cornell phd application requirements

Ph.D. Program

Entering the ph.d. program.

The official course of study in the Ph.D. graduate program begins during the second week of August, one week before the official start of the Fall Semester at Cornell. All incoming Ph.D. students take a series of graduate proficiency exams in Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry provided by the American Chemical Society (ACS). All Ph.D. students then meet with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and select professors in their area of interest for advice on course selection.

Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ph.D. Program Handbook

Read the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ph.D. Program Handbook, here .

Ph.D. Coursework

Incoming Ph.D. students generally take three graduate courses during their first semester at Cornell. A minimum grade of B- is required in each course for the student to remain in good standing with the department and the university. An additional three courses are then taken in the spring semester, for a total of six required courses. Depending on a student’s academic background and research interests, one or more of these courses may be taken outside of the Graduate Field of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Additional courses are often taken by Ph.D. students in the later years of their dissertation work, if they are deemed useful by the student's research advisor and/or special committee (see below). For the full list of courses offered at Cornell, please visit the Class Roster to select the appropriate department and semester.

Finding a Mentor and Laboratory to Conduct Thesis Research

During the first month of the Fall semester, all incoming Ph.D. students are expected to attend a series of research orientation lectures in which the faculty provide an overview of their current research projects. Students are expected to attend research group meetings of faculty of interest, talk to other students and postdoctoral research associates, and discuss potential research projects with at least three faculty members. Students then officially join research groups by November 1.

Special Committee

All Ph.D. students in C&CB are required to choose three or more faculty members to serve as a special committee to represent their major (and minor, if applicable) areas of study. The student’s faculty research advisor serves as chair of the special committee and usually has primary responsibility for directing the graduate student’s research and studies. Degree requirements are kept to a minimum and there are no specific course requirements. The number of formal courses required depends on students' academic background, chosen concentration, and the advice of the special committee.

Every Ph.D. student takes an oral examination for admission to candidacy (A-exam), typically during their second year of graduate study. The A-exam takes place after the student’s coursework has been completed and before the commencement of full-time research. The thesis, which is the final outcome of this research, must constitute an original contribution to chemical knowledge and be defended at a final examination overseen by the special committee (B-exam). The Ph.D. degree is awarded on successful defense of the thesis and students typically take five years to complete the Ph.D. program.

Financial Support

Complete financial support accompanies every offer of admission to the Ph.D. program. Each Ph.D. student is therefore guaranteed at least five years of full financial support as long as he or she makes satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree. This support includes a 12-month stipend, a full tuition award, and health insurance. Financial support comes in the form of teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, research fellowships, and several NIH-funded training grant programs, such as the  Chemistry Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program . Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to seek federally funded fellowships, such as those available from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as well as other government or private agencies.

Graduate Program in Psychology

Introduction.

The Graduate Field of Psychology includes faculty members from departments across the university including Psychology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Communication, and Philosophy.  M.A. and Ph.D. candidates are admitted. The goal of the Field is to educate students to become researchers, scholars, and teachers who will contribute to the future of psychology as a scientific discipline in academic or other research-oriented settings.

Psychology PhD Program Handbook : download PDF file

Currently: The dominant strengths of the Field lie in three broadly defined areas:  Behavioral and Evolutionary Neuroscience ;  Perception, Cognition and Development ; and  Social/Personality Psychology .

Future Plans: The dominant strengths of the Field lie in four broadly defined areas: Cognition , Development ,  Neuroscience , and Social and Personality . (The future areas will only strengthen our current program). 

Fall 2022 -2023 application cycle for the Fall 2023 - 2024 academic year, will be administered under the current program which will be grandfathered into future plans.

We do not offer training in clinical psychology, counseling, school psychology, community psychology, industrial psychology, or clinical neuropsychology. Applicants with primary interests in these subjects are not admitted.

How to Apply

You must  apply directly  to the Cornell University Graduate School. You may also want to investigate the  Cornell Graduate School  site for additional information about applying. 

Application requirements

• Unofficial transcript of the undergraduate record
• Three letters of recommendation , with a fourth letter optional, which your recommender will upload to the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose

Describe (within 1000 words) the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies, and explain how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals. Additionally, detail your academic background, intellectual interests and any training or research experience you have received that you believe has prepared you for our program. Within your statement, please also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with you own interests.

Personal statement of interest

Please describe (within 1000 words) how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. We also encourage you to include information on any of the following areas:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• If relevant, how your research interests focus on issues related to diversity, inclusion, access, inequality, and/or equity.
• Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record (including, but not limited to, personal and family struggles with unemployment and health as a result of the pandemic,systemic discrimination and the fight for civil rights, and any other situational factors that may have impacted achievements throughout your life).

Applicants are not required to submit scores on the GRE; GRE subject test in psychology, or to have had an undergraduate major in psychology for the 2022 - 2023 application cycle. Prior research experience is highly desirable; applicants may submit research reports or work. Persons whose primary interests lie in clinical, counseling, industrial, or school psychology should not apply.

The closing date for applications was December 15, 2023. For any questions or concerns please email our Graduate Field Representative at  [email protected] .

The Field Structure

At Cornell, graduate study is organized using a field structure.   Fields are composed of faculty members from a number of departments who come together around a shared intellectual interest, and may draw from different campuses or colleges.  Graduate students are admitted to fields of study.  Within each field, they select major and minor subjects, which are research interests or concentrations.

Fields span departments and even disciplines.  It’s possible for a student in the field of economics to include faculty on his or special committee from industrial labor and economics, civil and environmental engineering, and sociology along with the more traditional economics and management.

For example, the Graduate Field of Psychology includes faculty from

• neurobiology and behavior (College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and College of Arts & Sciences)
• industrial and labor relations (School of Industrial and Labor Relations)
• nutritional science (College of Human Ecology)

Click here for the complete "Fields of Study, Subjects, and Concentrations" in PDF form.

David A. Pizarro, Director of Graduate Studies Uris Hall, Room 234 E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-699-1327

Pamela A. Cunningham, Graduate Field Assistant - Psychology Uris Hall, Room 211 E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3834 Fax: 607-255-8433

Student Life

How to Apply

GRE and TOEFL/IELTS Scores

GRE scores are not required or reviewed. 

Any international student who does not qualify for an English language proficiency  waiver will be required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. There can be no exceptions to this policy. 

Academic Statement of Purpose & Personal Statement

The Statistics PhD program will require applicants to submit both an academic statement of purpose and a personal statement . 

Applications are submitted electronically using the  Web-Based Application form . Required application materials include a CV, transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions, and two letters of recommendation. Additional information beyond what is requested as part of the Web-Based Application form is not required. All requested application materials should therefore be submitted as part of the Web-Based Application process.

IMPORTANT : no other materials should be sent to the Field of Statistics by e-mail, FAX or surface mail unless applicants are contacted directly and asked to submit additional information. Neither the Field of Statistics nor Department of Statistics and Data Science will accept, or otherwise assume liability for, unsolicited information submitted by PhD and MPS program applicants.

Please refer to the Graduate School's page for further details on admission requirements, information on degrees, subjects, and concentrations for the Statistics PhD program. Please refer to the Graduate School Fellowship in Support of Diversity page for details about fellowships. 

Application Deadlines

Applications for the PhD program are due by January 1st for admission in the following Fall term; Spring term admission is not permitted.

Application Requirements

Application to the Field is made through the Cornell University Graduate School.  General information about Grad School admissions requirements and insights on the process of applying can be found on the Graduate School Admissions website .  They also provide a useful list of FAQs for common questions . Information on application requirements for the Field of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology (BMCB) are detailed below. Please take care in filling out this important document and review it before submitting it; we cannot make changes to it after it is submitted.

Our faculty and research interests can be explored in the Faculty & Research . You can learn more about our program and current student life using the Current Students section of our website . You are encouraged to explore these pages for information as you move through the application process. If your research interests are more genetics/genomics based, we encourage you to investigate our sister program, Genetics, Genomics & Development .

The deadline for admission is December 1 for Fall admission (we do not admit students in Spring). Applicants to our program must submit their application on-line through Apply-Now , including supporting documents by the December 1 deadline.  Applications can be submitted prior to receipt of all required letters of recommendation, but recommenders should be encouraged (and reminded) to submit their letters by this deadline or within 48 hours after.  The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications shortly after the deadline.

Application Requirements :

Academic & Personal Statement of Purpose (within the application):  The intent of this statement is to provide the Admissions Committee with a sense of you as a whole person and your potential to contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive community.  The Grad School provides general suggestions about the application process on their admissions website .

Academic Statement of Purpose (up to 1,200 words): Please submit an Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP) that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests and your broader background, experiences, and skills that can lead to a successful graduate school experience. General suggestions as to how to approach the Academic Statement of Purpose are available by following this link to the Cornell  Graduate School admissions website .

Please describe (in up to 1,200 words) your motivation to apply to a PhD program, the experiences that informed this choice, and how these experiences have prepared you for graduate school. You may include whatever information you think speaks to these points, but please be sure to specifically address the two areas outlined below.

• Past and ongoing research experiences: We would like to hear about your research experiences, including your research goals, outcomes (positive or negative!), and what you have learned relating back to your initial research goal (your research conclusions). Please also provide the specifics of your research experience(s), including where and when they took place, and the average weekly hours of commitment.
• Program and future research interests: Please describe your future research interests, and why you chose to apply to the BMCB program. If there are faculty members that you find resonate with your interests, please include that information. We appreciate that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and we would like to hear what research areas and questions interest you most now, as you apply to start graduate school.

Personal Statement (in up to 1,000 words): We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community that strengthens our intellectual and collaborative program. The Personal Statement helps to provide a more holistic sense of who you are , including how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue graduate studies. Within this statement, p lease provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

Additional information to consider including within the Academic and Personal Statement of Purpose are:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances. Consider including examples where you overcame obstacles, showed creativity, or demonstrated initiative.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.

Current transcripts for all colleges you have attended must be uploaded into the application. (Note: Official transcripts are not required at time of application). Our Admissions Committee wants to see your full academic background; upload transcripts from all colleges attended even if you did not get a degree unless the courses you took transferred to a subsequent school and are included on that transcript along with the grades. For more information and specific instructions for international applicants, see the Graduate School website .

Three (3) letters of recommendation: The Cornell Graduate School has a website with some great tips regarding letters of recommendation . We encourage you to read them. Note that you are able to request more than three letters. However, we would discourage asking for more than three letters with the goal of obtaining three completed letters; you should be confident that your recommenders will upload a letter, since lack of a requested letter will be noticeable in your application. Please request that your recommenders submit their letters through the on-line system unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from doing so.

