Immunization Exemptions

Age Exemption

All students born BEFORE January 1, 1957, are exempt from providing documentation of the measles, mumps, and rubella immunization.

Religious Exemption

The New York State Department of Health states the following with regard to religious exemptions:

"In order to qualify for religious exemption, a student under 18 years old must submit a written statement signed by his/her parents or guardian stating that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization. Students 18 years or older must submit such a statement themselves to qualify for religious exemption. This statement must describe the beliefs in sufficient detail to permit the institution to determine that: The beliefs are religious in nature (not philosophical), and the beliefs are sincerely and genuinely held."

Medical Exemption

A student must provide written proof from a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) stating the receipt of the vaccinations would prove detrimental to the health of the student.

Please Note: Students who are exempt from receiving measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations may be excluded from classes or campus in the event of an outbreak. This exclusion may include occupancy in the Student Residence Hall.

Students should visit www.cooper.edu/healthforms as well for more information, due dates, requirements, and a list of required forms. 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.