly NYC’s. So having the opportunity to work at a social services organization that contracts with a major city agency, I feel extra prepared due to my time at the GC. We talk so much about public policy in a theoretical sense, it’s fulfilling to be on the front lines of policy implementation.
— Adam Sachs
Alum

Alum News and Interviews
May 24, 2023
Ph.D. in hand, longtime theater director starts a second act
A 2022 graduate turns from the stage to the lecture hall.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
May 11, 2023
Announcing the Alumni Award Winners
The Graduate Center will honor the 2023 and 2020 Alumni Award recipients on May 18.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
May 2, 2023
Tributes to a Professor’s Work and Wide Influence
Alumni reflect on the profound impact of Professor Thomas G. Weiss, who is retiring this year.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
- Alumni News
Dec 8, 2022
Outside of the Academy: Alumni Share Advice on Launching Unexpected Careers
In recent years many Graduate Center alumni have parlayed their degrees into challenging and rewarding careers in the nonacademic world.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News

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