About Clarkson
Who We Are
As a proven leader in technological education and sustainable economic development, we offer more than 90 rigorous programs of study in engineering, the sciences, business and the health professions. Our goal is to give our 4,000+ students the resources to ignite connections across disciplines, innovate real-world solutions and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Network
We count over 380 active partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce, research organizations and more. Coupled with our extensive and engaged alumni network 46,000+ strong, these relationships allow our students access to superb internships and professional opportunities.
Our Return on Investment
As a result, one in five Clarkson alumni already holds a leadership position, either as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company. The Brookings Institution named Clarkson a top 10 university nationwide for increasing our students' lifetime earning potential, and we're among the top colleges for graduates who earn the most.
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Academics at Clarkson
This is an institution where you can be intentional about your career goals. Through hands-on learning, research opportunities and pre-professional experiences, you will graduate ready to thrive in today's economy. Find the right professional path among our 90-plus undergraduate programs of study, 40-plus graduate programs and close to a dozen professional certificates.
Clarkson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Our programs are also accredited by different governing bodies around the country.
Clarkson is a Place Like No Other
With our main campus in Potsdam, New York located in the St. Lawrence River Valley near the Adirondack Park and its scenic mountains, waterways and Olympics recreation, we are a tight-knit community who believes learning and doing go hand-in-hand -- and hands-on in our laboratories and classrooms as well as the great outdoor landscapes we have in our backyard. Just as our uinque setting inspires us and the way we educate, the size of our community propels us serving as a catalyst for our commitment to the Clarkson way of tailoring our approach to each individual.
Clarkson University also maintains a base of operations in New York's Capital Region for graduate programs, research and State connections. We are within an easy reach of regional economic centers like Albany and are only a few hours away from New York City, Syracuse, Boston, Montreal and Ottawa.
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Our Mission
Clarkson University is an independent, nationally recognized technological university whose faculty of teacher/scholars aspires to offer superior instruction and engage in high-quality research and scholarship in engineering, business, science, health, education and liberal arts. Our primary mission is to educate talented and motivated men and women to become successful professionals through quality pre-collegiate, undergraduate, graduate and professional continuing education programs, with particular emphasis on the undergraduate experience.
Our community and campus settings enhance the quality of student life and afford students access to and interaction with their faculty. We value the diversity of our University community; and we strive to attune ourselves and our programs to our global, pluralistic society. We share the belief that humane and environmentally sound economic and social development derive from the expansion, diffusion and application of knowledge.
The Vision of A Clarkson Education
Formally adopted in 1995, the Vision of a Clarkson Education is the foundation that differentiates Clarkson graduates around the globe — first as students, then as young professionals in high demand in a highly competitive marketplace, and ultimately as CEOs, company owners and leaders with proven career and life success with remarkable mobility. (as cited by Brookings in naming top 10 universities nationwide for ROI).
The Clarkson University educational experience is designed to provide talented and ambitious students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve positions of leadership within their chosen profession. The combination of Clarkson’s strong technologically rich curricula and state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, coupled with an unparalleled commitment to a friendly learning environment and to students’ personal development, uniquely prepares Clarkson graduates to excel in their chosen professions and to lead rewarding and creative lives.
In addition to attaining mastery of the core knowledge within the field, a Clarkson education is designed to enable students to:
- solve real-world, open-ended problems with creativity and risk taking to obtain solutions that are practical and sustainable, including those they encounter in state-of-the-art research under the direction of distinguished faculty;
- develop and refine exceptional communication skills with an awareness of potential cultural differences;
- lead effectively and work productively within disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams composed of members with diverse interests and backgrounds;
- excel in using computing and information technologies;
- learn through instruction and guidance by nationally recognized faculty whose commitment to both teaching and research has made Clarkson a nationally ranked university.
A Clarkson student’s education is greatly enhanced by a personal and friendly learning environment, within a small, residential, nationally recognized University, which:
- places students at the center of the educational process and where all employees have a commitment to creating an environment that
- contributes positively to students’ overall educational experience;
- draws undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff together into a cohesive and stimulating learning community, wherein an atmosphere of scholarship and spirit of research is cultivated;
- uses our campus as a living laboratory to improve learning, and uses the wider region to broaden and extend Clarkson’s outreach and service;
- provides personal advising and interaction with faculty and staff as well as supportive relationships among students;
- offers many leadership opportunities through co-curricular groups and activities;
- respects and learns from its community of diverse people, backgrounds and cultures.
Our Values
Together, these provide a unique educational experience that is directed toward developing the whole person.
Teamwork
Effective teamwork encourages creativity and self-initiative in our respective roles and partnerships. It is essential in getting the task done and in developing the skills needed to meet the challenges of ensuring sustainability of local and global economic, environmental and social systems.
Caring
A positive and friendly atmosphere is created when we care about each other, when we are open to constructive criticism and when we show appreciation for a job well done.
Integrity
Honesty and accountability in one’s actions and words form the foundation of our relationships with others.
Vision
Having a vision of a sustainable future helps us prepare for it. Embracing the inevitable changes in our world as opportunities allows us to anticipate, promote and facilitate change.
Diversity
The mutual appreciation of differences and a plurality of opinions, beliefs and cultural traditions inform and enrich our lives.
Service
Offering our time and skills for the good of our fellow citizens leads to the prosperity and environmental health of the community and to the well-being and character development of the individual.
Growth
Educational experiences in and out of the classroom enliven our minds, broaden our horizons and facilitate dialogue and consensus. Learning is a lifelong activity.
Diligence
“A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” (The favorite Biblical phrase of University namesake Thomas S. Clarkson.) Initiative and hard work are key ingredients in getting the task done.
Clarkson Bookstore
We offer two convenient locations serving the community for spirit items as well as textbooks, school supplies and other merchandise: the Frazer Spirit Store located in Cheel Campus Center and our flagship location on Market Street in downtown Potsdam.