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Industry-Relevant Credentials

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Industry-Relevant Credentials

Industry-Relevant Credentials

Accelerate Your Personal and Professional Success

Engineering and science fuel innovation, and today, innovation happens at warp speed. Technology evolves at this rapid pace and influences the way industries do business. Employers, in response, look for talented professionals who can keep up and spearhead new developments and projects.

Prepare to face a new challenge through the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Science's industry-relevant credentials, designed to deliver convenient, flexible and practical training in a wide variety of in-demand skills. As a current student, alumni or working professional, spark your curiosity and expand your understanding of business, cutting-edge technologies and what it takes to lead. Gain the practical knowledge to suit your goals while setting yourself apart from other candidates, thanks to the enhanced, real-world experiences built into each course.

What Are Industry-Relevant Credentials?

Accredited institutions increasingly provide short, flexible, usually online courses focusing on a specific competency or specialized area. Supporting aspiring and current engineering and science professionals, Clarkson's industry-relevant credentials create a convenient and accessible path toward building the hard and soft skills employers look for without interrupting your undergraduate coursework or professional duties. 

The Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Science's Mission

The Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences provides a coherent, intellectually stimulating, high-impact educational experience. Our students accelerate their success through our outstanding academic programs, holistic academic and career advising, hands-on experiences like research or team-based SPEED design projects, internships and co-ops and personalized education. Our industry-relevant credentials let students adapt, shape and enhance their experiences at Clarkson beyond a formal degree, illustrate how we support alumni and reflect Clarkson's status as America's Corporate Partner University.

Format and Evaluation

Grow your skill set at any time. Sign up for our industry-relevant credentials year-round, with most courses using a convenient asynchronous, online format. Hybrid and in-person options are available for firsthand experience or one-on-one training. Quizzes, assignments, instructor feedback or other assessments ensure you master your new knowledge.

Who Can Enroll

We open our industry-relevant credentials to all undergraduate and graduate Clarkson students, regardless of whether they are part of the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. We also extend the skills-building benefits to Clarkson alumni and working professionals.

Benefits of the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Science’s Industry-Relevant Credentials

Pursue your passion and personalize your path to success with one, two or even several industry-relevant credentials. The possibilities are in your hands. 

View All Course Options for Current Students

Gain Up-to-Date Industry Knowledge

We design our courses with input from industry leaders and current faculty. Content covers the latest developments in a chosen topic or exposes you to the latest technologies, all with the rigor and hands-on learning of a Clarkson education.  

Personalize and Expand Your Education

For current students, courses complement all curricular classes. Follow your interests, hone your goals and add a skill that may fall outside of your degree plan.

Explore Related Career Paths

While a degree marks the beginning of your career, industry-relevant credentials highlight all the places your degree can take you. Through this format, gain insight into other professional paths. Dive deeper into what interests you. Identify and cultivate skills in an engineering- and science-related area like business, law, project management or manufacturing.

Career Benefits

Climb the ranks of your current organization or pivot to a different career with the knowledge you acquire. At the end of each course, you receive a micro-credential certifying to employers that you have additional expertise from a tech-forward institution. 

Types of Industry-Relevant Credentials

Courses cover the knowledge, skills and experience that industry partners consistently list as essential to any candidate who wants to stand out from the crowd and be an important organizational asset from the get-go. 

Construction Engineering Management class at Clarkson University; professor and students standing at brick pile.

Business Concepts

From project management to financial management, business fundamentals give you a better understanding of how to orchestrate a STEM-based project. Topics include marketing, contract law, strategic planning and other professionally relevant subjects.
Design build fly project student working on model.

Advanced Technology

Integrate the latest cutting-edge technologies into your work with hands-on, practical courses. Topics include design for manufacturing, GD&T, manufacturing processes and other up-to-date programs and applications. 
Students present summer research project.

Leadership and Teamwork

Team management, communication, effective problem-solving, accountability and adequate delegation guide STEM-based projects from conceptualization and planning through the end result. Take courses in effective communication strategies, teamwork, project leadership and other powerful soft skills.

