University Studies Program

University Studies Program

Spark Your Intellect

If you have many interests and a wide variety of abilities, it can be hard to choose a major. That's OK. College is a great time to discover future paths you may have never thought possible. Our University Studies program gives you the freedom to explore your options of study while fulfilling requirements toward a bachelor's degree, so you can make the right choice at the right time. 

Why Choose Clarkson's University Studies Program?

The University Studies option is designed so that you can start your first year of college at Clarkson without committing to a major. During that first year, you will have the chance to familiarize yourself with the over 50 programs of study offered through the Coulter School of Engineering, Reh School of Business and the Institute for a Sustainable Environment. In addition to traditional majors, we also have cross-disciplinary majors, such as Engineering & Management, environmental science and policy and digital arts and sciences, that you can pursue. With all these options, you are bound to find the best one for your future.

The program is structured so that you do not have to make this decision on your own. The Director of University Studies will help you through your options. Under their guidance, you will come up with an individualized plan of study that includes foundational courses in business, engineering, liberal arts and the sciences. At the end of two semesters, you can enroll in any major at Clarkson and still earn your bachelor's degree in four years. 

What You'll Learn

You will take courses in:

Personalized advising is at the heart of the University Studies program. During the summer before you arrive at Clarkson, you will be contacted by the Director of University Studies (who will also be your academic advisor) to discuss your courses for the first semester. Within the first two weeks of classes, you will meet again to receive extensive personalized advising and discuss your career and academic interests. The staff in the Office of University Advising, Student Achievement Services, Career Center and Student Success Center will also assist in answering any of your day-to-day questions. 

Every year, we put together our Exploring Academic Majors Fair, which involves all schools and undergraduate programs on campus. There, you will be able to gather more information and speak to current students about their experiences. The Fair also covers a wide variety of topics related to career goals, educational curricula and campus activities.

The Career Center is another amazing resource for weighing your options. You will have an opportunity to network with prospective employers, alumni, current students and other individuals who can offer insight into their own paths. The staff can also help you connect with co-ops, internships and study abroad options.

Find a community of creators and innovators through Clarkson’s 200-plus student groups. Meet undergraduate students from all majors, get a sense of what you like (or don't like) and hear about the experiences of your peers in their respective programs. Explore all clubs and organizations now.

Contact Us

Undergraduate Admissions 
Email: admissions@clarkson.edu
Phone: 315-268-6480

Interested in learning more about the University Studies program? Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions today with your questions.

Meet Catherine Avadikian, Director, Office of University Advising

As the Director for the Office of University Advising, Catherine Avadikian has mentored and coached hundreds of University Studies students, helping them find their way along their respective academic paths. Learn about the impact Cathy has had on students like yourself.

Advising at Clarkson

Launch Your Future

This is where your path to success begins. Take the next step toward earning a bachelor's degree from Clarkson University.