Clark University - Overview
Challenge Convention. Change Our World.
Founded in 1887, Clark University enrolls undergraduate students who want a rich liberal arts curriculum that prepares them to address the complex scientific, social, and economic challenges facing the world. Clark's focused areas of research excellence are backed by strong undergraduate, master's, and PhD degree programs that engage students from around the world in relevant, challenging, and innovative research that transforms communities.
Clark University's status as a small research university grounded in the liberal arts, its urban location in Massachusetts, and its tradition of community partnerships place Clark students in the ideal position to breathe life into the University's motto: "Challenge convention. Change our world." Whether students' passion is business development, intellectual engagement, scientific inquiry, or artistic exploration, Clark students roll up their sleeves, dig in deep, and learn the best way possible -- by doing.
Clark in the Rankings
Clark stands out from other schools, laying claim to the following rankings:
- 1 of only 40 "Colleges That Change Lives"
- 1 of "US News & World Report's" Best Colleges 2011
- 1 of the "Princeton Review's" Best in the Northeast
- 1 of the "Princeton Review's" 286 Green Colleges
- 1 of "Kiplinger's Top 50 Best Values for Private Universities
- 1 of Peace Corps' Top Colleges 2011
Faculty Mentoring and Support
Clark University faculty members are committed to personally mentoring students, as well as involving them in their classes and research. Clark's intimate academic setting and tradition of close-working relationships provides many opportunities for students to pursue knowledge through active participation. With a 10:1 ratio, undergraduates can partner with faculty members on timely research projects that will be instrumental in developing innovative solutions that address real-world problems.
Dynamic Community with Global Insight
By living and learning in Clark's global community, undergraduates enjoy broader understandings of international perspectives. With approximately 600 international students, faculty members, and scholars from over 90 countries, Clark offers undergraduates firsthand experience with multiple cultures. Combined with the university's commitment to making a difference locally and globally, Clark inspires students to get involved in significant ways on campus and abroad. Over fifty percent of Clark students actively volunteer locally and globally through community service and study abroad programs.
120+ Student-led Clubs and Organizations
At Clark, students lead the charge in clubs and organizations involving business, the arts, the sciences, social service, sports, etc. On campus, there is always something for Clark students to be a part of and do. Interested individuals can go to clarku.collegiatelink.net for a current list of student organizations. And if a student doesn't see something that interests him or her, he or she can start a new one.
Get 6 Years of Education in 5 for the Price of 4: Clark's Accelerated Master's Degree Program
With Clark's excellent graduate school opportunities, the university is able to offer a unique opportunity to hard-working undergraduates. Eligible Clark students are able to earn an accelerated master's degree from one of 13 different programs with the fifth-year of tuition waived. Students can save a year of study and two years of cost.
A Selection of Clark's Accelerated Master's Degree Programs
Clark's accelerated master's degree programs include:
- a Master of Business Administration program
- a Master of Public Administration program
- a Master of Science in Professional Communication program
- a Master of Arts in Community Development and Planning program
- a Master of Arts in Biology program
- a Master of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy program
- a Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change program
Information about all 13 individual programs and qualifications is available at www.clarku.edu/fifthyearfree.
Located in the Heart of New England
With Clark's location in Worcester, Massachusetts -- the heart of New England and the region's second largest metropolitan area -- undergraduates have a dynamic and diverse city to explore as well as change through service opportunities, internships, and business startups. Clark students can also form meaningful partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other students from the 13 colleges and universities in the greater Worcester area.
From classic Italian to authentic Armenian, Chinese, El Salvadorian, Indian, Jamaican, Japanese, Lebanese, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese, the food and restaurants in Worcester are as delectable and global as its residents. The city also has great museums like the Worcester Art Museum and the Higgins Armory and event centers like the Palladium, Hanover Theater, and DCU Center for concerts, shows, and sporting events.
Partner with Advisers to Begin Planning the Future
Planning for a student's future begins when she or he arrives at Clark. All Clark students are encouraged to participate in the Clark Career Exploration Program, an innovative approach to the career planning process that provides first-year students with greater exposure to internships, study-abroad programs, professional networking, and job options. Visit www.clarku.edu/career to see examples of where Clark graduates are pursuing their careers or graduate studies.
A Few Notable Clarkies
Some of Clark's famous alumni include:
- D'Army Bailey: Civil Rights Activist, Attorney, Retired Circuit Court Judge, Author, Film Actor
- Jackalyne Pfannenstiel: Naval Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment
- Marian Leighton Levy: Co-owner and Chair of Rounder Records
- Jeffrey Lurie: Owner of the Philadelphia Eagles
- Ron Shaich: CEO and Founder of Panera Bread Company
- Hugh Panero: CEO of XM Satellite Radio
- Matt Goldman: Co-Founder of the Blue Man Group
- Padma Lakshmi: "Top Chef" Host, Cookbook Author, Actress, Model
Students can go to clarkvoices.clarku.edu to hear from other notable alumni, faculty and current student