Coulter School of Engineering

Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering

Highest-Impact Engineering

At the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering, we recognize that engineers don’t work in isolation. That is why our education goes well beyond the technical strengths of our ABET-accredited programs: through research, industry-sponsored design projects and more co-curricular activities, students pursue their passions and develop the knowledge, skills and mindset that lead to an impactful career.

Industry-Focused Engineering Education

Engineering forms Clarkson University’s foundation — from our origins to hands-on, problem-solving and solutions-based education. Our approach produces in-demand graduates ready to make an impact from their first day on the job and drive innovation.

We continue to look forward and keep pace with industry needs and technical skills. A Clarkson engineering education not only emphasizes fundamentals and specialized skills but introduces all the practical, business and economic aspects of the field and allows students to personalize their education through co-curricular activities, professional experiences and industry-relevant credentials.

Input From Industry Experts

All Coulter School of Engineering programs have industry advisory councils. As a result, our undergraduate and graduate degrees reflect the latest industry trends in terms of technical competencies and expose students to essential business, project management, interpersonal and communication skills.

Professional Experiences

Clarkson is a community of motivated doers ready to apply their knowledge to new challenges and uncover innovative solutions. Required for all engineering students, Professional Experiences highlight what they’re learning in the real world and showcase engineering as an essential problem-solving tool. Students further benefit from our school’s close relationship with the Parker Career Center in finding internship placements.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

See engineering concepts in action through team-based research and design projects and co-curricular learning opportunities intended to develop industry-relevant knowledge in the areas of project leadership, the latest cutting-edge technologies and engineering business.

Advising

Through guidance from academic and career advisors, get the most out of your education and accelerate your personal and professional success. This, plus our approach to engineering education, is why close to 200 companies come to campus to recruit our students.

Undergraduate Engineering Programs

Four departments house nine ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering degree programs. If you haven't decided which degree program is right for you, start with our Engineering Studies Program, designed to point undecided students toward a discipline-specific engineering major. At Clarkson, students may pursue double majors, minors, concentrations and tracks. Then, roll up your sleeves to devise innovative solutions and see what you'll do in the field through internships and co-ops.

BS in Aerospace Engineering

BS in Chemical Engineering

BS in Civil Engineering

BS in Computer Engineering

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Engineering and Management

BS in Environmental Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Software Engineering

Engineering Studies Program

Minors, Concentrations and Tracks

Internships and Co-op Opportunities

Graduate Engineering Programs

Chart your career and grapple with new challenges in research-based master's and PhD programs. Or, propel your career forward through our graduate engineering programs for working adults.

MS in Business of Energy

MS in Chemical Engineering

MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering

MS in Construction Engineering Management

MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering

MS in Energy Systems

MS in Engineering Management

MS in Engineering Science

MS in Environmental Science and Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering with a Power Engineering Concentration

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

PhD in Engineering Science

PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Business of Energy, Advanced Certificate

Construction Engineering Management, Advanced Certificate

Power Systems Engineering, Advanced Certificate

Industry-Relevant Credentials

Engineers are lifelong learners, expanding their knowledge base to drive advancement, get familiar with current and emerging technologies and explore new applications of their skills. Geared toward current Clarkson students, alumni and working professionals, our Industry-Relevant Credentials serve two purposes. Current Clarkson students can personalize their degrees and highlight their skills with an industry-respected certification badge. Alumni and working professionals have the opportunity to upgrade their skills as industries, technologies and applications evolve.

Learn More about Industry-Relevant Credentials

In order for innovation to flourish, you have to create an environment where people feel empowered, where they can express ideas and have the freedom to move fast.

Ken Solinsky '71

Departments

Across all departments, we promote an inclusive environment that encourages collaborative student work, great student-faculty interactions, engagement with engineering and manufacturing professionals through site visits and field trips and community outreach that embraces "Technology Serving Humanity" by listening to the customer in order to give them better solutions.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Our Faculty

Our faculty are committed to teaching, scholarship and research. Our faculty are experts in what they do, and they engage our students in the pursuit of disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and scholarship.

