| Clarkson University

A Vibrant Graduate Community

Pursuing a master’s or PhD is a significant step in your academic and professional journey. At Clarkson, we're proud to foster a community where you can grow, fuel your career, expand your knowledge and contribute to advancements in your field.

Our graduate student body is composed of many types of students — including career-strivers, working parents and professionals returning to school. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson offers a unique blend of academic excellence, hands-on experience and a vibrant community. Explore what life as a graduate student at Clarkson has to offer—from academic resources and research opportunities to campus life, career support and our welcoming community.

Group of students dressed in matching shirts on the Cheel lawn

Student Organizations

Join one of the many clubs for graduate students, including cultural clubs, professional organizations, and hobby groups.

The Clarkson CREW team rows on a scenic body of water

Wellness and Recreation

Stay active with our fitness facilities, intramural sports and outdoor adventures in the nearby Adirondacks.

A diverse group of students after a color run

Campus Events

Engage in campus events, from guest lectures and conferences to social gatherings designed for graduate students.

Graduate Student Association

Clarkson's GSA is made up of graduate students from many different academic departments and regions of the world. They aim to strengthen the community experience through events, programs and clubs and provide a space where graduate students can voice their opinions associated with departments, graduate school and Clarkson as a whole.

Explore CUGSA

Research and Faculty

From classroom to laboratories to clinical assignments, three factors define Clarkson graduate education — world-class instructors teaching hands-on curricula that equip everyone for career success. Our graduate students shape our progress and their work receives support from our external network of over 380 active partners in industry, government and research, including the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, the Trudeau Institute, the National Institutes of Health and Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Our Goal

We see discoveries not as novelties but as society-shifting innovations. In turn, our research makes a positive impact on society around the world. Learn from Fulbright and National Science Foundation scholars, as well as top-tier professionals who weave in their experiences. Small classes and a close-knit community help you build connections, whether you attend on campus or online.

Focus Areas

Clarkson’s research focuses on Healthy Global Solutions, Advanced Materials Development, Next Generation Medicine and Healthcare and Computational and Data-Enabled Discovery.

In Clarkson's interdisciplinary learning environment, I have been able to excel in my research and critical thinking. I have also improved in my time management and soft skills. This has really helped me prepare for when I present my research at conferences and department seminars.

Reem Khan, PhD in Chemistry

Living in Potsdam, NY

Whether you choose to live on-campus or off-campus, you’ll find a friendly and welcoming community with plenty of activities to explore.

Housing and Dining

Clarkson has a limited number of apartment-style housing units available for graduate students. Graduate students typically search for a nearby off-campus apartment from which to commute. Throughout campus there are a variety of dining options with different dietary options. Graduate students are able to take part in a flexible meal plan option.

Off-Campus Activities

Potsdam is a charming college town surrounded by the scenic Adirondacks. Enjoy nearby restaurants, cafes, parks, and shops, as well as seasonal festivals and events that bring the community together.

Support Services

We know that moving to a new area and working toward your graduate degree is a lot of work, which is why our staff is committed to supporting students and providing a variety of resources to make sure you have a successful experience as a Clarkson student. Whether you need academic support, help navigating your career path, or are struggling with some other aspect of your experience as a graduate student – we have people dedicated to helping you make the most of your time here.

Our Regions

Up for some hiking or skiing? Or, maybe the lakes of the nearby Adirondack Park are calling for some kayaking. Our students embrace the sights and possibilities of our location and occasionally make the trip up to Ottawa or Montreal from Potsdam.

Local Attractions

Additional Resources for Graduate Students

Academic Calendar

Student Assistance Program

International Center

Health and Counseling Services

Campus Safety

Read more about Graduate Student Life

ROTC

About ROTC at Clarkson

Our programs develop scholar-athlete-leaders ready to strategically take on new challenges. Training emphasizes academic preparation alongside demanding physical fitness. This approach produces professionals prepared to think fast in the field and on the job and rapidly apply what they just learned. Reflecting our approach, Washington Monthly’s 2020 College Rankings listed our programs as fourth in the nation.

Air Force ROTC

The Air Force ROTC program prepares you to become an Air Force or Space Force officer while earning your degree. Our specialized courses and hands-on leadership laboratories will hone the skills necessary to succeed as a leader and critical thinker through academics and professional development. The AFROTC program is more than just a series of classes — it’s a challenge and a head start on success within the Department of the Air Force and in life.

Army ROTC

Since 1936, Army ROTC at Clarkson has provided students with the opportunity to combine world-class leadership and management training with their other academic studies. The state-of-the-art curriculum, which consists of a series of classroom and hands-on leadership training experiences, gives students the necessary foundation to serve successfully in positions of responsibility in either America's Army or the corporate world.

How to Join

Any Clarkson student can enroll in ROTC classes without joining an ROTC program. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program should reach out directly to either the Army or Air Force ROTC team.