Corporate Partnerships

A company's greatest asset is talent. Industry-relevant credential programs ensure your employees continue to develop and expand their respective skill sets without the interruptions and inconvenience of offsite training. Partner with Clarkson University to tap into our renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for tech-focused excellence. Together, we can create flexible courses tailored to the needs of your employees and organization.

Develop a Course with Clarkson

Explore Engineering and Applied Science Programs That Offer Relevant Micro-Credentials

Contact us to learn more about our course offerings and how you can enroll.

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Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Programs

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Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Programs

Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Programs

Undergraduate Construction Engineering Management Programs

Undergraduate students at Clarkson University can choose any of Clarkson's seven engineering bachelor's degree programs (aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, software) and pursue a construction engineering management related minor and concentration. Students majoring in our engineering & management program can also choose a construction engineering management track. Learn more about our programs below or contact us. 

 

Students working with Professor Backus on a construction project

Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Undergraduate Concentration

The Construction Engineering Management concentration is designed for undergrad students majoring in civil and/or environmental engineering. Students can choose a track in Construction/Infrastructure, or Architectural Engineering & Building Construction.
Individuals talking over architectural plans

Architectural and Facilities Engineering Undergraduate Minor

The Architectural and Facilities Engineering minor is open to all majors, and is best suited for civil, mechanical, environmental and electrical engineering majors interested in making, revamping and operating buildings.
Students working with Professor Backus on a construction project

Construction Management Track for Engineering & Management Majors

Students majoring in Engineering & Management can choose the Construction Management professional advising track (this track is not a concentration or minor, nor is it transcripted). Potential career paths include: Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, Scheduler, Expediter, Auditor.

Graduate Construction Engineering Management Programs

Whether you are looking to start with an advanced certificate, or ready to earn a master's degree program, Clarkson University offers flexible, online and hybrid programs to fit the needs of working professionals. 

Student working with Professor Backus on a construction project

MS in Construction Engineering Management

Graduate students looking for a specialization in construction engineering management can do so through our Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management in Civil and Environmental Engineering department.
Students working with construction documents

Advanced Certificate in Construction Engineering Management

Clarkson University’s fully online Advanced Certificate in Construction Engineering Management program focuses on practical applications, current industry techniques and emerging trends and technology for working professionals.
Students working with construction plans

MS in Engineering Management with Construction Management Focus

Our cohort-based Engineering Management (MSEM) program offers innovative engineers and technical professionals an options to specialize in construction management.

Construction Management Highlights & Opportunities

Clarkson CEM Consulting Group

The Clarkson CEM Consulting Group (C3G) is an in-house Clarkson University capability that provides pre-professional consulting in planning, engineering, and construction areas.  This business enterprise uses students in an experiential learning mode in order to deliver products that the targeted market segments would not be otherwise able to conduct these efforts using professional consulting services. 

Learn More About C3G

Exploring Sustainability


Read about the Clarkson students who traveled to Washington, DC to observe sustainable building practice and build connections.

Read the blog

Scholarships and Recognition in National and Regional Professional Societies Competitions

Every year the CEM faculty advertise, encourage and support student applications across the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department to both the national Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the AGC NYS competitions. What is especially significant is that Clarkson students were awarded seven of the 22 scholarships given out by AGC NYS in 2022, roughly a third, from all the civil engineering, construction technology, and construction management student applicants across New York State. Clarkson students are often selected to be a part of the American Society of Civil Engineers – Construction Institute (ASCE-CI) “Student Days” competition held each summer.

2023-24 Clarkson Scholarship Awardees

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CEM Microcredentials

Clarkson's Construction and Engineering Management program works closely with Turner Construction on a series of Microcredentials for students and employees of the company. As a member of the Advisory Board for the program, Turner gives students the opportunity to learn alongside professionals in short courses designed to teach real life problems seen on actual job sites. At the end of each Microcredential, students are presented with a digital badge that validates the skills they have learned and gives them the chance to apply their knowledge in a workforce setting. Watch our video to find out more!