Learning by Doing

Applications of engineering principles begin in the classroom, extend through research opportunities on campus and beyond and pave the way toward entering or advancing in the global workforce. Learn more about the hands-on opportunities available to engineering students:

Research

Access real-world, cutting-edge research opportunities as an undergraduate student at Clarkson. Many of our faculty members open their labs and sponsored research projects to those interested in learning and contributing. Our graduate students, meanwhile, guide new developments with faculty and through their theses projects.

SPEED

Here at Clarkson, our competitive student teams come together under a unifying department – SPEED, which stands for Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design.

Whether you’re interested in race cars or robotics, bridge design or aeronautics, joining a SPEED team gives you the competitive edge for your future career. Teams compete in national and international collegiate competitions, giving students hands-on, collaborative experience. Every engineering student can find and join a team (or two) that interests them.

Service Learning

We see engineering as a tool designed to transform and advance the world. Our students meet the challenge by devising sustainable solutions in their respective disciplines and by participating in K-12 outreach organizations, such as the Clarkson chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which conducts a Micro RC Fly-In for local high school students.

Our programs educate students for this work environment. That is why so many companies recruit at Clarkson and why so many of our alumni are incredibly successful.  

William D. Jemison, Dean of the Coulter School of Engineering

It's More Than A Degree - Find Out Why

Facts & Stats

$17 Million

In Research Dollars

brought in annually by faculty.

99% Total Undergraduate Placement | Clarkson Class of 2023

Engineering students have internships and/or co-ops at top companies across the nation. More than 200 companies come to campus to recruit students. Most students secure an offer before graduation.

26 Goldwater Scholars

In the past 20 years, 26 Clarkson students have been named Goldwater Scholars — a rate among the highest in the country. Students who win Goldwaters typically go on to the best graduate schools in the country.

Top 30

Best Schools for STEM Degrees

ABET (Accreditation)

ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

Clarkson University's undergraduate aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and software engineering programs and undergraduate engineering and management program are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Read more on Engineering Program Objectives.

Read more about Coulter School of Engineering

Financial Aid

Read more about Financial Aid

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

The mission of Clarkson University’s Arthur O Eve. Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), is to provide access and opportunity to obtain a college degree for eligible New York State residents to the full extent of experiences Clarkson has to offer. HEOP students are provided with sufficient academic support services, tuition assistance,

supplemental financial assistance, and full need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the institutional degree components required to graduate. We strive to create a supportive community that celebrates, nurtures and educates all students to become their best personal and professional self.

HEOP at Clarkson

Clarkson University, along with New York State and federal taxpayers, provide full-need financial aid packaging to invest in our HEOP students, as we know each one of them has the promise and potential to obtain a college degree.
HEOP at Clarkson is a very hands-on experience meant to holistically support HEOP students from the minute they officially choose Clarkson as their home for the next few years. While at Clarkson, each HEOP student receives hands-on academic advising, career and graduate school counseling, and personal and social support to ensure that they are on track to succeed. Through consistent one-on-one attention, HEOP staff members are able to identify and connect HEOP students with appropriate, campus-wide resources.
Clarkson University HEOP has graduated over 400 students since its creation in 1994; this vast alumni network is only the beginning, as our family funds 57 students for annual class enrollment. These students are supported by a very genuine, passionate, and experienced group of HEOP staff members to guide them through their college experience.

The HEOP Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Pre-Freshman Experience (SPREE) is the no-cost, mandatory four-week summer bridge program that assists students with the transition to postsecondary education on our residential campus; tuition, housing, and meals are all covered by the university.
During SPREE, students earn credits in STEM and business that count towards their Clarkson degree; a fantastic opportunity to get ahead before the scholars even begin their freshman year of college.
SPREE also offers students the opportunity to bond with their incoming class, understand campus resources, and participate in team-building activities in the surrounding area.
We bring an average of 12 students into the program each year, and are thrilled to prepare them for the academic rigor and personal development that Clarkson has to offer.

Applying to HEOP

HEOP Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for HEOP, you must:

Be a New York State resident for at least one year prior to enrolling into HEOP.
Be a New York State high school graduate or possess a state-approved equivalency diploma or its equivalent.
Meet HEOP financial and academic guidelines, as established by New York State and the Clarkson University HEOP Office.
Demonstrate high potential and motivation for attaining a college education.

