Clark University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

In most cases, students are primarily attracted to Clark because of its noted academic programs. The reputations of its psychology and geography departments resound on the post-graduate level, as does the name of Clark in general. Although the general public may not think of Clark as a household name, other universities do. Special degree options, like the fifth-year free accelerated master’s program, are also a huge draw to the campus. Yet, while students tend to love the classes within their major, they seem to bemoan the non-major classes required for their degree. For students who do not cite an interest in a particular area of study, Clark’s small size becomes its major academic selling point. The low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes ensure an intimate learning environment for all students. All classes at Clark are taught by professors with a doctoral degree or its equivalent, and TAs are generally left to run recitations and study sessions outside of class. This enables students to receive the sort of individual attention that can really make a difference in their grade.

Finally, Clark makes it a point to make sure students earn the grades they receive. That means that Clark professors are instructed to remain firm in their assessment of students and to not artificially raise grades in order to make themselves or the school look better on paper. Clark prides itself on its avoidance of grade inflation, and graduate schools are aware of this fact when they consider applications.

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Students Speak Out

ClaBD says: Clark University 2016 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

I came to Clark University because... I came to Clark University because they are known to have a good international relations program, as well as having an outstanding psychology department. The teachers are very intelligent and encourage every student to work to their full potential, as well as encouraging them to ask for help. The workload is slightly stressful in its amount. 12345 Academics: March 09, 2009 Report

Clamo says: Clark University 2013 English Language and Literature

Some teachers are engaging and... Some teachers are engaging and exciting, but most are boring and ill-prepared. The workload is not that high if you don't challenge yourself—you can certainly get away with doing the bare minimum in some classes and get good grades. Clark's supposedly known for psychology and geography. 12345 Academics: February 23, 2009 Report

ClaCM says: Clark University 2013 Social Sciences

I chose to attend Clark University... I chose to attend Clark University due to the prestige surrounding its geography program. The professors vary quite substantially from those who are very involved in the learning process to those who are hands-off. This variability is one of Clark's defining features, but it can make working alongside different professorial styles difficult. Classes are on the smaller side and academic subjects are viewed holistically, which I think is very unique. 12345 Academics: February 21, 2009 Report

ClaJK says: Clark University 2016 Undecided

Clark is well known for... Clark is well known for psychology. The teachers I have had so far are great and so easy to talk to. The workload is really not bad as long as you have your dates straight. Everyone's always open to help. 12345 Academics: February 18, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The professors at Clark are... The professors at Clark are characters. They are all really interested in the subjects they teach, which is great because the students can get more engaged if the professor isn’t droning on. The professors at Clark talk to the students, not at them. It’s really easy to talk with them, and with very few exceptions, they won’t look down on you if you don’t agree with them. Since you get to choose your classes, they all end up being interesting and not a chore. There are the perspectives and intro classes that are boring—like Research Methods—that everyone is required to take, but they don’t take up too much class time and are done soon enough. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

The first Fifth-Year-Free Program in the United States started at Clark. Under Clark’s BA/MA program with the fifth year free, full-time undergraduates who earn a 3.25 GPA their second, third, and fourth years of study, plus entry requirements for their chosen grad program, are eligible for tuition-free enrollment into a one-year graduate program.

Clark offers a PhD in Holocaust History and Genocide Studies. We are the first and only school to do so in the United States.

The school  is one the smallest research universities in the country, a fact that Clarkies are very proud of, as it gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty.

In front of the main academic building on campus sits a life-size statue of Sigmund Freud. Clark was the only university that the famous psychologist lectured at in the United States. The statue remains one of the most commonly referenced landmarks and meeting points on campus.

The Goddard Library is named after the Clark physicist who is renowned as “the father of modern rocketry.” Dr. Goddard’s work provided the technology that made space travel possible.

The credit system for a class at Clark is comprised of “units.” Each Clark course is awarded one unit (equivalent to four credit hours). To earn a bachelor’s degree, a student must complete a minimum of 32 course units (128 credit hours).

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Angela Wu
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Major: Undecided

Angela is allergic to apples, peaches, plums, pears, and cat fur.

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