ROTC in their dress uniforms at a ceremony

Leadership

We graduate leaders ready to think and direct others through an academic-rooted skill set and peak physical fitness. Our students readily absorb and apply information in demanding, high-pressure situations.

Training

A visible number of Clarkson students participate in ROTC. This leads to a strong presence on campus and a supportive place to train and grow. Students complete their training on campus, in conjunction with area schools or in the northern Adirondacks.

Scholarships

Army and Air Force ROTC students are eligible for scholarships. Awards cover two to four years of tuition, as well as fees and books.

Obligation

One of the most common questions about ROTC is regarding the obligations. Here is what you should know:

There is no obligation if you are enrolled in ROTC until you sign a contract. If you aren't a scholarship winner, you may not be presented with a contract until your junior year.
Upon signing a contract, you will incur an eight-year obligation, just as you do any time you join the military.

You must agree to a contract to continue into your junior year, and once you sign the contract, you will be paid a monthly stipend. You can typically continue to serve past your obligation, should you choose.

You can fulfill your obligation in one of four ways, depending on whether you are a scholarship recipient and whether you initially serve on active duty or enter the Reserves or National Guard when you graduate.

Army ROTC

If you are a scholarship recipient, your obligation consists of:

Four years of active duty and four years in the Ready Reserves.
Or eight years in the Reserves/National Guard.

If you are not a scholarship recipient, your obligation consists of:

Three years of active duty and five years in the Ready Reserves.
Or six years in the Reserves/National Guard and two years in the Ready Reserves.

Learn more about your obligations as an Army ROTC student.

Air Force ROTC

All Cadets are obligated to complete:

Four years of active duty service.
And four years inactive in the Ready Reserves.

Learn more about your obligations as an Air Force ROTC student.

Join ROTC at Clarkson

Look ahead toward your future. Begin or continue your intensive preparation for a military career at Clarkson.

Request Info Visit Join ROTC

Read more about ROTC

Our Shared Community

We Are All Golden Knights

Everyday our students, staff, and faculty prove why they deserve to be here. Clarkson sees community as a catalyst for creativity and innovation because we draw from the mutual appreciation of differences and a plurality of opinions, beliefs and backgrounds that inform and enrich our lives. New discoveries emerge when a variety of perspectives and experiences direct the discussion. A sense of belonging in our students and employees is essential to our success.

For us access is about the individual and understanding how their cultural backgrounds, challenges bested, skills built, and lessons learned need to be acknowledged as we recruit students to campus, support them along their educational journey and help them launch their careers.

Our Mission

Working to be a community with a positive climate and engaged community where all members have a strong sense of belonging is at the heart of what we do. We work to instill the skills to execute these objectives in our community members. We believe these attributes make our students more successful throughout their careers and in their communities.

In addition to building relationships with the individuals in our communities, we take seriously the need to be vigilant about discrimination in all its forms that pose barriers to community members’ education and work. These links will tell you more about our policies and procedures and give you ways to report concerns.

Non-Discrimination Policies

Reporting Discrimination

Places to Connect

Students, employees and community members can find a welcoming space in our lounge in the Student Center. Our office provides a platform and leadership opportunities for students interested in building and maintaining a shared community. We oversee important aspects of climate and engagement, provide important cultural programming, sponsor professional development and offer educational opportunities for all of Clarkson.

Our Environment of Belonging

Clarkson University believes that an environment of belonging acts as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. We prioritize the individual’s experiences, background in and potential attracting and supporting students, shaping campus culture and empowering faculty and staff to ensure a sense of belonging crucial for student success.

Clarkson students come from all over the country and the world - with students representing over 40 states and 60 countries.
To promote a diverse shared community membership, our events, programs and organizations are open to all Clarkson community members.
We welcome your drive and curiosity to uncover new advancements and shape the future of science, technology, engineering, business and healthcare. Understand how Clarkson supports the diverse contributions of students through every stage of your journey.
When you come to Clarkson, you are a Golden Knight for life and you matter as part of our community.

Join Our Community

Journey Into Clarkson

Get a step-by-step view of the application process, and understand why our education sets you up for success. While all are welcome, Clarkson gears these sessions toward prospective first-generation students and those from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Military and Veteran Students

Clarkson is a Yellow Ribbon school and participates in the U.S. Military’s Tuition Assistance program. Utilize your education benefits to look toward the next stage of your career.

International Center

Explore the hub of international activity on campus. Understand how we assist international students, and learn more about study abroad opportunities.

Office of Accessibility Services

Request and get accommodations met. Learn more about how Clarkson advocates for students with disabilities.

Land Acknowledgement (Intranet only)

Clarkson's Faculty Senate, Administrative Council and Student Association have endorsed a land acknowledgement statement to express gratitude and appreciation for the unique and enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

Clarkson University Sign at the entrance

Knight Bus

The Knight Bus is a low-cost travel option for Clarkson University students, scheduled during academic breaks, that takes riders to Albany, Westchester, and New York City and back to Clarkson.

