Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

You want to change the world—and so do we
We’re a community with an unconventional sense of a common goal: to leave the world better than we found it. Ambitious? Sure. But Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) has been changing the world for over a century and will continue to do so for a century more. In fact, The Wall Street Journal/Times of Higher Education ranked CALS #1 in agriculture, agriculture operations, and related sciences for their 2020 College Rankings. Grounded in agriculture and focused on life, Cornell CALS is a pioneer institution, shaping contemporary science and eagerly embracing international opportunity, while always serving the people of New York.

Pursue your goals through purpose-driven science
CALS offers research-centered advanced degree programs, like our MS/PhD joint degree, in more than 30 fields of study as well as course-based professional master’s degree programs in several key areas of specialization. While research-centered graduate degrees often lead to academic careers and scientific discovery, professional master’s degree programs—including an MPS, MLA, and MEng—are designed to enhance careers in industry, government, and nonprofit agencies.

Purpose-driven science through an interdisciplinary approach
At Cornell, graduate study is organized using a field structure, where fields span departments and even disciplines to teach grad students a broader range of skills. It’s possible for an Economics student to add courses and concentrations from industrial and labor relations, civil and environmental engineering, sociology, and more to their traditional economics and management learning for a unique and standout résumé boost.

Drawing from many different campuses and colleges within the University, fields are composed of faculty members from several departments who come together around a shared interest to provide graduate students with a multifaceted advanced education. 

Go beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact
With nearly $700 million in total research expenditures, one of the 10 largest academic research libraries, and some of the best facilities in academia, Cornell University is consistently ranked as one of the most comprehensive universities in the world for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Cornell is also ranked first among the nation’s academic institutions for National Science Foundation research funding. Graduate research education receives strong financial support with nearly $50 million in tuition, stipend, and organized research expenditures going to grad programs each year. Grad students interested in research can earn a Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Joint MS/PhD from Cornell CALS.

Important application information
• Graduate students are admitted to a field of study, from which they will select major and minor subjects for their research interests or concentrations.
• Admission decisions for all CALS graduate degree programs are made by CALS graduate field faculty committees. 
• The Cornell University Graduate School administers the application process for graduate programs at Cornell and provides administrative support for all Cornell graduate research students.