Meet the Pro of the Knight

The Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Program seeks to engage our students with real-life, hands-on experiences and learning opportunities. As part of those efforts, the CEM program invites a variety of industry leaders to be the “Pro of the Knight.” Typically featuring four per semester, these professionals talk candidly with students about their background, knowledge and experiences in the construction industry, providing invaluable tips and advice for entering the field.

Project Site Visits

The Clarkson CEM program at the undergraduate and graduate level is among the best in the nation. Our students are sought after by many top firms because of the training, knowledge, and professional development they receive while earning their degree at Clarkson.  Each semester, students at all levels have the opportunity to visit building and infrastructure projects that bring the classroom into context and real-word applications.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital Construction Site Visit

Students On Site

Clarkson CEM students visit Vermont Jobsite

S40 Aircraft Assembly Facility in Vermont

Students traveled to South Burlington to visit the BETA Technologies S40 Aircraft Assembly Facility project.
Clarkson University Students Explore Sustainable Building Practices in and around the Nation’s Capital

Sustainable Building Practices in D.C.

CEM students explore sustainable building practices in and around Washington D.C.
Clarkson civil engineering and CEM students participate in The Moles "Annual Students Day" at MassDOT.

The Moles "Annual Students Day" at MassDOT

Civil engineering & CEM students traveled to Westborough, Massachusetts to experience an active heavy civil project.

Significant Gifts and Contributors to Clarkson CEM

Howard E. Lechler was a well-known long-time Clayton and Gouverneur, New York resident who was born in Chicago, served in the US Army during WWII, and graduated from Clarkson University in May 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree. Howard began his career as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Clarkson in 1948. John Rouse interviewed several candidates and saw Howards' management potential to start up the highly successful and now very large, multi-location, steel fabrication enterprise known today as Cives Steel Company with headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. Cives Steel, his life’s work, is one of the largest steel fabricators in the United States with six fabrication facilities strategically located throughout the US.

Howard went on to earn a Master of Science Engineering degree from Clarkson in 1953 and received an Honorary degree from Clarkson in 1978. In 2016, Clarkson was honored to receive a gift to endow the Construction Engineering Management (CEM) program’s director position in perpetuity. The CEM Program at Clarkson honors Howards’s legacy as a highly successful businessman, an avid sailor, hunter and fisherman, though a seat on the CEM advisory board for the Lechler/Cives Steel family as well as its commitment to the very best in construction education regionally and nationally.

Ronald P. Wells ‘68 received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clarkson College of Technology and led an extraordinary construction career, which began in 1968 with Peter Kiewit Sons’ Company. For the next twenty years, he worked in management capacities, from engineer to Vice President, building highways, bridges, industrial work, and heavy civil-related construction projects. In 1990, he became Vice President of Operations for Dillingham’s North American operations and simultaneously was President of Dillingham, Canada. After 30 years, Ron took on a new role as President and CEO of Stacy & Witbeck, Inc. Under Ron’s leadership, the firm grew from a regional construction company to a nationwide industry leader constructing light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, and other heavy civil transportation construction projects.

Ron was a proud leader of several construction industry associations, including The Beavers, and The Moles. He was also a member of the Good Knights Guild, Clarkson University's donor recognition program. He was both a loyal and leadership donor. Through his generosity, several critical efforts were accomplished including the hiring of its first Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Director, expansion of curriculum, a new emphasis on internships and placement, establishment of the CEM Advisory Board, and recognition of the Clarkson CEM Program throughout the construction industry. In memory of Ron, for his leadership and generous support of the Clarkson Construction Engineering Management program, in 2024 Clarkson named the CEM Director’s office in his honor. 