Proof of English language competency : All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. This is a Graduate School/University requirement; complete information can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website . Applicants who are not exempt from this requirement by virtue of a standing exemption should self-report their scores in the application; these scores can be used for evaluation prior to the official scores being received.  No offer of admission can be made without official scores where they are required.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS tests are required for applicants whose native language is not English. This is a university requirement, and the Graduate School has set minimum scores for each section of the test: Reading – 20; Writing – 20; Listening – 15; Speaking – 22. To be considered for admission, an applicant must receive at least the minimum score on each individual section of the test . Official scores should be sent from ETS to Cornell University, university code #2098 (department code is not required).
• Those taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test must score 7.0 or higher. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

Research Area/Faculty of Interest : You are not required to contact faculty as a requirement of admission; students in our program are not admitted directly into faculty labs, but spend the initial part of their first year rotating through faculty labs in order to identify a mentor.  However, applicants are encouraged to indicate a faculty person and/or a specific area of research that they are interested in pursuing. We recognize that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and this is not a commitment to that research area or faculty person. It is intended to give the Admissions Committee more information about what research areas and questions interest you most now, and also what faculty you consider potential mentors and/or faculty you may like to engage with during the admissions process.

Application Review: Your your application will be reviewed by a select group of faculty and graduate students that form the Admissions Committee.  All members of the Admissions Committee are instructed to respect your privacy rights with regard to information disclosed in your application.

Application Fee Waivers:  The Cornell Graduate School will consider requests for fee-waivers for applicants who are experiencing financial hardship and also applicants who have participated in specific pipeline programs.  More information on application fee waivers can be found on the application fee portion of the Graduate School web site .  Please note: the Field of BMCB is not able to issue fee waivers.

Recruitment Events :  Top-ranked applicants being considered for an admissions offer are typically invited to campus to interview. Interviews are an important part of our admissions process, allowing us to interact with you and learn more about you beyond your written application.  Should an invited applicant be unable to attend one of our in-person Recruitment Weekends, they will be invited to interview with faculty via Zoom or Skype.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cornell University and the Graduate School are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all Cornell students.  The Field of BMCB strongly supports this mission and, as a result, our graduate student community is a vibrant and diverse one. BMCB students come from all areas of the globe and all walks of life. We are committed to the equality of educational opportunity and success for all students. The Field encourages individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in STEM to apply and participate in many programs on campus to recruit and retain these students and other diversity students (including first-generation college students).

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Field of BMCB has established a partnership with the Cornell University Student Disability Services Office . Any student who is invited to our recruitment events and requires special accommodations to participate should contact the GFAs to request necessary arrangements.

Admission Decision Timeline

The BMCB Admissions Committee will meet weekly starting in late November to evaluate completed applications. A select number of applicants will be invited to interview at our on-campus Recruitment events in February . Invitations are extended in December. Those who are unable to attend our Recruitment events (i.e. some international applicants residing outside the U.S.) are offered Zoom or Skype interviews.  Admissions decisions are made by mid-to-late March, once all interviews have taken place.

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The Graduate Field of Computer Science seeks to produce well-rounded researchers who have demonstrated both breadth in computer science and depth in specific areas of concentration. Although the program is designed to be flexible, students in the CS Ph.D. program must complete several requirements imposed both by the Field and by the Cornell Graduate School:

Field Requirements

• competency requirement
• breadth requirement
• project requirement
• teaching requirement

Graduate School Requirements

• special committee
• minor requirement

Each of these requirements is described in some detail below, followed by a FAQ that answers some of the most common student questions. Because no document can hope to cover all the nuances, students who have questions or concerns should consult their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

The Field requirements were most recently updated in Fall 2018. Students matriculating in Fall 2018 or later must fulfill the new requirements. Students who matriculated into the Ph.D. program earlier may choose to fulfill either the new requirements or the previous requirements.

The Competency Requirement

The Field believes that knowledge of Computer Science at the undergraduate level is an indispensible foundation for doctoral study in CS. Ph.D. candidates are expected to demonstrate competency at the high undergraduate level in four areas of computer science: Artificial Intelligence, Programming Languages, Systems, and Theory. This requirement can be discharged in one of three ways:

• by demonstrating competency through one's prior coursework;
• by taking a course for grade credit (acceptable courses are listed below, subject to change);
• by taking the final exam in one of these courses, if permitted by the instructor.

Students who have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science are automatically deemed to have satisfied the competency requirement in all four areas. Students with no prior degree in CS may still be exempted from one or more of the four competency requirements based on their prior coursework. Requests for such exemptions are to be accompanied by documentation concerning the relevant prior coursework (course website, detailed syllabus, list of assignments when possible) and will be judged on a case-by-case basis by the DGS in consultation with the faculty in the relevant area.

Each area is required to offer students at least one of option 2 or 3. Whichever method is chosen, the requirement must be fulfilled with acceptable performance, as judged by the Field. For option 1, acceptable generally means with a grade of B+ or higher for graduate courses, A- or higher for 4xxx-5xxx courses.

The acceptable courses are:

• Artificial Intelligence: CS 4700/5700, CS 4780/5780 
• Programming Languages: CS 4110/5110, CS 4120/5120, or CS 6110
• Systems: CS 4410/5410, CS 6410, or 6412
• Theory: CS 4820/5820 or CS 6820

This requirement must be fulfilled by the time of the A exam.

The Breadth Requirement

Ph.D. students must take at least five 5000/6000-level courses for grade credit. Note that only certain 5000 level courses count. These courses must cover at least three different CS areas and all three CS research styles. The requirement is intended to expose students both to the research problems and techniques associated with different research areas, and also to the different value systems of various computer science research styles that differ in how they evaluate and validate research results.

Courses taken to satisfy the competency requirement can be used to count towards the breadth requirement. Courses at the 7000 level do not count, nor do courses from other fields (however, see Exceptions below).

The areas are as follows:

• Algorithms and theory of computation , including algorithms, complexity theory, cryptography, logical and type-theoretic foundations of computer science.
• Artificial intelligence , including robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, information organization and retrieval, and machine learning.
• Systems , including concurrency, parallel computing, networks, distributed computing, and data management.
• Programming languages and methodology , including applied logic, automated reasoning, and compilers.
• Scientific computing and applications , including graphics and computational biology.

The research styles are the following:

• Theoretical . The theoretical research style is characterized by constructing formal models of computation that are validated primarily by mathematical proof.
• Systems . The systems research style focuses on how to improve computing platforms by making them faster, more reliable, more secure, etc. Validation is primarily empirical or experiential.
• Applied . The applied research style develops new methods for using computers to solve problems of interest. Validation is achieved primarily by demonstrating empirically that these methods are effective for the problem.

The following table summarizes the breadth requirement. It represents the classification of CS graduate courses into areas and research styles. Students must take five 5000/6000-level courses, covering at least three rows of this table and all three columns.

Please find course listing information here:

http://https://www.cs.cornell.edu/courseinfo/listofcscourses

*CS5820 will count for breadth during the Fall 2021 semester only.

*CS 5740 (Ith), 5650 (Ith), 5786, 5830, 5850 approved through Spring 2022.

As with the competency requirement, the breadth requirement must be fulfilled with acceptable performance, as judged by the Field. A grade of B or better is generally acceptable.

The list of courses that satisfy the area and research style requirements of the breadth requirement are subject to change as faculty develops new courses.

The Project Requirement

Ph.D. students are required to satisfy the project requirement by writing a significant piece of software. One way to satisfy the project requirement is by taking a course with a significant coding component and having the instructor for the course certify that the project satisfied the project requirement. The student is typically expected to get a grade of B- or better in the course. The project requirement can also be satisfied by projects outside of classes, for example, as part of independent research, your thesis research, or as part of a summer job. In these cases, the chair of your special committee needs to certify that you satisfied the project requirement.  *Note external projecs require a deliverable or artifact that can be inspected by your Chair of your special committee.

The Teaching Requirement

Ph.D. students must serve as a teaching assistant for at least two semesters or teach a course for at least one semester. Contact with students is valuable both as preparation for a possible academic career and for the experience in communicating ideas to groups, which is important in any setting, academic or otherwise.

We recognize that the Field requirements as stated above may not be universally appropriate, especially in nontraditional areas such as computational biology that may require significant coursework outside of computer science. In such exceptional cases, students are encouraged to formulate an alternative course of study in consultation with the special committee and to present a proposal to the Field for approval.

As a Ph.D. student, you must be in residence for at least six semesters, or four if you already hold a Master's degree at the time of enrollment. The advisor or DGS awards one residence unit after the satisfactory completion of each semester of full-time study. Fractional units may be awarded for unsatisfactory progress.

The Special Committee

Before the start of your fourth semester, you must form a special committee. The special committee consists of a chair and two or more minor members.

When you specify the members of your committee, you must specify the areas of concentration they represent. These must be areas officially recognized by the Graduate School associated with the committee member's field. The Field of Computer Science has five official areas of concentration, listed here along with their associated subareas:

• operating systems
• fault tolerance
• distributed systems
• database systems
• digital libraries
• machine architecture
• parallel computing

Theory of Computation

• complexity theory
• cryptography
• human-computer interaction
• information retrieval
• natural language processing
• computer vision
• machine learning
• knowledge representation and reasoning

Programming Languages and Logics

• programming methodology
• programming environments
• program logic and verification
• automated reasoning
• type theory and program analysis
• programming language design

Scientific Computing and Applications

• computer graphics
• computational biology and bioinformatics
• scientific computing

The chair of your special committee represents your major area of concentration and is normally your thesis advisor. The chair can be any member of the Field of Computer Science. The Computer Science area is only for graduate students in other fields who wish to minor in Computer Science. It may not be specified as either a major or minor area of concentration for Ph.D. students in CS.

The two minor members of your special committee represent your minor subjects (see The Minor Requirement below).

While it suffices to have only three people on your special committee, there are many advantages to having more. Your committee members can often provide useful advice. Being on your committee also means they are more likely to know your work better, which helps if you want them to write letters of reference for you. Note that only three special committee members need to be from Cornell. The rest can be from other institutions or from industry.

The Minor Requirement

The minor requirement is a Graduate School requirement, not a CS Field requirement. All Ph.D. students at Cornell must have two minors. For Ph.D. students in Computer Science, the Field requires one of these to be external to Computer Science and one to be internal.

The external minor must be in a field other than CS. The minor requirements are up to the minor field. Related fields such as Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Cognitive Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering are common choices. However, any minor field is acceptable. When you choose your minor field, you must also choose an area of concentration in that field and minor advisor who is a member of that field. The external minor advisor serves on your special committee and will work with you in setting your minor requirements. Typically, this involves knowledge of 3-4 graduate courses in the field, but expectations can vary depending upon the field. Before settling on a minor field, a student should find out about that field's requirements.

There are no additional requirements for the internal minor, except that the minor area of concentration must be different from the major area of concentration.

