Our Mission


For more than five decades, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has been the national voice for the graduate dean community. CGS is the only national organization in the United States that is dedicated solely to the advancement of graduate education and research. 

CGS accomplishes its mission through advocacy in the policy arena, innovative research, and the development and dissemination of best practices. CGS also acts as a convening authority, organizing major events that bring together graduate deans and other stakeholders to discuss and take action on a broad range of issues affecting graduate education today. 

Our Members


CGS invites graduate institutions as well as organizations and corporations with strong investments in graduate education to apply for membership. We draw our institutional members from colleges and universities significantly engaged in graduate education, research, and scholarship culminating in the award of the master's or doctoral degree. Currently, our membership includes over 500 universities in the United States and Canada, and 25 universities outside the U.S. and Canada. Collectively, CGS institutions annually award more than 92 percent of all U.S. doctorates and over 81 percent of all U.S. master's degrees. Please click on Become a Member to learn more about the benefits of membership.

Core CGS Activities


We invite you to explore research and education projects and member services in CGS' four core areas of activity:

Best Practices Initiatives


Drawing on research as well as the expertise and leadership of graduate deans at CGS member institutions, our Best Practice Initiatives test and develop solutions to pressing issues in graduate education.

Benchmarking


Benchmarking data and services help member institutions assess performance in specific areas of graduate education and research and make informed decisions that benefit students, faculty, and the institution as a whole.

Public Policy


As the national advocate for graduate education, CGS serves as a resource for policymakers and others on issues concerning graduate education, research and scholarship.

Global Engagement


CGS’ international activities are designed to help member institutions develop a global profile and network in the graduate education community and implement emerging best practices for internationalization of their campuses.