Academic Pathways

Pathways to Graduate School

Our flexible pathways accommodate a range of educational backgrounds and professional goals, enabling a customized graduate experience that develops the skills and knowledge to set you apart in today's competitive landscape.

We offer full-time traditional research-based graduate programs along with part-time applied degree programs designed for professionals working in a variety of STEM industries.

Off-campus learning is offered for master's, doctorate, and certificate programs. Traditional in-person opportunities are available at multiple campuses across the state. In addition, Clemson University continues to expand its online-based and hybrid programs.

Each year, we offer a recruitment event to showcase why Clemson is a great place to get an advanced STEM degree. Through the STEM ALL IN program, talented students from a wide range of backgrounds can connect with Clemson faculty, staff, and current students early in the application process. Participants gain a firsthand look at graduate education at Clemson, explore exciting STEM research and funding opportunities, and experience the supportive and collaborative Clemson community.

Clemson undergraduate students have options and opportunities for the accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Plan, available to currently enrolled seniors, that reduce the time to earn a graduate degree. Depending on the individual program offerings, a combined plan may be either a bachelor's-to-master's track or a bachelor's-to-doctoral track. We also have opportunities for non-Clemson and non-Engineering students to earn CECAS graduate degrees at accelerate rates, and some programs are fully online.

Additionally, Clemson University hosts several Ph.D. programs that qualify as "direct entry"; students who already hold a bachelor's degree (from any institution) may apply directly to select doctoral programs with no master's degree prerequisite.