Clark University
Worcester, MA
Quick Facts
“Fiat lux (Latin)”("Let there be light" Second motto: "Challenge Convention. Change our World.")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Clark University
Pioneering research, transformative education, and a legacy of global impact.
Clark University, a private research university nestled in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. Founded in 1887 by prominent businessman Jonas Gilman Clark, it holds the distinction of being the first all-graduate institution in the U.S., a testament to its early commitment to advanced scholarship and research. Today, Clark is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering an environment where students are encouraged to "Challenge Convention. Change our World."
From its foundational role in American psychology, where the American Psychological Association was founded and notable figures like G. Stanley Hall and Francis Sumner made their mark, to its strengths in geography, management, and now, game design through the Becker School of Design and Technology, Clark offers a diverse and dynamic academic landscape. Students can explore 46 majors, minors, and concentrations across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with the flexibility to design specialized majors or engage in pre-professional programs. Being part of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts also allows for exciting cross-registration opportunities at other local institutions.
Beyond the classroom, Clark provides a vibrant student experience within a midsize city setting. As the Clark Cougars, students compete in 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports, fostering teamwork and spirit. The university's rich history, marked by visionary leaders and groundbreaking research, has produced inventors of the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, as well as numerous business executives and public servants. For prospective students and families, Clark offers a unique blend of historical prestige, cutting-edge research, and a supportive community dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1887, Clark was the first all-graduate institution in the United States, emphasizing advanced research.
- ✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking scholarship.
- ✦Home to the founding of the American Psychological Association in 1892 by its first president, G. Stanley Hall.
- ✦Offers 46 majors, minors, and concentrations, with opportunities for specialized majors and cross-registration within a consortium of local universities.
- ✦Notable alumni include inventors of the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, alongside prominent figures in psychology and public service.
- ✦Houses the Becker School of Design and Technology, carrying on renowned game design programs.
- ✦Private research university with an endowment of approximately $0.5 billion, serving 3,559 students.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Clark University
School of Management (SOM)
Founded in 1982, offering master's and undergraduate degrees in management, marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Graduate School of Geography (GSG)
Founded in 1921, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and home to Clark Labs (IDRISI GIS and TerrSet software).
School of Professional Studies (SPS)
Offering bachelor's degrees, various master's degrees (MPA, MSPC, MSIT), and certificates, with branch campuses and joint programs internationally.
Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology
Offers undergraduate and doctoral degrees, known for its foundational role in American psychology and early research in rat behavior.
Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, including a 3/2 engineering program with Columbia University, with a history of prominent research in chemistry.
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