The A exam (Admission to Candidacy Exam) is an oral exam. It is a final test of your preparedness for undertaking thesis research. The content and coverage of the A exam is determined by the special committee and discussed with the student beforehand. Often, the student at an A-exam will describe the problem to be attacked in the thesis and give some preliminary research results. But an A-exam might instead have the student present an in-depth survey of a research area. Occasionally the A-exam serves as an opportunity to present completed research that is unrelated to the thesis topic. Some committees expect the student to prepare a written document prior to the exam, which might cover content that will be discussed at the exam or complement that content.

Students normally aim to take the A exam in their third year of graduate study. Students are required to have completed the competency requirement and to have at least two units of residency prior to the A exam. In addition, students must attempt the A exam before beginning their seventh semester of study. (More details of the university's requirements can be found in Cornell's Guide to Graduate's Study.) Although students have normally made substantial progress towards completing the breadth requirement before taking their A exam, it is not necessary to have completed this requirement before the A exam. (Note that your minor advisor may require you to have taken some courses in your minor before your A exam; you should check with them.)

The B exam is your thesis defense. It is strongly recommended that a draft of your thesis be provided to your committee three to four weeks prior to the B exam. In most cases, it should require only minor editing after the exam. However, during a B exam, the committee may ask for revisions, in which case it is possible that the student will pass the B exam but not yet have full approval of the thesis itself. The Ph.D. degree is awarded after you have passed the B exam and filed an approved dissertation with the University, and completed all the other requirements above. The University requires a minimum of two units of residency between the A exam and the B exam. Most students complete their B exam within four to six years after their arrival at Cornell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the more common questions and concerns that students have. Again, you are encouraged to consult with your advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies if you have concerns not covered here.

What should I do over the summer?

There are lots of opportunities. Some popular options include doing research with a faculty member, often your advisor or potential advisor (this is particularly appropriate as you get further along in the program), teaching a course, or doing a summer internship. We believe that it is in your interest to spend one or more summers as an intern in an industry research lab or at some other University. Doing so exposes you to other perspectives on the field and to the priorities driving the industry; it can really help later when you enter the job market. We'll suggest many options and can help you find a good match to your interests. Your advisor may also have contacts that would lead to interesting internship opportunities. For foreign students, internships should satisfy the requirements for practical training under a student visa, hence no special visa approvals should be required. Most students spend at least one or two summers as interns, usually during their first three years at Cornell.

What happens at the annual Field meetings?

The Field of Computer Science meets annually to review each student's progress. The DGS summarizes progress towards requirements, presents a summary of courses taken and grades received, and indicates whether the student has taken or is scheduled to take an A exam. For students who have been at Cornell for a few semesters, the emphasis of the discussion is on progress toward identifying a research topic, forming a special committee, and launching a research program that will lead to a dissertation. Normally, the student's current advisor will briefly describe the student's recent progress.

The goal of this meeting is to understand how we can best help the students establish themselves as researchers, publish their work, and graduate within the normal time period. If a consensus emerges that a particular student may not be heading toward successful completion of the degree program, the field will discuss appropriate action, which always depends on the specific situation. While students are occasionally asked to leave the program, this happens very rarely. In any case, no student is ever asked to leave the program without first being given a warning and time to correct the situation, except in the case of serious violations of the University code of conduct.

I took some courses as an undergraduate prior to coming to Cornell that appear to be identical to the ones listed under the competency requirement. Can I get out of those parts of the requirement?

Yes, possibly. Requests for such exemptions are to be accompanied by documentation concerning the relevant prior coursework (course website, detailed syllabus, list of assignments when possible) and will be judged on a case-by-case basis by the DGS in consultation with the faculty in the relevant area.

I was enrolled as a Ph.D. student at another institution for two years before transferring to the Ph.D. program at Cornell. I took several graduate courses as part of my studies. Can I count these towards my requirements here?

Maybe. You should negotiate the transfer of credit with the DGS and your advisor, who will consult with relevant faculty to decide whether it is appropriate to treat the prior coursework as a substitute for Cornell Ph.D. requirements.

How do I create a special committee?

Most students enter Cornell with a good idea of what area they want to specialize in. Those who do not still have strong areas of interest. By reading recent research papers, faculty web pages, and course descriptions, you should pick courses taught by faculty members you might enjoy working with. Focus on areas for which you believe you have talent, good ideas, or interest. Being a TA for a faculty member with whom you may want to work is often a good idea, especially if the course is in the general area of your interests and talents.

Faculty members are generally available to talk to graduate students about potential research topics in their area, and most students will talk to a few before joining a research group. It is common for a faculty member to suggest working with the student for a period of time, perhaps a semester, before considering the relationship "official". Some students will approach a potential advisor soon after arriving on campus, but others may take some time to shop around. All students should try to identify an advisor by the end of their first year at Cornell.

If your interests change over time, or if things just are not working out, you or your committee chair (advisor) may decide to reconstitute your committee. This is not considered a bad thing and will not leave a blot on your record. All field members have an interest in seeing our students do the best and most innovative work they are capable of, and if this means changing advisors or topics, so be it.

Do I need to complete my graduate coursework prior to taking the A exam?

Most students who take an A exam will have satisfied the majority of their field requirements, and many will have completed their minor. (For some minor fields, this is a requirement; read the rules published by the minor field that you select!) The special committee will typically let you schedule the A exam prior to the completion of your coursework.

What is the rationale for having an external minor requirement? Some fields at Cornell don't require that.

The competency and breadth requirements relate to the CS field itself, but we want our students to be scholars familiar with a world beyond their area in CS. The minor requirement reflects that philosophy. Note that the CS Field accepts any proposed minor, even one completely unrelated to the student's program of study.

How do I report on my progress towards satisfying the requirements?

This is not your problem. The graduate office maintains a file on each student which includes a checklist for the various requirements. Each year, prior to the annual review of student progress, the graduate office will update these checklists. Of course, if you think that your record is missing pertinent information (e.g., if you are told you need to take a course that you have already taken), you should let us know.

I am primarily interested in [vision/graphics/HCI/security/architecture] and was disappointed to see that the competency requirement emphasizes other areas. Why am I being penalized, in the sense that a theory, systems or languages student would have fewer requirements than I do?

The competency requirements reflect the field's consensus that the corresponding courses cover a core set of concepts and material with which any computer scientist needs to be familiar and comfortable, simply to be able to participate in normal dialogue with other computer scientists. We do not view this as a "penalty" on people who work outside these core areas, but rather as a type of common background that provides a context for interacting with colleagues.

The requirements are designed to be flexible. Our course requirements work out to fewer than one per semester for an average student. Obviously, some courses will prove to be more interesting or more directly relevant than others, but our hope is that many students will discover new areas of interest by taking courses outside of a narrow research focus.

In any case, there is the Exceptions clause; if you can make a strong case that the requirements as we have stated them will inhibit your progress in research in your chosen area of study, and if you are able to formulate a good-faith alternative program in consultation with your advisor, then the Field will be happy to entertain a proposal.

Why are there requirements in [AI/programming languages/theory...] and not in [graphics/databases/...]

We recognize that computer science is evolving rapidly. Areas that were considered central ten years ago may be more peripheral now. While the areas for the competency requirement represent the faculty's consensus of material that every computer scientist should know, this is a topic we frequently revisit.

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Admissions Details & Requirements

Unsure of which Cornell MSE graduate program is right for you? Review our three graduate programs

Stay up to date on all things graduate school at Cornell:  Cornell recruitment events calendar

MSE Graduate Programs Application/Admissions Information

Doctor of Philosophy  (Ph.D.) |  Master of Science  (M.S.) |  Master of Engineering  (M.Eng.)

• Applications for Fall admission for Ph.D. and MS and M.Eng. programs open mid-September
• Visit the Graduate School Admissions website for details

Application Deadlines

Doctor of philosophy  (ph.d.).

January 2 at 11:59pm EDT

Master of Science  (M.S.)

February 1 at 11:59pm EDT

Master of Engineering  (M.Eng.)

Priority review: October 15 (Spring) and January 15 (Fall) at 11:59pm EDT

All required materials must be uploaded into your online application prior to submission. Applications with missing materials after the deadline may not be reviewed. This includes letters of recommendation, so please communicate this deadline and give your recommenders plenty of time to submit prior to the deadline.

GRE Requirements

GRE optiona l .

The GRE is optional for the MSE Ph.D. program. You may submit GRE results to us (see below for submission instructions), particularly if you feel that your GRE results help to demonstrate math ability that is otherwise not demonstrated in your academic records.

GRE optional.

The GRE is optional for the MSE M.S. program. You may submit GRE results to us (see below for submission instructions), particularly if you feel that your GRE results help to demonstrate math ability that is otherwise not demonstrated in your academic records.

GRE required.

No minimum score requirement. Typical GRE scores of qualified candidates are: Quantitative (165+), Verbal (155+), Analytical (3.5+). GRE is not required for Cornell undergraduate applicants.

Applicants for programs requiring or suggesting GRE scores should both :

• Upload self-reported GRE scores into the online application themselves, AND
• Have official GRE scores sent to Cornell University by the Educational Testing Service

The Graduate School must receive all scores prior to the field’s application deadline.

• Institution Code:  All official test scores should be reported directly to Cornell University’s institution code  2098 . Department codes are not needed for matching scores to applications. If ETS requires you to select a department code, you may choose “0000 undecided.”

Be sure to use the exact spelling and formatting of your name on both your application and test score report.  Name punctuation and spacing must also be the same. If your name is misspelled, misformatted, or inverted, your scores will not be matched and your application may remain incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Score expiration:  GRE test scores are valid for five years from the test date.
• GRE contact information:   Educational Testing Service (ETS), Graduate Record Examinations

English Language Exam Requirement

Note: policy changes and testing accommodations related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found in the COVID-19 section of our FAQ.

With very few exceptions, international applicants for all three MSE graduate programs must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores to the Graduate School. Exceptions are noted below.

If you receive your test results and any sub-score does not meet the requirement, you should make arrangements to retake the test to achieve the minimum scores.

The Graduate School does not accept Duolingo (DET) scores, Pearson PTE scores, or any other alternatives.

An application cannot be considered for admission until Cornell receives official IELTS Academic or TOEFL scores. If your official IELTS Academic or TOEFL scores are not received, are no longer valid, or do not meet the minimum score requirements, we cannot issue a student visa document.

You must meet the below subject minimums  AND  a total TOEFL score of 100+ to be reviewed. Applications submitted with scores less than any of the below will not be reviewed. MSE does not accept the "My Best" TOEFL score . Instead, we recommend submitting all scores from all TOEFL exams taken. 

