Graduate Student Life

Graduate Student Life

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.

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.

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

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