Authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents, Cleveland State University began to offer graduate programs in fall of 1967.  In October of 1968, the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees created the College of Graduate Studies to facilitate the operation of graduate degree programs and to assist in the development of new programs.

The mission of the College of Graduate Studies is to provide service and support to graduate students, faculty, and academic programs that promote high quality and diverse advanced study opportunities for the betterment of Cleveland State University, the citizens of the State of Ohio, and the world.

The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with the elected faculty members of the University Graduate Council, reviews all graduate programs, provides leadership in the development of new graduate offerings and monitors standards for graduate student admission and graduation.