• Reading (20)
• Writing (20)
• Listening (15)
• Speaking (22), AND
• Total (100+)

Send scores to  Cornell University Graduate School, Institution code 2098.  Department codes are not needed for matching scores to applications. If ETS requires you to select a department code, you may choose code 99 “undecided.”

The TOEFL score must be dated within  two years of your program’s application deadline . Photocopies of TOEFL score reports will not be accepted.

Take the TOEFL early enough to have the results submitted at the time of your application. Exam dates are posted on the TOEFL website. Please note that we cannot confirm receipt of test scores until an applicant has submitted an online application. 

IELTS Academic

The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS Academic exam. 

When you register for the exam, you may select up to 5 institutions to which you would like to have your scores sent. Cornell University has multiple IELTS accounts so please be sure to select  Cornell University Graduate Admissions  when registering for your IELTS test date.

You may also submit a request to your test center to have additional score reports sent to institutions not originally listed on your test registration form. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the  Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall  e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

The IELTS score must be dated within  two years of your program’s application deadline . Scores must be delivered electronically through the IELTS E-Delivery service to the  Cornell University Graduate Admissions  e-download account.

The English language proficiency requirement may be waived if the applicant meets at least one of these criteria:

• is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada (except Quebec). Applicants who are citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nigeria, Ghana, etc. are not exempt from the requirement.
• at the time you enroll at Cornell, you will have studied in full-time status for at least two academic years  within  the last five years in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or South Africa. Even if English was the language of instruction at your school, if you did not study in one of these countries you are not exempt from the requirement. You must submit a transcript that shows you attended college in one of the  approved locations , and that your academic program was at least  two years  in length.

More information about the English language proficiency requirement

Letters of Recommendation

All three Cornell MSE graduate programs require three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted electronically through the ApplyWeb application system.

Letters of recommendation should include appropriate letterhead and come from company or institutional email accounts.

You should choose your letter of recommendation writers purposefully, identifying individuals who can provide a detailed description of your academic, professional, and/or research experiences and motivations.

Statement of Purpose

All three Cornell MSE graduate programs require a statement of purpose to be submitted electronically through the ApplyWeb application system.

Suggestions for writing a statement of purpose

Transcripts

All three Cornell MSE graduate programs require   the electronic self-submission of unofficial transcripts  through the ApplyWeb application system. 

For more information please visit the Cornell Graduate School’s  transcript requirements pages link .

Application Materials Submission & Updates

All application materials must be uploaded into your online application.  Paper copies of application materials will not be accepted.

If you request updates to materials included in a previously submitted application, please email:  [email protected]

Once we have received all of your materials, your application status will change from "in progress" to "complete". If the deadline has passed and review has begun without us receiving all of your required documents, you will see a status change to "incomplete". Please view your checklist to see what you are missing and submit immediately. We will not review incomplete applications.

NOTE:  the more frequently you correspond with us about your materials, the less efficient we are in processing applications in general, including your own. The best insurance for having your application processed in a timely manner is to follow the process outlined on the  Graduate School website  and the recommendations spelled out in this FAQ.

Fellowship Eligibility & Requirements

Doctor of philosophy (ph.d.) .

Though fully funded through TA/GRA appointments, it is highly encouraged that Ph.D. applicants be aware of and/or apply for additional fellowships:

• To be considered for nomination for a diversity fellowship, eligible applicants must respond “yes” to the question on the admissions application asking whether they would be interested in being considered for a diversity fellowship. Applicants must also submit a supplemental personal statement (if a personal statement is not already required by their graduate field) that addresses the provided statement prompt and how the above criteria apply to them.
• Presidential Life Sciences Fellowship (no additional application required beyond the MSE graduate program application)
• External Fellowships
• NSF GRFP Fellowship

Master of Science (M.S.) 

Though self-funded, it is highly encouraged that M.S. applicants apply for external fellowships .

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) 

Though self-funded, it is highly encouraged that M.Eng. applicants apply for Cornell Engineering fellowships .

Please visit:  Financial Support  for additional information

Assistantships Requirements & Eligibility

Doctor of philosophy (ph.d.).

• Required to serve as a TA (teaching assistant) for one semester during the PhD program, generally in the 2nd year or later.
• TA opportunities beyond one semester are not guaranteed.
• Generally funded as a GRA (graduate research assistant) for the remainder of the guaranteed funding (as detailed in admission letters).

Though self-funded, it is highly encouraged that M.S. applicants apply for external fellowships . Paid assistantships are not guaranteed. M.S. students may serve as graders or hold assistantships in departments external to MSE.

Though self-funded, it is highly encouraged that M.Eng. applicants apply for College of Engineering fellowships . Paid assistantships are not guaranteed. M.Eng. students may serve as graders or hold assistantships in departments external to MSE.

Faculty Correspondence

Applicants are not required to contact faculty prior to submitting an application.

If offered admission, Cornell MSE graduate matriculates will match with an advisor during their time at Cornell, not before.

While not required, applicants or prospective applicants who wish to contact faculty in field of Materials Science and Engineering are welcome to; however, all questions regarding applications, the application process, or an applicant's status should be sent to [email protected] .

Current Cornell Undergraduates

Cornell undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to the Cornell MSE graduate programs, as well as other programs.

Current Cornell undergraduate students have two additional options when applying to Cornell MSE graduate programs. GRE scores are NOT required for Cornell undergraduate students .

• Early admission Master of Engineering (M.Eng.): Cornell undergraduates who will have 1-8 credits remaining in the final semester of their undergraduate program may apply for early admission to the M.Eng. program. After admission, students enroll in both undergraduate and M.Eng. courses in their final undergraduate semester. Upon completion of their undergraduate credits, students become M.Eng. students the following semester, often completing the program in one additional semester.
• Accelerated Master of Science (M.S.):  The accelerated M.S. program is a one-year thesis based master's program for Cornell MSE senior thesis undergraduates who applied for and were accepted into the accelerated program specifically. 

Still have questions? Contact us!

If you have questions about our graduate programs after reviewing the above information, and the additional graduate school information , please contact our admissions representative:  [email protected]

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Ph.D. Requirements

Application requirements:.

The application deadline for the BME Ph.D. program (fall semester)  is January 2nd . Please note that all materials should be received by this date to receive full consideration.

For an application fee waiver, please send an email to Belinda Whisman , for more information.

The application process is entirely online via the Cornell University Graduate School .

Student background and qualification:  Most students entering the Graduate Field of Biomedical Engineering have had formal training in a recognized discipline of engineering. Students with a science degree that includes appropriate mathematics and physics are also eligible.

Degree requirements:

To promote an individualized program optimized for each student’s needs and interest, the specific requirements for the Ph.D. degree are minimal. The fundamental requirement is to form a thesis committee of at least three Cornell faculty members. The chair of the committee is your thesis advisor. The two required additional members represent your minor programs, one in engineering and one in life science. The content of your program is determined jointly with your committee, with a small number of required core courses complemented by graduate level classes in chosen areas of specialization.

To earn the BME Ph.D. degree, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

• Pass the comprehensive Admission to Candidacy examination ("A Exam") with the Special Committee before the beginning of the seventh semester of study
• Successfully complete the course work required by his/her Special Committee and the BME Ph.D. program
• Conduct original research that will have lasting value, and write a dissertation recording that work
• Pass the final examination ("B exam") defending the dissertation with the Special Committee
• Have a minimum of six academic terms of full-time study

A student is recommended for the Ph.D. degree when his/her Special Committee members agree that the appropriate level of scholarly achievement has been reached and that the Graduate School's requirements for assessment  have been satisfied. 

Special Committee

Each student's progress towards the Ph.D. degree is supervised by a Special Committee composed of Cornell graduate field faculty members chosen by the student. The supervision of a student's Ph.D. program by the Special Committee allows for individualized programs tailored to each student's specific interests that can seamlessly merge traditional disciplines. 

For Ph.D. degree candidates, the Special Committee is composed of at least three faculty members: The PhD thesis advisor and two members who represent the two minors selected by the student. The Ph.D. thesis advisor, who must be a BME graduate field member, serves as the chair of the Special Committee. 

Ph.D. students select one minor in the life sciences (i.e., biology, biophysics, biomedical science, etc.) and one minor in a traditional engineering discipline (outside BME), often the area of undergraduate specialization. Study in the engineering minor is expected to be equivalent to the core course sequence of Ph.D. students majoring in that field. This combination provides breadth in general approach and depth in at least one specific engineering discipline.

The goals of the coursework are to provide students with both breadth across a wide range of BME and depth in a particular specialization within BME. The extent of required coursework depends on each student's previous preparation and goals.

The first-year core curriculum includes BME 7010 Seminar for First-Year Biomedical Engineering PhD Students in the fall, BME 7130 Core Concepts in Disease in the spring, and BME 7160 Immersion Experience in Medical Research and Clinical Practice in the summer. Students further participate in the departmental seminar (BME 7900 Biomedical Engineering Graduate Colloquium) and present their ongoing research as part of a work-in-progress seminar (BME 7020 Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar).

All students in the BME Ph.D. program must complete the following courses:

BME 7010: Seminar for First-Year Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Students  (Fall of 1st year). This course provides an introduction to the Cornell BME Ph.D. program, resources and opportunities available at Cornell, and help and guidance in preparing fellowship application. 

BME 7020: Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar  (total of 6 semesters). These seminar features work-in-progress presentations by current BME Ph.D. students. The goal of the BME 7020 seminar is to provide students with an opportunity to present their research to a broad audience, to collect feedback from faculty and their peers, and to stimulate intra-departmental collaborations and interactions in the BME field and beyond.

BME 7130: Core Concepts in Disease  (Spring of 1st year). This course exposes students to fundamental disease processes, including infection, inflammation, neoplasia, genetic mutation, protein misfolding, and metabolic dysregulation, to identify common pathways and mechanisms in pathobiologies. This course also provides disease background prior to the Immersion experience. 

BME 7160: Immersion Experience in Medical Research and Clinical Practice  (Summer of 1st year). The clinical immersion term provides first-year Ph.D. students with the opportunity to experience actual clinical practice in a hospital setting and to participate in clinical research. 

BME 7900: Biomedical Engineering Graduate Colloquium  (total of 6 semesters). This weekly colloquium features talks by invited seminar speakers to provide exposure to a broad range of research topics. 

Course selection beyond the required courses is up to each student in consultation with the Special Committee. The Special Committee is responsible for approving classes chosen by the student to fulfill the minor requirements. Students are encouraged to select additional courses of interest.

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Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Degree Program in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell will prepare you for a successful career in research, development and teaching through vigorous coursework and cutting-edge study.

Join our world-renowned faculty as they work to find solutions to some of today’s biggest problems. Whether you’re interested in power and energy, bioelectrical engineering, computer architecture, imaging, nanotechnology, photonics, neuroscience, or computing, you’ll find your place at Cornell ECE.  

