The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
New York City, United States • Founded 1859
Overview
Founded in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a non-profit private multidisciplinary higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of New York City (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), New York.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 165-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Cooper also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Academic Structures
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 4 items
- Albert Nerken School of Engineering
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Irwin S Chanin School of Architecture
- School of Art
Programs Offered
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
Bachelor's Degree
8 programmes
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art delivers 8 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Architecture Architecture
Engineering, General General Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
6 programmes
Explore 6 programmes of postgraduate study at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Application guidance for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Research programmes at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers 14 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Each programme at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Lodge your application
Apply directly via The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art's online portal at cooper.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (212) 353 4100. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art as a study destination.
How old is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
The institution opened in 1859 (approximately 167 years ago).
Where is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art located?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is located in New York City, United States.
Is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art public or private?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
Student enrolment at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is around 500-999.
How is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art organised academically?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How do I find The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art online?
The institution's website is cooper.edu.
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Members of Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
Joint research grants among Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Nearby institutions to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Supervision quality at the General Engineering programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Often Compared with The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.
