What is the relationship between CGP and SUNY Oneonta?
CGP is an academic division of SUNY Oneonta, and students are enrolled
at and will ultimately graduate with a degree from SUNY Oneonta. CGP students have
access to all of the amenities on campus including the gym, library, and Starbucks.
The SUNY Oneonta campus is roughly a 30-minute drive from CGP.
Do I need to be a history or science major?
No! CGP welcomes students from a variety of academic backgrounds. A wide variety of majors are represented in the program including History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Art History, Business, English, Communications, Computer Science, and Geology.
Is it possible to have a part-time job?
Yes. Although CGP's academic schedule is quite intensive, many students take
employment at a variety of local establishments such as coffee shops, breweries,
the local newspaper, and a variety of restaurants.
Do I have to pick a specialization within the program?
CGP is at its core a generalist program, and there are no official specializations.
Students will have to choose between focusing in Science Museum Studies or
HistoryMuseum Studies, but will take classes in a variety of subjects. Students are
free to choose electives based on their background and career interests.
What is there to do in town?
Despite its size, the Cooperstown area has a number of entertainment options.
More information can be found here.
How many people apply? How many are accepted?
While the number of applicants differs from year-to-year, it is typically between
eighty and one hundred. Roughly forty applicants are invited to Interview Weekend,
and of those, about twenty- five are selected to join the incoming class.
Are the GREs required to apply?
No. While we have in the past accepted GRE scores, we do not require them any longer.
Can I come for a visit?
Of course! The faculty highly recommends that prospective students visit the program
if possible. A visit typically includes sitting in on a class or two, as well as the opportunity
to learn more about the program by talking to faculty members and current students.
Where do alumni work?
The short answer is all across the country in a variety of positions and institutions.
For a more thorough listing, click here.
Will I have to write a thesis?
No. Students who wish to pursue a PhD program have the option of writing a thesis.
Do students find their own internships?
Internship announcements are sent to all students, as well as listed in a binder located in the
office at all times. Students can find a list of resources here. Additionally, students are encouraged
to talk to faculty and alumni, which may be helpful in locating an appropriate internship.
Are there real-life projects?
The great majority of CGP class assignments are real-life projects. Students work with
outside institutions throughout the region. These projects can be administrative, educational,
interpretive, or collections-oriented.
Are there opportunities for professional development?
CGP recognizes the importance of professional development to students. Events include
seminars, conferences, field trips, and networking with alumni and other colleagues in the field.
Can I talk to a student?
Certainly. Please email Michelle Hulbert at Michelle.Hulbert @oneonta.edu, and she can put you in touch with a current student to answer your questions.
Do graduates find jobs?
Yes. While job hunting is rarely a stress-free process, CGP alumni tend to find significant success
in the field. Most graduates who are open to moving to a new area find employment within
six months, if not sooner. While those tied to specific city are more at the whim of the local
job market, with a degree from CGP, they are well placed for positions that do appear. On average,
CGP graduates have a 90-100% success rate in finding jobs within twelve months of graduation.
What is the faculty-student ratio?
CGP has five full-time faculty, numerous part-time adjunct faculty, and a student enrollment of about fifty.
What is the housing situation like?
There is no campus housing as a part of the CGP program. However, CGP is well known
in the community and has a variety of housing contacts for accepted students. Additionally,
during Interview Weekend, prospective students will be shown the housing available
for rent and receive contact information at that time.
Do you offer an option to apply Early Decision?
Yes. If you are serious about committing to CGP prior to the spring semester, we offer the option to apply as Early Commit. This deadline falls around the beginning of December. For more information on the process, click here.
What is Interview Weekend?
Every year In Mid-March, CGP invites around 40 perspective students to visit the program
and interview for admittance into the program. Prospective students will stay with current
students, tour the village, learn more about the program, meet with CGP staff and faculty,
and explore the museums in town.