Ranked the #1 college in the world for nanotechnology and microtechnology, according to Small Times magazine's annual University Rankings
First college in the world dedicated to the study of nanoscale science
Unencumbered by boundaries between traditional disciplines, the College has developed a groundbreaking course of study from the ground up, rather than simply putting nanoscale labels on what has "always been done." The result is a unique, cross-cutting curriculum which establishes fundamental nanoscale concepts and also offers the opportunity to delve deeply into a wide variety of advanced topics needed to support cutting-edge research.
Interactions with leading high technology companies on-site
Corporate research partners and tenant companies located within CNSE's Albany Nanotech complex, including IBM, AMD, Applied Materials, TEL, Honeywell, Qimonda, ASML and International SEMATECH, offer students the unparalleled opportunity to engage in hands-on collaborations. CNSE students participate in cutting-edge research that addresses real-world problems, while capitalizing on the rich academic resources at the university.
Access to $4.2 billion in state-of-the-art research facilities
CNSE enjoys the most extensive nanotechnology research facilities in the academic world, with over $4.2 billion in infrastructure to support research in all aspects of nanotechnology. Students are expected to master the tools and equipment and carry out their own experiments, not merely observe trained technicians.
Faculty & staff with extensive industrial experience
In addition to traditional academic credentials, most of our professors have significant industrial experience at some of most esteemed industrial labs including GE, IBM, Lockheed-Martin, Leybold, Lam, and TEL, as well as various high-technology start-up corporations. This synergistic blend of industrial and academic experience offers a unique perspective to our students, preparing them for the increasingly competitive corporate world.
Commitment to accessibility
CNSE firmly believes that students learn best by example. Thus, the faculty and staff are universally accessible to all students, whether they need extra help in a course or in a thorny research problem in the lab. It is not unusual to find a faculty member rolling up his or her sleeves and "getting under the hood" of an instrument side by side with a student.
Employability of our graduates
Due to the close working relationships between CNSE and its corporate partners, students have a unique opportunity to develop the networking skills and personal contacts that are critical to post-graduation employment. Within the past year, 100% of CNSE graduates landed positions at major research labs such as IBM-Yorktown, IBM-Fishkill, Texas Instruments, Micron and Intel.
Multi-faceted atmosphere of Albany area
While Albany has all the cosmopolitan charm one would expect of the capital of New York state, it also boasts plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation such as the nearly 3,000-acre Pine Bush Preserve within walking distance from the CNSE campus. In the summer, hiking in the Adirondacks is less than an hour away, while winter sees plenty of skiing in the Berkshires and Adirondacks. This abundance of natural resources is counterbalanced by the cultural wealth of NYC, Boston and Montreal within a few hours driving distance. Albany and the surrounding Capital Region offers a reasonable cost of living well below any of the larger metropolitan areas.