The Society of Women Engineers is actually the first organization I got involved in when I first came to Clarkson. I was an active member for both my freshman semesters and loved seeing and meeting other women pursuing a STEM education — especially meeting all the seniors who were so close to accomplishing something that I had just embarked on. They held many fun and developmental activities that made me feel confident and prepared for my time at Clarkson. I also got involved in Sister to Sister, which was a nice break from academics and gave me the opportunity to meet more women like me at Clarkson, which was just really comforting!

Kimberly Gomez '25, BS in Mechanical Engineering

Contact Us

Email: diversity@clarkson.edu
Phone: 315-268-3785
Social: Facebook | Instagram

Experience Innovation Through Community

Have questions about our community? Reach out to us today to learn more.

Request Info Visit Give to Our Office

Read more about Our Shared Community

Transfer Student Resources

Engineer Your Future

You’re on a journey. You picture a career in the sciences, engineering, technology, business or healthcare — one where you’re influencing new developments, leading teams and proposing sustainable solutions that preserve our world. You may have started at a two-year college. Or, you have been looking for a four-year institution that connects you with meaningful experience-building opportunities.

Wherever you stand, Clarkson University welcomes your drive and perspective as a transfer student. Our close-knit community located near the picturesque Adirondack Mountains values mentorship and real-world learning and connects you to opportunities intended to pave the way toward a career. Whether you’re thinking about where to transfer or starting your first semester at Clarkson, understand the full scope of services available to support your success.

Transferring Credit to Clarkson

Clarkson strives to simplify the credit evaluation process. You submit official transcripts for all colleges attended with your application. From here, a relevant academic department will assess how your previously earned coursework will go toward your degree and the credits and courses needed to complete your bachelor’s. You’ll receive the results of your credit evaluation within two to three weeks of being accepted to Clarkson.

Does your school have an articulation agreement with Clarkson? Schedule a meeting with one of our academic advisors to verify your transfer agreement and discuss other requirements.

Articulation Agreements

Housing and Moving In

Make the most of your Clarkson experience. Live on campus to immerse yourself in our tight-knit community and form connections in the classroom, in clubs and activities and through shared interests.

Housing

You have a choice — live on campus or apply for off-campus housing. Clarkson guarantees on-campus housing to transfer students, including in traditional dormitory-style residence hall, suite or apartment-style accommodations.

Orientation and Moving In

Get a head start on your journey. As a transfer student, you’re advised to move in early. This lets you familiarize yourself with our campus, introduce yourself to people and take part in events specifically for transfer students.

Honors Program

Fuel your curiosity to explore and push boundaries. Clarkson’s Honors Program welcomes your inquisitive nature through rigorous coursework, a collaborative atmosphere and access to additional research, hands-on learning and presentation opportunities. The Honors Program is open to incoming transfer and current Clarkson students

Explore the Honors Program

What I found to be the most beneficial and what helped me meet new people was joining as many clubs that interested me as possible. I joined the Society of Professional Women, Women and Wellness and the Make-A-Wish club, all on-campus clubs. Joining clubs that I thought I would like put me in contact with people with the same interests. Clarkson has so many on-campus clubs that there is, without a doubt, a club for everyone.

Abby Bashaw '21, BS in Communication

Co-ops and Internships

Clarkson requires all incoming transfer students to complete a Professional Experience. This is often in the form of a co-op or internship placement related to your area of study.

Students manning a table at the activities fair

Clubs and Organizations

Connect with others who share your passion while growing your résumé and getting involved on campus. Clarkson’s 200-plus clubs and activities span academic and professional associations to student government to Greek life and community service.

Study Abroad and Off-Campus Experiences

Clarkson has established strong partnerships with some of the world’s leading universities, as well as research efforts close to home. Learn more about studying abroad, as well as opportunities like the Adirondack Semester and the Washington Semester.

Research

Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university with focus areas in Healthy Global Solutions, Computational and Data-Enabled Discovery, Advanced Materials Development and Next Generation Medicine and Healthcare. Research opportunities are open to undergraduates, where you’ll work under the guidance of our faculty and graduate students.

Career Preparation

Explore what interests you while accessing events and services meant to connect you with your first post-graduation job. Clarkson’s Career Center holds two Career Fairs per year, plus various workshops to prepare you for the job search, and connects you with internships, co-op opportunities and Clarkson alumni.

Our Location

Discoveries to adventures, our location close to the Adirondacks connects you to the outdoors for leisure and research.

Achieve Your Purpose Here

Get closer to reaching your goals. Have questions about being a transfer student at Clarkson? Direct them to the Office of Undergraduate Transfer Admissions:

Request Info Visit Apply Now