Transfer Students:

Please contact the HEOP Admissions Counselor to indicate your interest in becoming a member of HEOP at Clarkson. Transfer students are only eligible for HEOP at Clarkson University if they have been enrolled in the following NYS opportunity programs: HEOP, EOP, SEEK.

Application Process:

Complete the Clarkson University Application or the Common Application by January 15th. Make sure to select “HEOP” on the Clarkson University Supplement.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 15th:
Clarkson code is 002699.
If deemed academically eligible, you will be asked to provide documentation to prove financial eligibility. Please provide these within two weeks of the date you receive the email in order to be further considered for the program. If you have any trouble at all providing these documents, please contact the HEOP Admissions Counselor.

Important Notes:

Even if you are not sure about whether you qualify or not, it does not hurt to apply - if we find that you are not academically and financially eligible, you may be considered by Regular Admissions.
There is no Early Decision option for HEOP. Applicants should be aware that admission to this program is competitive, and that only a limited number of spaces are available each year.
Check your email very frequently to see if there are any updates to your Clarkson HEOP application.

Department Staff

Madeline Masi

Assistant Director HEOP

Email: mmasi@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-4039

Marjorie Warden

Director of HEOP & Community Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO)

Email: mwarden@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-4224

Read more about Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

McNair Scholars Research Program

Read more about McNair Scholars Research Program

Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities

The Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO) office is the shared home to the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars), the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program (LSAMP) and the Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). The creation of this office brings together three long-standing federal and state Education Department and National Science Foundation programs in one location, providing ease in access to services for students.

The CUPO office provides to eligible students academic enrichment, graduate school preparation, career and professional development, research opportunities, and social and cultural experiences.

Academic support: academic advisement, private tutoring, academic success workshops, and a book and laptop loan library
Enriching activities: conferences, cultural and social activities
Career development: resume writing, professional skill workshops, speakers, industry visits, and internship/co-op guidance
Graduate school preparedness: faculty mentors, speakers (PhDs), research opportunities, conferences to present research, GRE prep, GRE exam support, graduate application assistance, funding to visit graduate schools and workshops

The CUPO office provides students with individual and group study space. This space is equipped with desktops and access to as-needed laptops. Students also have access to free printing, scanning and faxing. Student study space is available during regular CUPO hours, and extended study hours are available, especially during midterms and finals.

Every year we produce a journal of research from the previous summer. We are pleased to announce the 12th volume of the Clarkson University Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities Research Journal from Summer 2023. Found here.

Summer Research Applications

Application Form

Recommendation Form

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

The McNair Scholars Program at Clarkson University prepares qualified undergraduate students in STEM for entrance into a PhD program upon graduating. The goal of the program is to increase the number of first-generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students in PhD programs, and ultimately, to diversify the faculty at colleges and universities across the country. The McNair Scholars Program is a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Clarkson University.

The Clarkson McNair Scholars Program provides undergraduates with opportunities to participate in academic year and summer research activities. McNair scholars attend workshops and seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation, complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and have the opportunity to present their research at local, regional and national conferences.

Eligibility

Underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic, Native American) or first-generation college students from a low-income background
U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
2.8 GPA or higher
Sophomore or junior undergraduate in science or engineering discipline
Strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree

Funding

Federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Clarkson University

Learn More Information

Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program

LSAMP at Clarkson University is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented African American, Latino American and Native American (AALANA) students graduating with baccalaureate degrees in the STEM fields.

The Clarkson University LSAMP is part of the Upstate Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ULSAMP), which is a partnership between five 4-year institutions and two community colleges in Upstate New York: Clarkson University, Cornell University, Monroe Community College, SUNY Onondaga Community College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University (lead institution). LSAMP at Clarkson is funded by the National Science Foundation and Clarkson University.

Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program

CSTEP at Clarkson University is funded jointly by the University and the New York State Education Department. The goal of CSTEP is to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students that are pursuing careers in STEM or licensed professions. Students must be New York State residents.