Our Ph.D. Program is interdisciplinary, which allows our students to take advantage of a wide variety of research opportunities both in ECE and across campus.  

• Take advantage of the wide range of research opportunities on campus through our multidisciplinary program and study anything from physics to bioscience, from mathematics to economics.
• Enjoy the flexibility of determining your individualized curriculum in consultation with your Advisor and Special Committee.  
• Receive advanced training in current technology and engineering design.  
• Virtually all of our Ph.D. students receive full financial support in the form of Fellowships, Graduate Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships during throughout their Ph.D. Program.
• The financial support covers tuition, a stipend and a health insurance package.  
• A Ph.D. from Cornell ECE will empower you to reach your goals and your potential. Our graduates go on to highly successful careers at universities and colleges and in industry and research settings around the world.  
• Discover more about our faculty and their research.
• For further questions about ECE's Ph.D. program, please contact the Assistant Director, ECE Masters of Engineering and Ph.D. Programs.  

ECE Contacts for Ph.D. Students 

Director of graduate studies.

Khurram Afridi , Associate Professor [email protected]

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Eric Laine Phillips Hall, Room 223 [email protected]

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Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

The Smith School’s Ph.D. in chemical engineering will prepare you for careers in academia and research. The program is completed in four to five years, and students typically receive full funding.

Why earn a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the Smith School?

As your pursue your ph.d., you’ll be prepared to make significant contributions to the field—and you’ll be in good company. .

Not only are our chemical engineering faculty leading researchers and facilities continually improving with state-of-the-art upgrades and equipment, the culture of collegiality at the Smith School is unmatched. While you’re progressing toward your thesis and diploma, you’ll be surrounded by a community of scholars that is contributing to something greater and embracing the founding principles of Cornell University .

The graduate student experience reflects a thriving community among its student groups and initiatives; curriculum includes components of lab safety and research ethics; and faculty and research students are working toward ensuring that future CBE classes are composed of demographically diverse students through new programming. The Smith School’s community stands out as a differentiating factor—not only will you make significant contributions to the field, but you’ll be part of a group that is making a societal impact in more ways than one.

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Degree progression and requirements

As a Ph.D. student, you’ll complete a select set of core courses, take two exams, and complete a thesis with oversight from your faculty Special Committee. You are also required to minor in two subjects. The Ph.D. program is very flexible and allows students to shape their studies with graduate-level electives.

Typical Ph.D. in chemical engineering sequence

First-year transition course.

First-year Ph.D. students take CHEME 6920 - Principles and Practices of Graduate Research. Topics include the culture and responsibilities of graduate research and the professional community; the mechanics of conducting research (experimental design, data analysis, serendipity in research, avoiding self-deception); documenting research (lab notebooks, computer files); and reporting research (writing a technical paper and oral presentations). 

Required courses

All new Ph.D. students are required to take four core classes during the first two years of study.

• CHEME 6130 - Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 
• CHEME 6240 - Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer OR  CHEME 6230 - Transport Phenomena for Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 
• CHEME 6110 - Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering Analysis
• CHEME 6420 - Chemical Kinetics and Transport OR CHEME 6430 - Advanced Principles of Biomolecular Engineering

Examinations for Ph.D. students

Research Progress Assessment (RPA) — Typically after the first year, Ph.D. students complete this oral and written evaluation to assess their proficiency in chemical      engineering fundamentals and research.

Examination for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) — After the second year (semester 4), Ph.D. students complete this exam to confirm their ability to undertake original research and present an appropriate plan for their thesis project. Before taking the A Exam, students must complete a mandatory CPR, a First Aid class and the four required core classes.

Ph.D. candidacy

Ph.D. candidates (post- A Exam) complete their research, deliver a yearly Work-in-Progress (WIP) seminar, and defend their findings.

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• Graduate School Requirements
• Graduate School Resources
• Ph.D. Field Requirements
• Field Specific Items, Helpful Tips, and Resources
• Conference and Travel Grants
• Outside Fellowship Opportunities
• Inter-Campus Travel Fund
• Graduate Minor
• Human Participant Compensation
• Travel Planning and Reimbursement Process
• Purchasing Goods for Research for PhDs
• Diversity and Inclusion

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Ph.d. field requirements for completing your degree, ​ph.d. field requirements for completing your degree.

Details on Ph.D. requirements to complete your degree are available on the Degree Requirements page .

• Complete a minimum of 4 core courses chosen from our 5 areas
• TA for at least 2 semesters
• Form a special committee consisting of a chair, an IS field member, and at least one external minor member
• Pass an A and B exam
• Submit a dissertation

Requesting an Exception to a Field Requirement

Students are expected to meet the field’s minimal requirements. If this is not possible, the student and their Chairperson should propose an alternative solution directed to the attention of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in writing. The DGS may consult with the current Graduate Committee, Chair of the Department and/or the GFA before making a final decision. All exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis. And all decisions are final. 

The Graduate Field Assistant, GFA, is also a resource for students to consult with for advice on academic and student life issues. The GFA is the liaison with the Graduate School and works with the Student Service Staff at the Tech campus to guide students through the Ph.D. program.  The GFA’s office hours and link to schedule advising appointments can be found on the Staff page .

Application Requirements

Application to our PhD program is made through the Cornell University Graduate School.  General information about Grad School admissions requirements and insights on the process of applying can be found on the Graduate School Admissions website .  They also provide a useful list of FAQs for common questions . You are encouraged to explore these pages for information as you move through the application process. Application requirements for the Field of Biophysics are detailed below.

The deadline for admission is December 1 for Fall admission (we do not admit students in the Spring semester). Applicants to our program must submit their application on-line through Apply-Now , including supporting documents by the December 1 deadline.  Applications can be submitted prior to receipt of all required letters of recommendation, but recommenders should be encouraged (and reminded) to submit their letters by this deadline or within 48 hours after.  The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications shortly after the deadline.

Recommended Academic Background: We welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines to apply to our program. We most commonly see applications from students with a physics/engineering or biology background. To ensure sufficient preparation, we encourage students to have exposure to both physics and biology before admission. In addition, as math is a foundational component of our program, we strongly recommend applicants have taken Calculus III  or its equivalent before admission. If applicants cannot do this before admission, they will be required to complete Calculus III in addition to the graduate biophysics curriculum.

Applicants will be required to supply the following items:

• M otivation (400-word limit): Introduce yourself, what are your personal motivations to come to graduate school, your short and long-term professional goals. Please describe how your academic and research experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree.  
• Academic background and preparation (400 words): Describe your academic training, skills, research experience, and accomplishments relevant to your future graduate work. You may also provide the context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.  
• Current transcripts for all colleges you have attended must be uploaded into the application. (Note: Official transcripts are not required at time of application). Our Admissions Committee wants to see your full academic background; upload transcripts from all colleges attended even if you did not get a degree unless the courses you took transferred to a subsequent school and are included on that transcript along with the grades. For more information and specific instructions for international applicants, see the Graduate School website .
• Three (3) letters of recommendation: The Cornell Graduate School has a website with some great tips regarding letters of recommendation . We encourage you to read them. Note that you are able to request more than three letters. However, we would discourage asking for more than three letters with the goal of obtaining three completed letters; you should be confident that your recommenders will upload a letter, since lack of a requested letter will be noticeable in your application. Please request that your recommenders submit their letters through the on-line system unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from doing so.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS tests are required for applicants whose native language is not English. This is a university requirement, and the Graduate School has set minimum scores for each section of the test: Reading – 20; Writing – 20; Listening – 15; Speaking – 22. To be considered for admission, an applicant must receive at least the minimum score on each individual section of the test . Official scores should be sent from ETS to Cornell University, university code #2098 (department code is not required).
• Those taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test must score 7.0 or higher. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

Research Area/Faculty of Interest :  You are not required to have a faculty mentor/sponsor to apply to our program.  However, applicants are encouraged to indicate faculty and/or a specific area of research that they are interested in pursuing. We recognize that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and this is not a commitment to that research area or faculty person. It is intended to give the Admissions Committee more information about what research areas and questions interest you most now, and also what faculty you consider potential mentors and/or faculty you may like to engage with during the admissions process.

Application Review: Your your application will be reviewed by a select group of faculty and graduate students that form the Admissions Committee.  All members of the Admissions Committee are instructed to respect your privacy rights with regard to information disclosed in your application.

Application Fee Waivers:  The Cornell Graduate School will consider requests for fee-waivers for applicants who are experiencing financial hardship as well as applicants who have participated in specific pipeline programs.  This process is part of the application itself.  More information can be found on the application fee portion of the Graduate School web site .  Please note: the Field of Biophysics is not able to issue fee waivers; requests should not be sent to the Field.

Recruitment Events :  Interviews are an important part of our admissions process, allowing us to interact with you and learn more about you beyond your written application.  Top-ranked domestic applicants (i.e. students who are attending a college in the US) being considered for an admissions offer are typically invited to campus to interview; international applicants (i.e. students who are attending a college outside of the US) are interviewed via Zoom. Should an invited applicant be unable to attend one of our in-person Recruitment Weekends, they will be invited to interview with faculty via Zoom.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cornell University and the Graduate School are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all Cornell students.  The Field of Biophysics strongly supports this mission and, as a result, our graduate student community is a vibrant and diverse one. Biophysics students come from all areas of the globe and all walks of life. We are committed to the equality of educational opportunity and success for all students. The Field actively seeks individuals from underrepresented ethnic groups and participate in many programs on campus to recruit and retain under-represented minorities and diversity students (including first-generation college students).

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Field of Biophysics has established a partnership with the Cornell University Student Disability Services Office . Any student who is invited to our recruitment events and requires special accommodations to participate should contact the GFAs to request necessary arrangements.

Admission Decision Timeline

The Biophysics Admissions Committee is made up of faculty and graduate students.  The Committee will meet shortly after the December 1 deadline to evaluate completed applications. A select number of applicants will be invited to interview at our on-campus Recruitment events . Invitations are extended in December to applicants residing in the US.  International applicants being considered for admission will be offered Skype interviews.  Admissions decisions are made by mid-to-late March, once all interviews have taken place.

The Graduate Field of Biophysics Cornell University

526 Campus Road Biotechnology Building Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 biophysics@cornell.edu

Application Requirements

Application to our PhD program is made through the Cornell University Graduate School.  General information about Grad School admissions requirements and insights on the process of applying can be found on the Graduate School Admissions website .  They also provide a useful list of FAQs for common questions . You are encouraged to explore these pages for information as you move through the application process. Application requirements for the Field of Genetics, Genomics & Development (GGD) are detailed below.