Sandy Ginsberg ‘54, HD ‘07 from Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Clarkson University in 1954 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2007. Sandy served in the Marine Corps Reserve and worked in the Construction Management industry as a Civil Engineer and Construction Executive. He was a life member of American Society of Civil Engineers, and a former president of Clarkson Alumni Association. His storied career spanned rebuilding and preserving some of America's most notable landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In 1995, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, recognizing his contributions to The American-Scandinavian Foundation, The American Scandinavian Society and Sons of Norway. In 2018, Clarkson University established a unique fund to perpetually resource and enable all expense paid field trips for students, often in partnership with CEM advisory board members and corporate partners.

Corporate Partners

The Clarkson CEM program at the undergraduate and graduate level is among the best in the nation with a consistent 100% year over year placement rate of our graduates in the construction industry.  Our strong relationship with partners provides many opportunities for our students and assurance our students are graduating with the skills needed to be ready to enter the workforce.  Our students are sought after by many top firms because of the training, knowledge, and professional development they are known to receive while earning their degree at Clarkson

Engineer Partners:  

Executive Partners: 

Compilation of company logos that support Clarkson's engineering program.

Contact the Construction Engineering Management Program

cem@clarkson.edu, (315) 268-4017

Erik C. Backus, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, FMP
Professor of Practice & Howard E. Lechler ’48, MS ’53, HD ’78 Endowed
Director
ebackus@clarkson.edu

Donna Kowal, Program Manager
dmkowal@clarkson.edu

 

Follow us!
LinkedIn: Clarkson CEM Program
BlueSky: clarksoncem 
Instagram:  clarksonconstengrmgmt
Facebook: ClarksonCEM
X:  @ClarksonCEM

 

ADVANCE SPACES

Rattleback Top

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Rattleback Top

The rattleback is a top that defies convention.

It spins freely in one direction, but if spun in the other direction, its rotational motion becomes unstable; it starts to wobble and then will begin to spin in the opposite direction. In this regard, the rattleback seems to defy the physical law of conservation of angular momentum.

The rattleback is shaped as an elongated asymmetric semi-ellipsoid with a flat top. The unintuitive reversal of the rotational motion occurs because of its asymmetry. The asymmetry of the rattleback and frictional force from the table surface cause the rotational motion of the rattleback to become unstable. The friction transfers energy from the spinning (rotational energy) to the wobble (vibrational energy). The vibrational energy is then transferred back to rotational energy but in the preferred direction. Rotation in the preferred direction can also be initiated by pushing down on one end of the rattleback. This vibration is then transferred to a rotational energy.

The rattleback provides an opportunity to demonstrate many physics concepts in the classroom.

What are the axes of rotation? 

The rattleback has three primary axes of rotation. It can spin about its center vertical axis. It can roll about its horizontal long axis, and it can rock or wobble about its horizontal short axis. In boating terms, these are called yaw, roll and pitch.

  • Have your students identify these axes and sketch the shape of the rattleback in each case. The asymmetry in the shape can be seen when you look at the rattleback along the line of the long horizontal axis.

Why isn’t angular momentum conserved? 

Conservation of angular momentum is really just a special case of Newton’s second law of rotation when there is no net external torque (force applied at some distance from a rotation axis). In the case of the rattleback, however, there is a torque caused by the friction from the table top.

  • Try spinning the rattleback on various surfaces to illustrate the importance of friction.

What is Newton’s second law of rotation? dtLdext=Στ [1]

Angular momentum (L) is only conserved when there is no net external torque (∑Ŧext=). In the rattleback case, the torque comes from the frictional force, which acts in a direction opposite to the direction of the spinning. Angular momentum depends on the angular velocity (ω) and the rotational inertia (I): 

ωIL= [2] where ∑=iidMrⁱ2 [3]

The rotational inertia is defined by the distribution of mass (M) at a distance r from the axis of rotation. In rotation, objects behave differently based on the distribution of mass about the axis of rotation.

  • You can demonstrate this with a simpler example than the rattleback:      
    Take two PVC pipes of equal length. Add a high density material (like clay or steel washers) to the middle section of one. Divide the same mass in half and add equal parts to the end sections of the second pipe. The pipes will weigh the same, but the distribution of the mass      
    and, therefore, the rotational inertia will vary.
  • Have students quickly rotate the pipes back and forth (by gripping them at the middle) and describe the differences in their movement. Which is harder to rotate?

