Claremont Graduate University
A Nexus of Advanced Scholarship and Transdisciplinary Exploration.
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University Overview
Core Identity
Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a distinguished private, all-graduate research university situated in Claremont, California. Founded in 1925, it is a vital member of the renowned Claremont Colleges consortium, a unique grouping of five undergraduate and two graduate institutions that foster a collaborative academic environment.
Research Focus
CGU is classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities โ High research activity" institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation underscores its commitment to advanced research and scholarly inquiry across its diverse academic units.
Transdisciplinary Pedagogy
Embracing the principles of the Oxford Model, CGU champions "Transdisciplinarity." This pedagogical approach encourages students to not only deepen their expertise within their chosen disciplines but also to integrate knowledge and research methodologies from other fields, fostering innovative and holistic understanding.
A Legacy of Innovation
Foundational Years
Established in 1925, CGU was the second institution to form within the Claremont Colleges, following Pomona College. Its inception was rooted in the distinct theory that graduate education is a separate and specialized endeavor, designed to cultivate deep disciplinary knowledge and encourage interdisciplinary exploration.
Evolution of Identity
The university has evolved through several name changes, reflecting its growth and changing focus: Claremont University College (1925โ1962), Claremont Graduate School and University Center (1962โ1967), Claremont University Center (1967โ1998), and finally, Claremont Graduate University (1998โpresent).
The Claremont Model
Designed around the Oxford Model, the Claremont Colleges operate as a unique consortium. This structure allows member institutions to share resources such as libraries, health services, and security, while maintaining distinct academic identities and pedagogical philosophies. CGU's specific contribution is its emphasis on graduate-level transdisciplinary research.
Academic Excellence
The Consortium Advantage
As a member of the Claremont Colleges, CGU students benefit from cross-registration opportunities across all seven institutions (five undergraduate, two graduate). This unique arrangement provides access to a broader range of courses, faculty, and resources, enriching the academic experience beyond the confines of a single institution.
Graduate Focus
CGU exclusively offers master's and doctoral degrees, serving approximately 2,261 graduate students. The university maintains a low student-faculty ratio, with around 200 full and part-time faculty members, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for its students.
Online Initiatives
In recognition of evolving educational needs, CGU introduced its first online master's degree programs in 2018, expanding access to its specialized graduate education for a wider audience.
Academic Divisions
Arts & Humanities
This school fosters interdisciplinary studies across Art, Arts Management, Religion, History, English, Music, Cultural Studies, Archival Studies, Media Studies, and Applied Women's Studies. It notably houses specialized programs within the Department of Religion, including Mormon Studies, Islamic Studies, and Philosophy of Religion.
Social Science, Policy & Evaluation (SSSPE)
SSSPE integrates the Division of Politics and Economics with the Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences. It offers programs in Political Science, Public Policy, International Studies, Economics, and notably, the first concentrations in the Science of Positive Psychology and Neuroeconomics in the Western United States.
Community & Global Health
Established in 2008, this school focuses on generating scientific knowledge for disease prevention and health improvement in diverse populations. It trains practitioners to translate prevention science into practice and policy, offering accredited MPH degrees and a PhD in Health Promotion Sciences.
Drucker School of Management
Named after management guru Peter Drucker, this school espouses management as a liberal art. It emphasizes social theory, history, and sustainability, looking beyond traditional economic perspectives to foster a holistic approach to leadership and organizational studies.
Educational Studies
This school provides advanced degrees in areas critical to educational advancement, including Teaching, Learning and Culture; Education Policy, Evaluation and Reform; Higher Education/Student Affairs; Special Education; and Urban Educational Leadership.
Center for Information Systems & Technology (CISAT)
Founded in 1983, CISAT offers a strong technical grounding in IT systems management, focusing on the challenges of designing, developing, and implementing IT solutions in applied business and governmental contexts. It houses the Paul Gray PC Museum.
Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMS)
IMS offers master's and doctoral degrees with a strong applied research component through its Applied Mathematics Clinic. It provides students with practical experience solving complex problems for industry clients and offers joint programs in financial engineering and computational sciences.
Botany Department
In collaboration with the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, CGU offers graduate degrees in botany, focusing on systematics and evolution. Subfields include cytotaxonomy, molecular systematics, phylogenetics, and plant ecology.
Drucker Institute
This think tank is dedicated to advancing the principles and practices established by Peter F. Drucker, focusing on management, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.
Museum Leadership Institute
A leading provider of continuing professional development for museum and non-profit leaders, this institute offers specialized training and resources for institutional leadership.
Campus & Facilities
Location and Scale
CGU is situated in Claremont, California, as part of the larger Claremont Colleges campus, which spans 550 acres and comprises over 175 buildings. The city of Claremont itself has been recognized for its high quality of life.
Key Buildings
Notable campus structures include Harper Hall, the oldest building and now the central administration hub; the Academic Computing Building (ACB), housing IT resources and labs; and the Ron W. Burkle Building, home to the Drucker School of Management.
Paul Gray PC Museum
Located within the Center for Information Systems and Technology, this museum honors Professor Paul Gray and showcases significant personal computers, including exhibits based on "The 25 Greatest PCs of All Time."
Distinguished Recognition
Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Awards
CGU hosts these prestigious awards, established to honor poets. The Kingsley Tufts Award, valued at $100,000, recognizes mid-career poets, while the Kate Tufts Discovery Award provides $10,000 for emerging talent, celebrating literary excellence and supporting poets' careers.
Leadership & Community
Presidents and Faculty
The university has been led by numerous presidents since its founding in 1925. CGU maintains a dedicated faculty committed to rigorous scholarship and mentorship. A comprehensive list of past presidents and notable alumni and faculty can be found in related university resources.
The following table outlines the presidential tenure at Claremont Graduate University:
| # | Image | President | Term start | Term end | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
James A. Blaisdell | 1925 | 1936 | |
| acting | 
|
William S. Ament | 1935 | 1937 | |
| 2 |
|
Russell Story | 1937 | 1942 | |
| 3 |
|
Robert J. Bernard | 1959 | 1963 | |
| acting |
|
William W. Clary | 1963 | 1963 | |
| 4 |
|
Louis T. Benezet | 1963 | 1970 | |
| 5 |
|
Howard R. Bowen | 1970 | 1971 | |
| 6 |
|
Barnaby Keeney | 1971 | 1976 | |
| 7 |
|
Joseph B. Platt | 1976 | 1981 | |
| 8 |
|
John D. Maguire | 1981 | 1998 | |
| 0 |
|
Steadman Upham | 1998 | 2004 | |
| Interim |
|
William Everhart | 2004 | 2005 | |
| 10 |
|
Robert Klitgaard | July 1, 2005 | February 19, 2009 | |
| Interim |
|
Joseph C. Hough, Jr. | February 20, 2009 | November 14, 2010 | |
| 11 |
|
Deborah A. Freund | November 15, 2010 | June 30, 2014 | |
| Interim |
|
Robert Schult | July 1, 2015 | December 31, 2016 | |
| Interim |
|
Jacob Adams | January 1, 2017 | June 30, 2018 | |
| 12 |
|
Len Jessup | July 1, 2018 | June 1, 2024 | |
| Interim |
|
Tim Kirley | June 2, 2024 | Present |
Note: Presidential numbering and inclusion of interim/acting roles have varied historically.
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References
References
- Acting president. Note: Overlap in years because Ament was hired July 1, 1935, while Blaisdell was on sabbatical.
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Academic Integrity Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes for advanced students pursuing higher education.
This is not professional academic advice. The information presented here is a synthesized overview and should not substitute for direct consultation of official university resources, academic advisors, or subject matter experts. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, the AI cannot guarantee the completeness, timeliness, or absolute accuracy of the information.
Users are encouraged to verify critical information through official Claremont Graduate University channels and academic literature. The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.