Our faculty and research interests can be explored in the Faculty & Research . You can learn more about our program and current student life using the Current Students section of our website . You are encouraged to explore these pages for information as you move through the application process. If your research interests are more genetics/genomics based, we encourage you to investigate our sister program, Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology .

The deadline for admission is December 1 for Fall admission (we do not admit students in the Spring semester). Applicants to our program must submit their application on-line through Apply-Now , including supporting documents by the December 1 deadline.  Applications can be submitted prior to receipt of all required letters of recommendation, but recommenders should be encouraged (and reminded) to submit their letters by this deadline or within 48 hours after.  The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications shortly after the deadline.

Application Requirements :

Academic & Personal Statement of Purpose (within the application):  The intent of this statement is to provide the Admissions Committee with a sense of you as a whole person and your potential to contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive community.  The Grad School provides general suggestions about the application process on their admissions website .

Academic Statement of Purpose (up to 1,200 words): Please submit an Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP) that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests and your broader background, experiences, and skills that can lead to a successful graduate school experience. General suggestions as to how to approach the Academic Statement of Purpose are available by following this link to the Cornell  Graduate School admissions website .

Please describe (in up to 1,200 words) your motivation to apply to a PhD program, the experiences that informed this choice, and how these experiences have prepared you for graduate school. You may include whatever information you think speaks to these points, but please be sure to specifically address the two areas outlined below.

• Past and ongoing research experiences: We would like to hear about your research experiences, including your research goals, outcomes (positive or negative!), and what you have learned relating back to your initial research goal (your research conclusions). Please also provide the specifics of your research experience(s), including where and when they took place, and the average weekly hours of commitment.
• Program and future research interests: Please describe your future research interests, and why you chose to apply to the GGD program. If there are faculty members that you find resonate with your interests, please include that information. We appreciate that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and we would like to hear what research areas and questions interest you most now, as you apply to start graduate school.

Personal Statement (in up to 1,000 words): We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community that strengthens our intellectual and collaborative program. The Personal Statement helps to provide a more holistic sense of who you are , including how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue graduate studies. Within this statement, p lease provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

Additional information to consider including within the Academic and Personal Statement of Purpose are:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances. Consider including examples where you overcame obstacles, showed creativity, or demonstrated initiative.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.

Current transcripts for all colleges you have attended must be uploaded into the application. (Note: Official transcripts are not required at time of application). Our Admissions Committee wants to see your full academic background; upload transcripts from all colleges attended even if you did not get a degree unless the courses you took transferred to a subsequent school and are included on that transcript along with the grades. For more information and specific instructions for international applicants, see the Graduate School website .

Three (3) letters of recommendation: The Cornell Graduate School has a website with some great tips regarding letters of recommendation . We encourage you to read them. Note that you are able to request more than three letters. However, we would discourage asking for more than three letters with the goal of obtaining three completed letters; you should be confident that your recommenders will upload a letter, since lack of a requested letter will be noticeable in your application. Please request that your recommenders submit their letters through the on-line system unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from doing so.

Proof of English language competency : All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. This is a Graduate School/University requirement; complete information can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website . Applicants who are not exempt from this requirement by virtue of a standing exemption should self-report their scores in the application; these scores can be used for evaluation prior to the official scores being received.  No offer of admission can be made without official scores where they are required.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS tests are required for applicants whose native language is not English. This is a university requirement, and the Graduate School has set minimum scores for each section of the test: Reading – 20; Writing – 20; Listening – 15; Speaking – 22. To be considered for admission, an applicant must receive at least the minimum score on each individual section of the test . Official scores should be sent from ETS to Cornell University, university code #2098 (department code is not required).
• Those taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test must score 7.0 or higher. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

Research Area/Faculty of Interest : Applicants are encouraged to indicate a faculty person and/or a specific area of research that they are interested in pursuing. We recognize that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and this is not a commitment to that research area or faculty person. It is intended to give the Admissions Committee more information about what research areas and questions interest you most now, and also what faculty you consider potential mentors and/or faculty you may like to engage with during the admissions process.

Application Review: Your your application will be reviewed by a select group of faculty and graduate students that form the Admissions Committee.  All members of the Admissions Committee are instructed to respect your privacy rights with regard to information disclosed in your application.

Application Fee Waivers:  The Cornell Graduate School will consider requests for fee-waivers for applicants who are experiencing financial hardship and also applicants who have participated in specific pipeline programs.  More information on application fee waivers can be found on the application fee portion of the Graduate School web site .  Please note: the Field of GGD is not able to issue fee waivers.

Recruitment Events :  Top-ranked applicants being considered for an admissions offer are typically invited to campus to interview. Interviews are an important part of our admissions process, allowing us to interact with you and learn more about you beyond your written application.  Should an invited applicant be unable to attend one of our in-person Recruitment Weekends, they will be invited to interview with faculty via Zoom or Skype.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cornell University and the Graduate School are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all Cornell students.  The Field of GGD strongly supports this mission and, as a result, our graduate student community is a vibrant and diverse one. GGD students come from all areas of the globe and all walks of life. We are committed to the equality of educational opportunity and success for all students. The Field actively seeks individuals from racial and/or ethnic groups historically underrepresented in the life sciences, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (including low-income families), first-generation college students, military veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The Field participates in many programs on campus to recruit and retain students with a range of identities and/or experiences.

The Field has established a partnership with the Cornell University Student Disability Services Office . Any student who is invited to our recruitment events and requires special accommodations to participate should contact the GFAs to request necessary arrangements.

Admission Decision Timeline

The GGD Admissions Committee will meet weekly after the application deadline (December 1) to evaluate completed applications. A select number of applicants will be invited to interview at our on-campus Recruitment events in February . Invitations are extended in late December. Those who are unable to attend our Recruitment events (i.e. some international applicants residing outside the U.S.) are offered virtual interviews.  Admissions decisions are made once all interviews have taken place, usually by mid-to-late March.

Graduate Field of Genetics, Genomics and Development 526 Campus Road Biotechnology Building Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 gendev@cornell.edu

If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact  web-accessibility@cornell.edu  for assistance.

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Food Science

Graduate Admissions

Admission and eligibility requirements:.

Each year the Field of Food Science and Technology attracts a pool of highly competitive applicants. While past academic achievements are a crucial part of the application, we are committed to a holistic review of potential students. We also value diversity and inclusion and are determined to instill these values in the students we educate.

Applicants must meet all specific Field of Food Science and Technology admission requirements in addition to requirements outlined on the Cornell Graduate School Admission's website .

Students do not need to hold an M.S. degree to apply for the Ph.D. program, and can apply directly with a B.A./B.S. or equivalent Bachelor's degree. While we do accept MS students, it should be noted that most of our labs are Ph.D. training programs. You can see this reflected in our acceptance rates. If your ultimate goal is to obtain a Ph.D., please apply directly to the Ph.D. program and not the M.S. program. Ph.D. Acceptance Rate: 17% M.S. Acceptance Rate: 3%

Application deadlines for the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Food Science are:

• Fall (August) admission period: September 1 - December 1
• Spring (January) admission period: July 15 - September 1

Application deadlines for the M.F.S. program in Food Science are:

• Fall (August) admission period: September 1 - February 1

Application response deadlines for the M.S and Ph.D. programs:

• Fall (August) admission period: March 15
• Spring (January) admission period: October 15

Application response deadlines for the M.F.S. program:

• Fall (August) admission period: April 1

Apply On-line:

Applications are administered through the Cornell Graduate School’s on-line application system.

There is a $105 non-refundable application fee that must be submitted electronically with your application. The fee may be waived in cases of financial hardship or for qualified participants of certain special programs. For information about methods of payment or requesting a fee waiver, visit our application fee and payment page .

All applicants must submit on-line:

• Application form
• Academic statement of purpose
• Personal statement
• Transcripts
• Two-three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable, see English Language Proficiency Requirements for details)
• Students are NOT required to hold a M.S. degree prior to applying for the Ph.D. program (you can apply directly to the Ph.D. with a bachelor’s degree)

Admissions Process:

• The Field of Food Science and Technology utilizes a Direct Admissions Application process, meaning that the majority of our applicants receive an offer of admission directly into a specific research lab. This approach differs from other programs that may conduct lab rotations in a students’ first year.
• Applications are reviewed for admissibility by the Graduate Admissions Committee. This committee includes faculty, staff, and current graduate students in the FS&T program (early December)
• Admissible applications are circulated to all field faculty members (mid December)
• Field faculty members have the opportunity to invite potential students on-campus for an open-house in early February (early January)
• Field faculty members indicate to Graduate Admissions Committee which student(s) they would like to make offers of admission to (late February)
• All M.S. and Ph.D. applicants are notified of the decision - March 15
• All M.F.S. applicants are notified of the decision - April 1

M.S. & P.h.D.

Application Deadlines:

Apply Online:

Application and admissions questions.

Please review our Current Opportunities page to view faculty members actively seeking research students.

While not required, prospective students are encouraged to reach out to faculty regarding research availability and interests.

In addition to the online application form , you will need:

• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement
• The TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose native language is not English. Exceptions to this requirement are described on the Graduate School English language proficiency webpage .
• Unofficial copies of transcripts uploaded into the graduate school application.
• 2-3 letters of recommendation (additional letters are accepted).

Hard copy materials do not need to be sent at the time of application. If admitted into the graduate program, applicants will receive correspondence indicating what items are required and by what dates they need to be submitted.

All admitted Ph.D. and M.S. students will have financial support, in the form of tuition, health insurance and living stipend. Financial support may be in the form of a teaching assistantship (TA), fellowship, graduate research assistantship (GRA), external funding or a combination of these. There is no separate application needed to apply for funding. M.F.S. students are not considered for financial support but are welcome to apply for external funding.

• Fall Admission (August): December 1
• Spring Admission (January): September 1

These are hard deadlines.

Yes, financial support information should be included in the application.

We accept all bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions in the United States, even those that are completed in 3 years. For international degrees, we follow the guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers when considering which degrees are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree obtained in the United States. This usually means that 4 years of study are required, though some 3-year degrees can be accepted. International degree equivalencies are provided on the Graduate School website at https://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/applying/international-degree-equivalencies .

Although we no longer require the GRE, past students had scores in these ranges: 153-160 verbal, 155-166 quantitative, 3.5-4.5 analytical/writing. We do not have a minimum GPA requirement but look for strong performance in science courses (mainly A’s and B’s). Research (for MS and PhD applicants) and/or internship experience is also considered. Most of all, it is crucial that applicants write a well-defined statement of purpose that clearly identifies their research interests and how their interests relate to current research being conducted by members of the graduate field faculty. We also look for letters of recommendation that indicate a clear knowledge of the applicant's skills, accomplishments, and character.

On average, 9-14 Ph.D., 3 M.S., and 14-20 M.F.S. students are accepted each year.