Eligibility

Underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic or Native American, or income eligibility set up by New York State Education Department for all New York State Opportunity Programs)
STEM majors or students pursuing careers in licensed professions
New York State residents

Department Staff

Deborah Shipp

Associate Director

Email: dgshipp@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-3951

Marjorie Warden

Director of HEOP & Community Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO)

Email: mwarden@clarkson.edu
Office: 315/268-4224

Read more about Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities

Online Course Schedule

Read more about Online Course Schedule

Army ROTC

Army ROTC offers the broadest path for young men and women seeking to serve the nation as Army officers, helping them to achieve their goal. It's graduates comprise the majority of the newly commissioned lieutenants entering active duty Army each year.

Students with a strong academic background who are physically fit and have an active mind and the ability to rapidly assimilate information thrive in the program. These scholar-athlete-leaders (SALs) note that the leadership skills developed through their participation in the program are further honed during their period of service as Army officers.

Clarkson's Army ROTC Program

The Army ROTC program provides world class training and the opportunity to commission as an Army officer upon graduation. Cadets wishing to continue past their sophomore year must sign a contract and make a commitment to serve when they graduate. In return, all contracted cadets receive a monthly stipend during their junior and senior years.

Why Choose Our Program

We were ranked in the Top 5 nationwide by Washington Monthly for the percentage of students that participate in ROTC over the past 5 years. Our battalion is relatively large for the size of our school. The small-school feel of Clarkson, along with the strong military presence on campus, makes it a comfortable and supportive place to train in becoming an Army leader.

In the North Country of New York, environmental training opportunities are abundant. The Adirondack Mountains are just minutes away with their trails and nature preserves. Also, Clarkson is located near Fort Drum, which allows close contact with one of the most deployed divisions in the Army, the 10th Mountain Division.

There are also outreach opportunities. Every year, we team up with campus clubs to send care packages to deployed soldiers who will spend their holidays overseas. Come be a part of something special with the Clarkson Army ROTC cadets.

Video: Blackhawk helicopters visit Clarkson

Feel the Difference in Your Training. Be the Difference in Your Community.

Basic Course

Freshmen in the Golden Knight Battalion meet for class once a week. The freshman class focuses on basic life skills such as fitness maintenance, nutrition intake, time management and goal setting, and touches on basic military knowledge with subjects like rank structure, customs and courtesies and infantry squad composition. We emphasize beginning to adopt the Army values and Warrior Ethos, and start to explore the Army leadership model. Land navigation is covered extensively as well, while the foundations for this critical skill are developed. Interaction with upperclassmen and instructors allows you to learn about opportunities in today’s active force, National Guard and Army Reserves.

Sophomores attend MS221 Innovative Team Leadership and MS222 Foundations of Tactical Leadership. Class meets twice a week, and you explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership model. You practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of Army rank, structure, duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics.

Advanced Course

All cadets in the advanced course are contracted (getting paid) and are expected to attend all scheduled training.

Juniors attend MS331 Adaptive Team Leadership and MS332 Applied Team Leadership. These courses use increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build your awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making, persuasion and motivating team members under stress are explored, evaluated and developed. As a cadet, you are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land Warfare, Army training, and motivation to lead. The focus of your junior year is preparation for Warrior Forge.

Seniors in the Golden Knight Battalion are required to attend ROTC class once a week. The course provides instruction on administrative, training and logistical consideration to prepare you for your first unit of assignment. We use case studies, scenarios, and “What Now, Lieutenant?” exercises to preparing you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Along with the class, the battalion holds a lab most Thursdays during the semester for two hours. This is the time when all cadets are together, conducting collective training. The seniors plan and execute the training, the juniors hold most of the leadership positions and are evaluated during the lab, and the sophomores and freshmen watch and learn while developing the key skill of followership.

