Clark University

Clark University, a private research institution nestled in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to innovation and a commitment to shaping the world. Founded in 1887 by prominent businessman Jonas Gilman Clark, it uniquely began as the first all-graduate university in the United States, quickly becoming a beacon for advanced study and groundbreaking research. Living by its motto, "Challenge Convention. Change our World," Clark cultivates an environment where students and faculty push boundaries across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

Clark's historical significance is deeply rooted in its early contributions to American academia. Under its first president, G. Stanley Hall, the university became a hotbed for psychology, notably hosting Sigmund Freud's first lecture in the U.S. and becoming the birthplace of the American Psychological Association. Its halls have welcomed pioneering minds like Franz Boas, the father of American cultural anthropology, and Nobel laureate Albert A. Michelson. Clark also holds the distinction of awarding the first PhD in anthropology and the first African American PhD in psychology, reflecting a long-standing commitment to intellectual diversity and groundbreaking scholarship.

Today, Clark continues its legacy of academic excellence, offering 46 majors, minors, and concentrations designed to foster critical thinking and real-world application. Students benefit from an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. The university's membership in the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts further enriches the student experience, allowing cross-registration at institutions like Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With the recent addition of the Becker School of Design and Technology, Clark also stands at the forefront of innovative fields like game design.

Prospective students join a vibrant community of 3,559 individuals dedicated to exploration and impact. Clark's midsize city campus encourages engagement both within and beyond the classroom, complemented by 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Graduates and affiliates have gone on to invent the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, and lead as prominent business executives, embodying Clark's enduring spirit of challenging norms and creating meaningful change.