Graduate Student Life
Campus Life and Community
Beyond academics, Clarkson’s campus life offers students the chance to relax, socialize and make connections that last a lifetime. Grow your résumé and connect with other master’s and PhD students in graduate student-centric organizations, including academic honor societies, SPEED teams, Society of Women Engineers, Doctors Without Borders, cultural and religious organizations and more.
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.
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.