Biology Department

Biology Department

The biological sciences, including biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental science, encompass the most rapidly developing areas in science today. The Clarkson Department of Biology itself is growing rapidly in number of faculty and students — both undergraduate and graduate — and our reputation for excellence in teaching and research continues to expand.

Our faculty members are internationally known as leaders in research and education. We are interdisciplinary, collaborating with colleagues in engineering, chemistry, the health science professional programs and other fields across campus and around the world.

We conduct state-of-the-art research and scholarly work that provides an exceptional learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. We also offer and help students participate in off-campus learning experiences during the academic year and in the summer. A distinctive and differentiating feature of our BS programs is a unique symbiosis between graduate and undergraduate research and learning.

Many undergraduates get involved in cutting-edge research projects alongside MS and PhD students. All of our students complete at least one professional experience, and many pursue multiple research, teaching, clinical and other professional experiences.

Our students actively discover, innovate and learn, working closely with faculty mentors on projects that address both fundamental and practical challenges.

Our Programs

The BS program in biology provides an excellent platform for careers in biotechnology and biomedical sciences, health sciences, environmental assessment and management, or education. It also builds a foundation for pre-health professional students, including those interested in pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental or any other medical profession.

We also offer MS and PhD programs in interdisciplinary bioscience and biotechnology. Students in the graduate program focus on one of four areas: molecular bioscience & biotechnology; biomedical sciences & neuroscience; computational biology & bioinformatics; or ecology, evolution & the environment.

97% University Placement Total

84%

of our students head straight into the workforce.

Learn how Career Services can help you

Clarkson University students are highly sought after and our placement rates and early career salaries (on average over $70K) prove it. Each year, our award-winning Career Center hosts two Career Fairs, bringing in top employers from across the country to Potsdam to recruit our students for internships, co-ops and full time employment.  

Our Biology programs provide an excellent platform for careers in biotechnology and biomedical sciences, health sciences, environmental assessment and management, or education. They also build a foundation for pre-health professional students, including those interested in pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental or any other medical profession.

10%

of students decide to continue their education in various post secondary programs.

3%

of our graduates seek alternative positions like the military.

Stem Cell Research

Professor Kenneth Wallace was recently awarded a $429,000 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development at the National Institute of Health (NIH) to investigate the development of intestinal stem cells using the zebrafish vertebrate model system. 

St. Lawrence River Water Research

Students are studying the mercury content in the St. Lawrence River to learn the potential pathways of in into the food chain.

Learn more about the water research

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