How does stability come into play? 

Objects in rotation preferentially spin around the axis with the smallest rotational inertia (eqn. [3]). Try spinning a book-sized block of wood in the air to demonstrate this. Spinning the wood around the longest or shortest axis of rotation is stable and the wood continues to spin. However, it wobbles when spun around the intermediate length axis.

The rattleback is more complicated in its instability due to the asymmetry around the axis with the smallest rotational inertia. However the instabilities are demonstrated when you tap the end of the rattleback. In this case, you are rotating the rattleback around the intermediate axis (short horizontal axis), which is the most unstable, similar to the book example. The wobble (rotation about the intermediate axis) is unstable and turns into rotation about the axis that is most stable.
 

Physics at Work

The rattleback is a great example of physics at work and the complexities of describing what appears to be a simple toy. Researchers have worked over decades to describe the motion of the rattleback in both physical and mathematical terms. Complicated mathematical equations and numerical models have been developed to simulate this behavior. But physicists who try to describe the physical behavior still struggle to intuitively understand it! The world’s most pressing problems in science, medicine, engineering and our natural environment are complex in much the same way.

References:

Physics

http://www.4physics.com:8080/phy_demo/rattleback.htm
Walker, J. The Flying Circus of Physics, 2nd ed., Wiley, 2007
(www.flyingcircusofphysics.com)

Crane, H.R. “How things work: The rattleback revisited.”
The Physics Teacher, 29(5):278-9, 1991.

 

Simulations

http://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ifm/english/e_ifm_ala4bsp_rattle.htm
http://www.autolev.com/WebSite/SampleProblemRattleback/Rattleback.html

History

http://128.174.130.156/LectDemo/descript/1148/more%20info.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattleback

Ebook Confirmation

Office of Information Technology

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Office of Information Technology

Office of Information Technology

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides the IT infrastructure, services and support necessary to advance Clarkson University’s teaching, research and service missions. Comprised of four primary groups — Academic Technology and Support, Administrative Computing, Network Services and Information Security, and Web Development — we are here to support your growth and success at Clarkson.

Contact Us

HelpDesk

Phone: 315-268-HELP
Email: helpdesk@clarkson.edu
In-Person: 2nd Floor, Educational Resources Center

Office of Information Technology

Vice President for Information Technology: Joshua A Fiske
Read: Clarkson's Documentation Library

Services and Resources

Access reliable digital and technology support. 
Reach out to our office — or have us come to you.

 

Students and a professor in a computer lab

Computer Labs

Clarkson has eight computer labs with more than 300 computers across campus, available 24/7. These workstations are all connected to Clarkson’s high-speed network backbone to ensure unimpeded access to research and learning platforms.

Individual using a phone with a wireless symbol displayed

Wireless Access

Access a secure Wi-Fi network in all indoor locations on campus, including residence halls, academic spaces, dining halls, our libraries, athletic facilities, study spaces and more locations. Students in all of the University’s residence halls can connect wirelessly and via Ethernet.

Individual using a laptop and phone

Communication and Publishing

The Office of Information Technology manages several website and communication services, including clarkson.edu, intranet.clarkson.edu, daily announcements and web services for clubs, teams and organizations.

Individual holding a laptop out for someone to take

Loaner Equipment

OIT maintains a pool of loaner equipment designed to meet the need for short-term, unanticipated computer hardware. If your laptop is broken and needs to be sent out for repairs, we are happy to loan you a computer for a few weeks!

Individual signing into a website on a laptop

Accounts

Your single sign-on (SSO) account seamlessly connects you with all IT platforms on campus, including your Gmail, myCU, Moodle, public lab computers, printing, library services and more.