Students do not need to hold an M.S. degree to apply for the Ph.D. program, and can apply directly with a B.A./B.S. or equivalent Bachelor's degree. Ph.D. Acceptance Rate: 17% M.S. Acceptance Rate: 3%

Fall : All applicants should be notified by March 15 for the Ph.D. and M.S. programs; M.F.S. applicants will receive their decision by April 1.

Spring : All applicants should be notified by October 15.

Fall : November 15.

Spring : April 15.

Degree Completion Questions

All new M.S. and Ph.D. students enter the program with their Committee Chair already identified. They need to identify the rest of their Special Committee by the end of the first semester.

On average, most students finish the Ph.D. program in approximately 4 years.

Form a Special Committee with one Chair and two minor members by the start of the second semester.

Successful completion of three exams:

• Q exam – completed before start of the second semester
• A exam – completed after finishing two registration units but before the seventh semester
• B exam – taken after completing all degree requirements, but not earlier than one month before competing six registration units

Most students typically complete the M.S. degree in approximately 2 years.

Form a Special Committee with one Chair and one minor member by the start of the second semester.

Successful completion of two exams:

• MS Q exam – completed before start of the second semester
• MS exam – taken after completing all degree requirements

M.F.S. students enter the program with an advisor already assigned; however, students have until the third week of classes to finalize their M.F.S. advisor.

The M.F.S. program is typically completed in 2-3 semesters.

• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours related to the candidate's professional interest, as agreed upon with the advisor.
• Satisfactory completion of a problem-solving project under the supervision of the advisor. This project may be an action program, the development of a plan of attack for a pertinent problem, the development of materials or methodology suited to the student's situation, or the development and execution of research appropriate to the profession. A formal project report must be submitted to and approved by the student’s advisor.
• Completion of the degree within four years of admission

Tour Cornell

Visit stocking hall.

Prospective Food Science & Technology graduate students visiting the Cornell campus should plan their visit thoughtfully. The Graduate Field Office of Food Science & Technology is happy to assist you in the coordination of your visit.

• Start by filling out our online Visit Request Form .

There are many opportunities to learn about Cornell's campus community beyond the Field of Food Science & Technology. Browse information sessions, tours, activities, attractions and other campus events, and add them to an itinerary as with an online shopping cart.

• Registration is required for all visitors.

Overnight Accommodations

There are many options for overnight accommodations in Ithaca , including the Statler Hotel on Cornell's campus.

Visit Alternatives

• Watch the latest interviews, lectures, and Cornell video productions on CornellCast
• Get the inside scoop with Cornell Daily Sun student-run newspaper
• Check out the live view of campus
• See when Cornell will be in your hometown !

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="cornell phd application requirements"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Requirements.

Graduate research at Cornell is bound by a philosophy of academic freedom and flexibility.

Graduate School requirements vary by degree program. With the exception of some professional master’s degree programs, the Graduate School imposes no requirements for credits or courses. Research students have the freedom to shape a course of study that cuts across interrelated field offerings, while working within an academic framework developed with a Special Committee of faculty advisors chosen by the student.

The Code of Legislation sets forth the rules governing graduate education as established by the graduate faculty of Cornell University. Students should familiarize themselves with the content of the Code and how it pertains to their programs. The complete Code is available for download .

Getting Started

After enrolling at Cornell, all graduate and professional students must register each semester until they graduate with the exception of students who take leaves of absence or withdraw. Research students must select a Special Committee as well. 

• Academic Structure
• Enrollment in Your Program
• Enrolling in Courses
• Finding Administrative Help

Academic Requirements

Research students take an active role in defining their degree programs.  With few exceptions, there are minimal requirements for total credit hours or required courses.

• Making Academic Progress
• Nominating Your Special Committee
• Advancing to Doctoral Candidacy
• Defending Your Thesis or Dissertation
• Taking Exams
• Petitioning for Exceptions
• Responsible Conduct of Research

Every graduate student pursuing a research degree is required to complete training on Responsible Conduct of Research, addressing issues of authorship, peer review, plagiarism, and research misconduct.

• Student Progress Review

The annual Student Progress Review supports the regular exchange of constructive, written feedback between advisees and advisors.

Managing Change

Students may wish to change committees, fields, programs, or enrollment status.

• Changing Your Committee
• Changing Your Field or Program
• Changing Your Status
• Educational Opportunities Off Campus

Cornell students may participate in an Exchange Scholar program with other universities and may register in absentia to conduct approved research or study 100 miles or more away from the Cornell campus while still under the guidance of their Special Committees.

• In Absentia

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Graduate Admissions: Architecture

Apply now for the Master of Architecture (Professional) Program

Apply now for Cornell AAP's Graduate Programs

• Master of Architecture (Professional) (M.Arch.)
• Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (Post-Professional) (M.S. AAD)
• Master of Science in Advanced Urban Design (Post-Professional) (M.S. AUD)

Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Architecture and Urban Development (Ph.D. HAUD)

Master of architecture (professional) .

The Department of Architecture has the following admissions requirements for the professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program:

• Individuals must hold a bachelor's degree in any field. Some students may have previous backgrounds in a design discipline or may hold preprofessional undergraduate degrees in a design discipline.
• Admission may also be offered to individuals with no previous experience in design, but who exhibit talent and promise in a design-related activity or interest. Individuals who have completed a four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in a field other than architecture are eligible for admission. Preference for admission is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education, including studies in the arts, sciences, and the humanities.
• Once admitted into the program, applicants receive a class equivalency information packet. Applicants will have the opportunity to submit class syllabi and transcripts from previous class work for review by a faculty member charged with reviewing that area of study (history, building technology, professional practice, etc.). Faculty members then determine if equivalency credit is appropriate. Please note that for ARCH 5511 Freehand Drawing, and ARCH 5512 Digital Drawing, applicants must submit a portfolio of relevant work done in those classes along with the class syllabi and transcripts. Applicants should prepare these materials in advance so they can be submitted promptly if an offer of admission is made. Only course equivalency materials received before May 7 can be considered. We will not accept course equivalency materials before an offer of admission is made.
• Learn more about the M.Arch. program.
• The M.Arch. degree is NAAB accredited. Learn more about AAP's NAAB-accredited programs.

Application and Portfolio Requirements

The deadline for receiving application materials for the M.Arch. program is January 3 . This includes the portfolio, which must be submitted at the same time as the rest of the application. There is no spring semester admission. Students interested in the M.Arch. program must submit an online application with supporting documentation including:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from each college or university previously attended
• TOEFL or IELTS exam for non-native English speakers 
• One- or two-page printed statement outlining interests and intents for graduate study in the M.Arch. program. Please relate these intents to previous design and academic experience, and to future goals. The applicant's full name and "Master of Architecture (Professional)" must be included at the top of each page.
• A portfolio of creative work must be submitted online via the CollegeNET application. Portfolios must be no larger than 20 MB or they will not successfully upload. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio that consists of a maximum of 20 pages representing the applicant's best work, including drawings, images of two- or three-dimensional work, and models. The entire portfolio must be uploaded as one PDF file, using a landscape (horizontal) format for each page, to ensure that the width of the screen is maximally used to view each portfolio page (approximately a 4:3 ratio). If any project, drawing, or model has been produced by several designers, or if the design was produced in a professional setting, each drawing must be labeled, clearly stating the number of designers, which drawings were produced by the applicant, and a list of the names of all members of the group project. If the project was produced in an office, an office setting, or as an assistant to an author, the office name, supervisor, and all members of the team must be identified. Please note: The portfolio must be uploaded at the same time as the application (deadline January 3). Please plan your application process accordingly.
• The GRE general test is no longer a required component of the application.
• Apply now to the M. Arch. program

Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (Post-Professional) (M.S. AAD):

The Department of Architecture has specific requirements for the admissions process for the Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (M.S. AAD) program:

• Students holding a professional bachelor of architecture degree (B.Arch.) or a professional master of architecture degree (M.Arch.) may be admitted as candidates for the post-professional M.S. AAD program. International students must submit an official certification that the degree held is a professional degree entitling them to practice architecture in their country.
• Learn more about the M.S. AAD program

The deadline for receiving application materials for the M.S. AAD program is January 3 . This includes the portfolio, which must be submitted at the same time as the rest of the application. There is no spring semester admission. Students interested in the M.S. AAD program must submit an online application with supporting documentation including:

• One- or two-page academic statement of purpose or statement of research intents for graduate study in the M.S. AAD program. This statement should describe a critical topic you wish to investigate at Cornell, including any past work in this area.
• A portfolio of creative work must be submitted online via the CollegeNET application. Portfolios must be no larger than 20 MB or they will not successfully upload. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio that should represent the applicant's best work and consist mainly of reproductions of 20 to 30 pieces of creative drawings, two-or-three dimensional work, and models. The entire portfolio must be uploaded as one PDF file, using a landscape (horizontal) format for each page, to ensure that the width of the screen is maximally used to view each portfolio page (approximately a 4:3 ratio). If any portfolio project, drawing, or model has been produced by several designers or if the design was produced in a professional setting, each drawing must be labeled, clearly stating the number of designers, which drawings or details of drawings were produced by the applicant and a list of the names of all members of the group project. If the project was produced in an office, an office setting, or as an assistant to an author, the office name, supervisor, and all members of the team must be identified. Please note: The portfolio must be uploaded at the same time as the application is submitted (deadline January 3). Please plan your application process accordingly.
• The GRE general test is no longer a required component of the application, but is optional.
• The application process for the M.S. AAD should be used by students applying to the three-semester (one-year) post-professional program. Students interested in applying to the four-semester option should contact [email protected] for more information and instructions.
• Apply now to the M.S. AAD program

Master of Science in Advanced Urban Design (Post-Professional) (M.S. AUD):

The Department of Architecture has specific requirements for the admissions process for the M.S. AUD program:

• Students holding a professional bachelor of architecture degree (B.Arch.) or a professional master of architecture degree (M.Arch.) may be admitted as candidates for the post-professional M.S. AUD program. International students must submit an official certification that the degree held is a professional degree entitling them to practice architecture in their country.
• Learn more about the M.S. AUD program

The deadline for receiving application materials for the M.S. AUD program is January 3 . This includes the portfolio, which must be submitted at the same time as the rest of the application. There is no spring semester admission. Students interested in the M.S. AUD program must submit an online application with supporting documentation including:

• One- or two-page academic statement of purpose or statement of research intents for graduate study in the M.S. AUD program. This statement should describe a critical topic you wish to investigate at Cornell, including any past work in this area.
• The GRE general test is not a required component of the application, but is optional.
• Apply now to the M.S. AUD program  

In addition to the Ph.D. HAUD admissions requirements of the Graduate School at Cornell University , the Department of Architecture has specific requirements for the admissions process for the Ph.D. HAUD program:

• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in architecture, archaeology, history, history of art, anthropology, or an undergraduate degree in any area and appropriate experience in the field. Degree candidates must have proficiency in two languages other than English before beginning the second year of study.
• Learn more about the Ph.D. HAUD program
• Apply now to the Ph.D. HAUD program

'I never imagined a degree in philosophy could have such broad application'

Derrick Jones: Philosophy

A&S Communications

Derrick Jones

Philosophy Joliet, Ill. 

