
Urban Education

The Ph.D. program in Urban Education offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of urban education situated within an analysis of broader social, political, and economic processes that shape schooling and learning.
Request InformationDegree Offered
Ph.D. in Urban Education
Full-time
Admissions Deadlines
December 15 for fall enrollment
(No spring enrollment)
Our research-intensive program is committed to critical and interdisciplinary studies in urban education, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and social justice. The program prepares students with the necessary theoretical and methodological tools to understand urban education as part of other interconnected systems of urban life and to translate research findings into educational practice, policies, curricula, and political action.

Our Program
Our program integrates rigorous academic work and critical democratic engagement in the study of urban education. We place a high value on social justice-oriented and public-facing scholarship that bridges theory, research, policy and practice.
Program Information
Prospective Students
Doctoral students enter into a cohort that is commited to collaborative inquiry. They join the program with a wealth of experience in the field and throughout their tenure conduct critical studies in urban education, aiming to move research findings to social action.
Applying to Our Program
Alumni
Graduates are prepared to take on a wide variety of careers in urban education, including: research and teaching in university programs; leadership in urban school districts, state and federal government agencies, non-governmental and community-based organizations; policy analysis and staff positions with legislators and legislative committees.
Alumni Highlights
Faculty
The Urban Education faculty come from across the CUNY system, which results in a breadth of expertise, distinguished scholarly achievement and public engagement that anchors the program. Fulltime doctoral faculty members include those who teach only at The Graduate Center as well as those who teach at both The Graduate Center and another CUNY campus.
Our FacultyRecent News
May 22, 2023
A Class of ’23 Graduate Draws on Theory in a Policy Role Helping NYC’s Homeless
Henry O. Love is the vice president of policy and planning at WIN (Women in Need, Inc.), the city’s largest providers of shelter.
- 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
Apr 26, 2023
Three Graduate Center Professors Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Linda Martín Alcoff, Ofelia García, and Virginia Valian join the prestigious honorary society.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Apr 3, 2023
Black, Race and Ethnic Studies Fellowships Awarded to 65 CUNY Faculty and Doctoral Students
The fellowship is designed to enhance Black, race and ethnic studies scholarship and teaching at CUNY and is part of a $3 million, Mellon Foundation-funded initiative.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
- Student News
Request Information
Tell Me More about this Degree!
Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Center. Please fill out the form below to be added to our mailing list.