Laptop with a headset over the screen

Help Desk

Stop by the Help Desk, located on the 2nd Floor of the Educational Resources Center. Walk up, call or email us for support or questions about any IT-related issues. The Help Desk is available Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Summer hours vary.

An individual working on a computer

Repairs

Through the Help Desk, certified technicians deliver onsite Dell Warranty repair for your own laptops, computers and other hardware. We can help with: RAM hardware upgrades, operating system upgrades and reinstalls, hardware repair, general PC maintenance and malware and virus removal (not covered under Dell Warranties). You can borrow a temporary laptop and other devices while repairs are underway.

Computer cluster up close

HPC Cluster

Clarkson University owns and operates a High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster called ACRES (Accelerating Computational Research for Engineering and Science). ACRES's technology allows data- and computationally-intensive research projects to explore complex models and operations at no cost.

An individual teaching another person something on a computer

Teaching and Learning Corner

The Teaching and Learning Corner (TLC) is dedicated to supporting students, faculty and staff in their use of educational technology at Clarkson. We partner with faculty to build satisfying, engaging learning experiences on campus and online. Our online course design methods align with Quality Matters standards, and several have earned QM certification for quality. In addition, multiple awards recognize the TLC team's work in instructional design and faculty development.

The TLC extends employment opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, who then highlight student perspectives and experiences for our team. In addition, we also assist with student surveys and other research projects.

Online Learning at Clarkson

Make online learning a seamless and engaging experience through Clarkson's wide variety of comprehensive and advanced tools.

Individual working on a laptop with learning icons

Moodle

Moodle is Clarkson's online learning management system and is accessible by your single sign-on account. Log in to find online course materials, as well as orientation and tutorials to help you navigate the interface. Contact the Help Desk if you need further assistance.
Individual working on a laptop with education symbols displayed

Quality Matters

Clarkson University is an institutional member of Quality Matters, which sets the standard for quality in online learning. Clarkson's online courses align with QM’s recommendations.
An individual attending a zoom meeting

Remote Tools

Conduct real-time meetings and events via Zoom. Use Echo360 to capture in-classroom lectures and distribute pre-recorded video content. Students can access a suite of academic software via AppsAnywhere. Access all of these tools through your single sign-on account, on or off campus.

Personal Computer and Technology Requirements

Clarkson encourages you to bring a laptop with you to campus. While your specific laptop is a matter of personal preference, we have compiled recommendations for an engaging college experience. Learn more about memory, storage, operating systems and other factors you may want to take into account for both Apple and Windows devices.

Minimum Technology Requirements

FAQs

Wi-Fi access is available in all indoor locations on campus, including residence halls, academic spaces, dining halls, athletic facilities, study spaces and more locations. If you are part of the Clarkson community, we recommend accessing the eduroam wireless network with your login credentials for greater security. If you are a guest, you can access the guest network by selecting the Clarkson University network icon in your wireless settings.

Check your connections first, and then check to see if others are experiencing similar issues. We additionally announce any service interruptions on the OIT webpage. You can subscribe to receive updates by clicking the button located in the upper-right corner.

If you suspect an outage or want to report poor performance, we ask that you contact the Help Desk for further assistance.

You can access hundreds of software programs including: ArcGIS, Matlab, Ansys, Mastercam, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and many other scientific applications popular in engineering, business and other fields. These applications are available both in our computer labs and via the web-based platform called AppsAnywhere.

Safeguarding your security and privacy is one of our top priorities. Clarkson has a robust, standards-based Information Security Program that includes technical controls and administrative policies to maximize the safety of students' personal data. All employees receive annual training on overall information security practices and, more specifically, on protecting the confidentiality of student information.

The main purpose of Clarkson's information technology resources is to support learning, teaching, research and the mission of the University. We expect the use of our tools and services to align with that overarching objective. To learn more about Clarkson's policy on the use of technology, please review section XI.G of Student Regulations.

You can contact the Help Desk on days Monday through Friday by phone, email or walking into our office on the Potsdam campus. Requests received outside of normal business hours are responded to the next business day.

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