The Golden Knight Battalion Sets Itself Apart From Others

Ranked in the Top 5 in the nation by Washington Monthly in percentage of students that participate in ROTC each of the last 5 years. The GKB is a relatively large battalion at a small school. The small school feel of Clarkson along with the strong military presence on campus make it a comfortable and supportive place to train to become an Army Leader.
The opportunities to train in the local area are abundant. On the North side of the Adirondacks the land we can train on is almost limitless, and we can train right on campus. Whether it's rappelling off our rapell tower, practicing land navigation or conducting tactical training with paintball in the "ROTC woods", or learning to low crawl right on the Hamlin-Powers lawn we don't have to go far to do some Army Training.
Close proximity to Fort Drum allow us to have regular contact with the most deployed Division in the Army, the 10th Mountain Division. Staff rides that include battle briefs conducted by recently deployed units are indispensible training opportunities that allow our cadets to understand what they should expect upon graduation. Fort Drum also offers unique training opportunities like use of their simulator and engagement skills trainer facilities, and use of the obstacle course and rifle ranges.
The campus community supports our effort in just about every way. Campus organizations like the Clarkson Guard pitch in each holiday season to team up with the GKB to send care packages to deployed soldier and alumni. Our Dining Out and Cadet hockey games are held at SUNY Potsdam. Commissioning ceremonies are hosted on all four campuses. Faculty, Administration, Coaches, and fellow students all know who we are and what we are about. They all play a role in creating an environment where Cadets can thrive.
The history of ROTC and Clarkson is a rich one, originating in the 1930s with the founding of the ROTC and Clarkson guard.

Clarkson's ROTC History

Clarkson's ROTC Band in front of Old Main

1930s
ROTC and Clarkson guard founded

1940s
WWII began, training program established and over 250 cadets enrolled

1950s
Signal Corps added to Corps of Engineers battalion

1970s
Colleges of St. Lawrence Valley established, pooling resources

1980s
Corps of Cadets becomes Golden Knight Battalion (GKB)

Today
Clarkson commissions officers and leaders into the armed forces

Read more about Army ROTC

Course Descriptions and Class Schedules

Read more about Course Descriptions and Class Schedules

Air Force ROTC

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at Clarkson University develops commissioned officers for both the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) by providing cadets with essential leadership mentorship, time & stress management, organization, interpersonal skills, and military knowledge.

Cadets who successfully complete all AFROTC requirements and earn a bachelor’s degree will commission as Second Lieutenants and enter the active duty Air Force or Space Force.

Cadets do not have to immediately commit to a service obligation; the cadet becomes obligated at the start of a cadet's junior year or when their scholarship is activated.

AFROTC Detachment 536 services all qualified students from the four campuses of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley: Clarkson University, Saint Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Potsdam.

Air Force ROTC Detachment 536

Contact Us

Mailing Address: Box 5850, 8 Clarkson Ave., Potsdam, NY 13699
Address: Suite 1106, Old Main Building, 55 Main St., Potsdam, NY 13699
Email: det536af@clarkson.edu Phone: 315-268-7989 Fax: 315-268-4234

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AFROTC Scholarships

AFROTC offers a wide variety of scholarships for college and college-bound students in all approved bachelor's and graduate degree programs. For the latest and most accurate information, please go to the AFROTC website's scholarship page at www.afrotc.com/scholarships/. High school students can apply for the High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) before January of their senior year at www.afrotc.com/apply/.

If you have specific scholarship questions, contact the Recruiting Officer at det536af@clarkson.edu.

External Resources

Air Force Recruiting https://www.airforce.com/
Space Force Recruiting http://www.spaceforce.mil/
Holm Center http://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center
U.S. Air Force Home Page www.af.mil
AFROTC Recruiting www.afrotc.com
FOIA http://www.compliance.af.mil/

Current as of January 26th, 2024

Interested in ROTC?

Let us know if you want more information on how to join AFROTC Detachment 536!

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Privacy and Security

This Air Force ROTC Detachment 536 Website is provided as a public service by Clarkson University. Information presented on the Detachment 536 Website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. Information concerning visitors, use of this site is collected for analytical and statistical purposes, such as assessing what information is of most and least interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Raw data logs will only be used to identify individual users and their usage habits for authorized law enforcement investigations or national security purposes. These logs are scheduled for regular destruction in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration Guidelines. Unauthorized attempts to deny service, upload information, change information, or to attempt to access a non-public site from this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. If you have any questions or comments about the information presented here, please forward them to us.

External Disclaimer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation sites, the U.S. Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links provided are consistent with the stated purpose of this web site.

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Refund Policy

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