POTSDAM -- Clarkson University and Union Graduate College are discussing a possible merger of graduate programs that Clarkson says would expand opportunities for students.

According to a release issued Monday by Clarkson spokesman Michael Griffin, “Clarkson’s national reputation in engineering, science and management would reinforce Union Graduate College’s strengths in those related disciplines, and offer additional resources to benefit students and alumni of each school.”

Union Graduate College’s programs in bioethics, healthcare management and education would allow Clarkson to expand its graduate offerings, which also include accredited programs in physical therapy and physician assistant studies, the release says.

With an opportunity to centralize functions that will promote enrollment growth through the new alliance, it is envisioned that the Schenectady campus would serve as hub to market and administer all graduate education, the release says.

“Union Graduate College’s programs in Schenectady, as well as Clarkson’s programs in locations across New York, including Beacon, Potsdam, Saranac Lake and New York City, will not only continue but also grow,” the release says.

The larger footprint and ability to expand course offerings provides students interested in all degree programs with more alternatives, as well as heightened academic resources, robust career services, and an expanded corporate and alumni network.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to bring together two institutions that share a common DNA in providing graduate education of the highest quality,” said Clarkson President Anthony G. Collins. “Joining forces with Union Graduate College, and establishing centralized administration in Schenectady for all of our graduate programs, would support Clarkson’s growing menu of graduate education throughout New York. And, by building on our collective strengths in engineering and management, and seeking to develop new educational initiatives, we intend to reinforce our commitment to supporting both our students and the educational and economic future of New York and the nation.”

If approved by the boards of trustees of each institution and their state and federal accrediting bodies, the collaboration would provide Clarkson with a presence in the Capital Region, where it has a strong alumni base, and foster additional growth of Union College graduate programs in Schenectady, maintaining current staff and potentially enabling new hires.

“We offer our best wishes to Clarkson University as it discusses the incorporation of Schenectady-based graduate programs offered by Union Graduate College under its umbrella,” said Union College President Stephen C. Ainlay. “Clarkson is well regarded and its presence in the city will only strengthen the array of education opportunities in the region. We also hope that the arrangement will allow the graduate programs that originated at Union College and have been well nurtured by Union Graduate College since 2003 to grow even stronger and expand.”

With the blessing of boards of trustees from each institution, Clarkson and Union Graduate College will now pursue deeper discussions that will touch on issues ranging from academic collaborations to financial models to governance. It is anticipated that a final decision on joining the institutions could be made in the next few months.