Mission Statement

Clemson University was established to fulfill our founder's vision of "a high seminary of learning" to develop "the material resources of the State" for the people of South Carolina. Nurtured by an abiding land grant commitment, Clemson has emerged as a research university with a global vision. Our primary purpose is educating undergraduate and graduate students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times. The foundation of this mission is the generation, preservation, communication, and application of knowledge. The University also is committed to the personal growth of the individual and promotes an environment of good decision making, healthy and ethical lifestyles, and tolerance and respect for others. Our distinctive character is shaped by a legacy of service, collaboration, and fellowship forged from and renewed by the spirit of Thomas Green Clemson's covenant.

University Description

Clemson University is a selective, public, research university in a college-town setting.

Clemson attracts a capable, dedicated and diverse student body of over 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with priority given to students from South Carolina. The University offers a wide array of high quality baccalaureate programs built around a distinctive core curriculum. Graduate, continuing education, doctoral and research programs contribute to the state of knowledge and to the economic future of the state, nation and world. The University provides bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in more than 200 degree programs through nine academic colleges: the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; the College of Architecture, Art and Construction; the College of Arts and Humanities; the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences; the Wilbur 0. And Ann Powers College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences; the College of Science; and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Clemson combines the benefits of a major research university with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and individual student success. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, have opportunities for unique educational experiences throughout South Carolina, as well as in other countries. Experiential learning is a valued component of the Clemson experience, and students are encouraged through Creative Inquiry, internships, and study abroad, to apply their learning beyond the classroom. Electronic delivery of courses and degree programs also provides a variety of learning opportunities. Clemson's extended campus includes teaching sites in Greenville, Greenwood, Anderson and Charleston, eight research campuses and extension centers in every county of South Carolina, as well as four international sites. The University is committed to exemplary teaching, research and public service in the context of general education, student engagement and development, and continuing education. In all areas, the goal is to develop students' communication and critical-thinking skills, ethical judgment, global awareness, and scientific and technological knowledge. The distinctive character of Clemson is reflected in the culture of collegiality and collaboration among faculty, students, staff, the administration, and the University board.

Approved by the Clemson University Board of Trustees July 18, 2024
Approved by the South Caolina Commission on Higher Education September 26, 2024