You’re a problem-solver. If a solution isn’t immediately apparent, you’ll investigate — pulling from math, science and technology to devise a solution. No challenge stands in your way, and as you think about your career, engineering appears as a path to make a long-term impact.
Yet, you’re not entirely sure which discipline you want to pursue. Clarkson University’s Engineering Studies program lets you explore during your first year before you select a major during your second year. This format takes advantage of Clarkson’s comprehensive resources, hands-on learning and research opportunities and allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree in four years.
What to Expect in Clarkson’s Engineering Studies Program
You see yourself transforming the future through innovative ideas. You also never step down from a problem and aim to grow your skills to not only push the boundaries of possibility but also preserve our world and its resources.
The Engineering Studies program helps you uncover your direction. Understand how this works:
You’ll begin the engineering common curriculum, which exposes you to the disciplines and concepts of the school’s eight undergraduate majors.
As you start the program, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to select courses and discuss your goals.
During your second year, you’ll select a major — be it from the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences or from any other Clarkson program — and continue along this academic track.
You’ll have a chance to participate in research, internships, hands-on learning, SPEED teams and other experience-building opportunities.
You’ll benefit from the support of Clarkson’s close-knit community, including more personalized teaching in smaller class sizes and mentorship from faculty and professors.
After matriculating into an engineering or other major, you’ll be on course to finishing your bachelor’s in four years.
What You’ll Learn
In starting the engineering core curriculum, you’ll get exposed to subjects in:
Calculus
Chemistry
Computing
Engineering’s role and impact on society
Physics
Finding The Right Discipline Through Engineering Studies
Learn from Haley May '24 why she found entering Clarkson University as an Engineering Studies major helpful in finding her path.
For all undergraduate Engineering Students, the first two years follow a similar structure. You’ll take the following courses:
Calculus I
Calculus II
General Chemistry I
Introduction to Engineering Use of the Computer
Physics I
Engineering & Society and/or Physics II
These may be joined by courses in computer science and/or biology.
This flexible structure presents the chance to explore courses from the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ eight undergraduate majors to determine what you want to study and take part in research.
Students who choose the Engineering Studies program work directly with our Director of Engineering Studies and support faculty members, who assist them in finding the right personalized pathway through engineering. Through a partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Advising, students in the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also have additional resources for advisement.
Through this relationship, you’ll select courses related to your interests, discuss your goals and learn more about hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll have until your third semester to select a major, be it through Coulter or another Clarkson school.
Explore all of the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ undergraduate programs:
Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ majors and about potential careers:
Attend our Fall and Spring Career Fairs, where employers talk to our current engineering students about their fields and the preparation they look for.
Speak with upper-class engineering majors to learn more about their programs.
As you complete the engineering core, evaluate and take note of your own preferences and abilities, and discuss these directions with your advisor.
The Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ faculty invest in your success while seeking to influence the future of their respective disciplines. In turn, our team conducts world-class research and opens up opportunities to inquisitive undergraduate students interested in exploring engineering’s vast applications.
We’re a school of doers and thinkers, and this attitude comes to life through our competitive Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design (SPEED) teams. Test your creativity and problem-solving skills while growing as a collaborator. The scope of projects available further lets you explore various engineering disciplines. Learn more about participating in a SPEED team.
Accelerating in STEM: Clarkson Women at Full SPEED
Clarkson University takes pride in providing great opportunities for women in STEM to be leaders in our SPEED teams. Watch as leaders in Baja SAE, Formula SAE, Chem-E Car, Steel Bridge, & beyond share their experiences in changing the narrative in STEM education.
Career Possibilities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady growth across engineering and architecture occupations through 2031. Based upon the major a student selects, Engineering Studies can form the bridge toward a career in:
Air and water pollution control
Biochemical manufacturing
Computer engineering
Construction management
Consulting
Electrical engineering
Energy conservation
Entrepreneurship
Manufacturing and production
Manufacturing engineering
Materials engineering
Mechanical engineering
Project management
Quality systems management
Research and development
Software engineering
Structural design
Supply chain management
Transportation
Waste management
Recent Employers
Our engineering students have embarked on positions with organizations like:
"When I was trying to choose a college, it really stood out to me how Clarkson students have so many professional experiences when they leave college." Jack DiMeo '23, BS in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Uncover a platform for innovation and exploration designed to launch your career. See yourself majoring in engineering at Clarkson University? Take the next step now.
