Academics

You will not be limited to enrollment in overview introductory courses. As integral members of Clarkson’s first year student class, you will be engaged in coursework that exceeds the parameters of conventional high school curriculums or general education credits. After all, we believe education should prepare you for the way the world actually works. You can’t launch your own business or build a solar-electric car in an AP course.  You will gain significant skills that you can later apply in your progressive areas of study and in defining your career goals.

Guided by experienced advisors and the Associate Head of School, you will chart your own individualized course of study. At Clarkson, we provide a deeply interdisciplinary, experience-rich education for all students.

At the undergraduate level, you can explore Clarkson's more than 50 majors and minors, including career-ready multidisciplinary degrees in engineering & management (E&M), environmental science & policy, digital arts & sciences, and innovation and entrepreneurship.  Our Clarkson School students are encouraged to sample a wide variety of courses as they investigate prospective majors and explore career possibilities throughout their year.  During the year, students can also seek the Fast Track in to our Honors Program where you can design and carry out their own research and/or community projects.

What are the typical courses?  A typical selection of courses would include: one or two laboratory sciences, two interdisciplinary writing courses, a mathematics course based on a placement examination, a computer course, a social science course, and at least one course relevant to the student's educational direction. A course usually meets two or three times per week in lecture and discussion sections.

When are courses taught?  The Clarkson School and Clarkson University are on a semester system with the first semester ending in mid-December and the second semester ends in early May. For students applying to other colleges/universities beyond the Bridging Year, grade reports are sent at the end of the first semester by The Clarkson School Office.

Do Clarkson School students take courses with other university students? All courses, except for First Year Seminar (PE100), throughout the early college program are taken with Clarkson University students and are taught by Clarkson University faculty. The faculty consist of 190 members. Over 91% hold Ph.D. degrees. Faculty working with Clarkson School students are requested to provide written evaluations about each student's attendance, class participation, work habits, and intellectual abilities as evaluated through examinations, writing, and class participation.

What is the First Year Seminar (PE100) - Transitions to College class?  This class, which is required for all Clarkson School and first-year students, focuses on group work and team dynamics; introduces the mission and expectations of the learning process at Clarkson; builds communication and teamwork skills; and provides some fundamental content relating to wellness and relationships during the college experience.  Discussion, team activities, leadership opportunities and interaction with upperclass peer educators form the foundation of the course.  Sections are designated for Clarkson School students.