Why did you choose Cornell?

I'm very fortunate to be a full-time employee at Cornell and to have taken advantage of the employee degree program.

What was your favorite class and why?

I don't have just one favorite class, as there are too many choices. However, two classes at the top of my list would be PHIL 3475 (Philosophy of Punishment) and MUSIC 2370 (Planet Rap). I had some great discussions and debates about crime and punishment in Phil 3475 that made me rethink some of my opinions. I still refer back to the notes and discussions from time to time. Planet Rap was awesome because I learned far more than I expected. Although I grew up in the early days of hip-hop, I discovered there was so much that I did not know about its history and its global spread. That class was a real eye-opener for me.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

I work in IT security here at Cornell, which can be stressful at times because the stakes are so high with Internet security. Although I've always prided myself on being an analytical thinker, my studies in philosophy have taken this skill to new heights. Over the years of pursuing this degree, I have applied the tools of analytic philosophy to my job with significant effect. I've used these tools to settle disputes, keep complex projects on track, and communicate more effectively. I never imagined a degree in philosophy could have such broad application.

How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?

I've learned the value of entertaining an idea or alternative perspective, even if I do not adopt it. It helps me better understand where the other person is coming from and to see them in their humanity instead of just an opposing idea. I also learned not to take myself too seriously.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

I have to say my wife and my oldest daughter influenced my education the most. My oldest is finishing her Ph.D, and watching her has inspired me. The discussions (eh hem, debates) we've had about philosophy, politics and history have kept me on my toes. She has always been there to push me intellectually, even when I didn't want to be pushed. It made me a better thinker and student. My wife has been a constant source of encouragement and a sounding board when I struggled with challenging assignments. Her side eye when she knew I was procrastinating was often enough to get me back on task and to push through.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.  Read more about the Class of 202 4.

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How to Apply to Capella University

Admission requirements.

Choosing a degree program or certificate is the hard part. Applying should be easy.

• Admission Requirements

Before you apply: admission requirements

All Capella applicants must meet the following admissions criteria. Some degree programs and certificates have additional requirements. GRE, GMAT, SAT or ACT are not required for admission. Take a look at the requirements and find everything you need to start your application.

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Identification

Applicants must provide a valid, government-issued form of photo identification.

Transcripts

Provide copies of official transcripts from previous institutions for relevant coursework.

Minimum GPA

Each program has specific minimum GPA requirements for admission.

Acknowledgment agreement

Agree to abide by Capella policies and program requirements.

English proficiency

All applicants must understand, read, speak and write fluently in English.

Are you an international student?

• Individual programs
• Learning format requirements

Some Capella degree programs have additional admission requirements. See the program page or ask an enrollment counselor for details. These requirements may include:

• Forms and documents disclosing licensure information, background and work experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Essay or writing sample
• Faculty interview
• Registration acknowledgement form
• Master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
• Your official master’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission. Also, admission requirements for international students may differ.

Learn more about doctoral programs at Capella

• Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, or from an internationally recognized institution
• Your official bachelor’s transcripts
• Minimum GPA as determined by your chosen program

Certain degree programs – such as counseling, social work, and nursing – may have additional requirements. International students also must submit proof of English proficiency and transcript evaluation.

While some institutions may ask for scores from the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT, these tests are not required as part of admission for Capella.

Learn more about master’s programs at Capella

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Transcript of any reported GED
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
• Must be least 24 years old (may be waived for military/veteran applicants, those with at least 24 quarter credits of prior college/university coursework, and Capella Jumpstart participants)

SAT and ACT are not required for admission.

Learn more about bachelor’s programs at Capella

• Certificate students and students taking individual courses must meet the minimum education requirements determined by the degree level of their course registration.
• Bachelor’s students must be least 24 years old (may be waived for military/veteran applicants and those with at least 24 quarter credits of prior college/university coursework) and must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Master’s students must have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.
• Doctoral students must have a master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.

Bachelor’s programs

• 45 applicable college credits
• The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits (Applicants with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits,  may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review.)

Master’s programs

• Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 (Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review.)
• Some programs require that your bachelor’s degree be in your intended field of study, or that you have a minimum amount of relevant, professional experience in that field.

Don’t qualify for FlexPath? You have the option to start your program in our GuidedPath format. When you successfully complete a set number of courses at a 2.8 GPA or higher, you can transfer into FlexPath.

When you apply: how the Capella University application works

Once you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and gathered your materials, you’re ready to start your application. If you need more time, you can always save and finish it later.

1. Create your account

Create or log in to your account. This is where you can save your progress, pick up where you left off, check your status or start another application.

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Provide transcripts from past universities, including military and other providers such as Sophia or StraighterLine. With your permission, we’ll request transcripts. Once we receive them, we’ll apply eligible transfer credits to your program.

4. Upload additional materials

Depending on your program, you may need to provide additional materials, such as letters of recommendation, your resume, licensure information or assessments.

5. Submit application

Apply today with no application fee and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

After you apply: financial aid and transfer credits

You’ll receive a decision on admission within two weeks of submitting your application. If you’re accepted and enroll in a program, we recommend that you create a financing plan and visit our online campus.

Financial aid

You may qualify for federal loans or grants to help fund your degree.

Transfer credits

In some cases, your transfer credit evaluations will be completed after you are admitted.

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Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for eligible new students and are not need-based.

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Graduate Program

Our Ph.D. program field faculty consists of 91 economists drawn from the Economics Department and other departments and colleges across the university, offering students many opportunities. Students can focus their doctoral research on a wide range of economics-related topics provided at least two Ph.D. program field faculty members approve the topic and agree to supervise the student. 

To view our Ph.D. program field faculty, click here .

The Economics Department is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and positive climate for all at Cornell University and in the Economics profession more broadly.  Learn more about our diversity and inclusion initiatives here.

Job Market Candidates

The department is proud to support and promote the work of our Ph.D. students who are seeking employment following the completion of their doctoral program. At Cornell University, economists are trained in many departments, schools and colleges, and as a part of multiple graduate fields.  All Ph.D. job candidates with training in economics are listed here .  The following websites include the subset of students who are receiving their degrees in Fields outside of Economics:  Field of Policy Analysis and Management  and  Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management .

More About the Graduate Program

Economics news.

New research initiative tackles pressing global development issues

CIDER unites 24 faculty across campus and the world, along with students, staff, researchers and external partners, to create and share knowledge.

'Our team's research contributes directly to scalable solutions for global environmental issues'

Sophia Su is an economics major.

'Science has a wide community and you can always find people to help'

Shiva Dahagam is a chemistry, biology and economics major.

'I want to keep learning, about people, about culture, about myself'

Emilie Boisrenoult is an economics major.

'Entertain the notion that your "requirements" are actually opportunities'

Adelyn Carney is a mathematics & economics major.

Finding your calling at Cornell

Three members of the A&S Class of 2024 share wisdom for incoming students about taking advantage of all of Cornell's resources.

Musical alumnus: Pivoting to a new career was worth the wait

Paul Jensen ’85 had a successful career in public relations, but when he left his job at a big agency four years ago, he was longing to get back to something he loved and missed: his music.

2024 Cornell Economics Commencement Ceremony

2024 Cornell Economics Commencement Ceremony information.

Upcoming Events

Student Grant Program Application Process

Student and faculty applicants must identify each other and develop a research proposal together before applying for a research award through Engineering Learning Initiatives.

Once faculty and student have agreed upon a proposal idea, each must separately complete and submit online applications.

You may preview application questions at these links.

Preview Faculty Application Questions

Preview Student Application Questions

Once faculty and student have agreed upon a proposal idea, and a plan for the research term, each must separately complete and submit online applications.  The faculty application must be submitted first.  The student will use the faculty application ID number to link their submissions.  The ID number screen will appear a few seconds after the faculty mentor clicks "Submit" to submit the faculty application. Be sure to write this number down.  The student will need it in order to submit the student application.

We recommend preparing your responses using a separate save-able document, and then pasting your responses into the application system once they are ready.  Student applicants should be sure to ask their faculty mentors to review their drafted application responses prior to submitting.  This will give you the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from your mentor, and to ensure that the mentor and student pieces are in full alignment.

Faculty Application

Student Application

To encourage high quality applications from students, we require all undergraduate applicants to obtain faculty approval for their proposals before submission.  We ask that each faculty mentor review the student’s project proposal and personal statement.  The faculty mentor should give his or her application ID number to the student, to enable submission of the student application, only after the mentor has reviewed and approved the student’s proposal and statement.  Once approval has been secured, the student must then submit the online student application before the application deadline.

Please be aware that undergraduate research funds are available only for undergraduate students currently enrolled in the College of Engineering and Biological or Environmental Engineering (BEE) majors.

Important note:  New word/character count maximums have been imposed on responses to each application question.  Please use your word processing software to check the word/character counts on your responses before pasting them into the application response boxes.  Responses that are too long will be truncated upon submission, such that any words beyond the limit will not appear for reviewers.  Maximums are being enforced in order to keep review times reasonable.  Please answer the questions with clear responses that are brief and to-the-point.

Projects Involving Multiple Students

Projects usually involve one student and one professor, although some projects may involve student teams.

Student Project Team  proposals will not be considered for funding through the Engineering Learning Initiatives Student Undergraduate Research Grants Program.  Teams of students working together with faculty mentors in faculty research programs may still apply as undergraduate research teams.  However, Student Project Teams - largely student-run, competitive design teams - should not apply through this program.  They will have the opportunity to be considered for College funding through a separate process.

If you are a faculty advisor who is considering applying for support for multiple students or your research team, please follow the bulleted guidelines below:

• If applying for team funding, the faculty advisor should submit one team application, listing the names of all student applicants on the team.  Each team member must submit an individual application.  The team application will be considered as a whole, and, if approved, awarded team funding.  Individual team members will not be considered separately for individual funding.
• Please note:  Team applications are discouraged during the summer term for cases in which full student wages are required for each team member.  Due to the high costs of summer support, individual applications typically have a greater chance of success.  
• If applying for individual funding for more than one student, please submit a separate application for each, with a unique project title, reflecting the specific research focus of each student.   A maximum of 2 proposals per faculty member are allowable in any funding term.
• Selection Criteria
• Program Requirements
• Funding and Sources