
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
Mar 20, 2023
A new job yields an unexpected alumni network
In her role supporting students at SUNY Downstate, one graduate found a built-in community.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
Mar 8, 2023
Student Shows What’s ‘Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous’ About Hip-Hop Style
An Urban Education student documents 50 years of hip-hop fashion with a hit museum exhibition.
- GC Stories
- Student News
Nov 3, 2022
Professor David Bloomfield on Education as a Political Football
The education policy expert weighs in on the latest K-12 education controversies on The Thought Project podcast.
- Podcast
- Faculty News
Nov 1, 2022
Celebrating Their Love in the Graduate Center Library
After a decade of dating, two newly engaged Ph.D. students finally go to the same CUNY at the same time.
- GC Stories
- Student News
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