cornell university phd economics

Historical Placement of Ph.D. Students

The program of study is designed to train for research careers as faculty in public policy programs, public health programs, and other academic programs, and for non-academic research careers in think tanks, private consulting, government, or the not-for-profit sector.

At Cornell University, economists are trained in many departments, schools and colleges, and as a part of multiple graduate fields. All Cornell Ph.D. graduates with training in economics are listed here. 

MPS in Applied Economics and Management Degree

Applied economics and management master’s program: finding your niche, furthering your career.

Address real-world problems, gain technical skills, develop specialized industry knowledge—and earn an Ivy League graduate degree—in about one year.

The STEM-designated Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Economics and Management from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University is designed with flexibility in mind. With six concentration areas, a host of electives available from across the college of business, and plenty of hands-on learning experiences, this program can be tailored to fit your goals—no matter where you are on your career trajectory.

What Makes Our MPS in Applied Economics and Management Unique?

At the Dyson School, you can expect to learn from a diverse and distinguished faculty, participate in enriching classroom discussions, embark on a real-world problem-solving project, and find career planning resources and support. Our MPS in AEM degree stands out from other applied economics or management master’s programs in many ways, including:

Exclusive International Opportunities

In addition to a rigorous curriculum and the signature capstone project , the Dyson School offers the option to pursue an international business credential . Cornell is the only university in the US to offer the CEMS Master in International Management . In partnership with the Paris-based CEMS, a global educational alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies, and nongovernmental organizations, this program includes a semester-long experience at a top-tier international business school.

Campus-Wide Connections and Collaborations

The Dyson School is part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business , which is also home to the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management . With three schools under one roof, plus access to other schools and colleges at Cornell, you’ll get to explore topics, interact with faculty, meet peers, and find opportunities outside your immediate area of study.

Expansive Alumni and Employer Network

The value of a graduate degree from the Dyson School extends beyond academics. The people you meet during your time on campus—as well as Cornellians around the world—remain connected through the Big Red Alumni Network . These connections pave the way for capstone project partnerships, mentorship, and employment .

Program Overview: The MPS in Applied Economics and Management at a Glance

Our STEM-designated master’s in applied economics and management is a flexible graduate program that prepares you for career advancement in a variety of fields.

Degree Awarded

MPS in Applied Economics and Management

Program Format

Full-time residential and STEM-designated

Program Schedule

Our Curriculum: What and How You’ll Learn at the Dyson School

This is a fast-paced one-year program. Your 30 credit hours will include core requirements in three main areas: quantitative/computational methods, leadership, and management communication. You’ll also participate in a team-based, problem-solving capstone project with an industry partner. 

You’ll be able to customize your MPS in AEM degree based on your professional goals and interests by choosing a concentration area and rounding out your coursework with electives from hundreds of options across Cornell.

Choose a Concentration: Gain Specialized Skills and Knowledge

No matter where you are in your career—or where you want to go—specialized knowledge will set you apart. At the Dyson School, you’ll customize your MPS in AEM degree by choosing one of six industry-focused concentrations. 

Your concentration accounts for about one-third of your graduate coursework; it’s also where you’ll find your academic advisor. Throughout the program, you’ll get personalized academic and career guidance from a subject matter expert in your field of interest.

• Behavioral Finance

Examine the personal influences and biases that impact everyday investment and financial decisions. Bringing together aspects of psychology, economic theory, and finance, this concentration prepares you to better understand how emotion can impact financial decisions. Studying behavioral finance can help you make more accurate predictions and provide sounder guidance to the organizations or individuals you’re working with. 

Core and elective class options include: 

• Behavioral Economics & Managerial Decisions
• Financial Modeling & Analysis
• Valuation of Corporate Investment

Behavioral Marketing

Learn what makes your target audience tick . A concentration in behavioral marketing combines business and the social sciences to give you a better understanding of today’s consumers in general—and prepares you to apply what you’ve learned to your specific niche. Throughout your coursework, you’ll learn how to use data to attract the right users, nurture those relationships, and boost performance (and the bottom line). 

Core and elective course options include: 

• Consumer Neuroscience
• Advertising Strategy 
• Brand Management

Business of Food

Grow your awareness of economic, marketing, and management issues facing food production and distribution. Grounded in the sustainable production and consumption of food, this multidisciplinary concentration offers a wide range of courses and practical learning experiences. The Dyson School’s connection to Cornell’s agricultural roots means you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) .

• Supply Chain Strategy and Supermarket Simulation
• Economics of Food and Malnutrition
• Sensory Evaluation of Food
• Agriculture, Food, Sustainability, and Social Justice

International & Development Economics

Expand your knowledge of market forces and economic challenges around the globe.  

Whether you’re looking to lead an NGO, get more involved on the policy side of business, or pursue a career in research, this concentration will broaden your understanding of pressing societal issues, from public health and human rights to infrastructure and the environment.

Core and elective class options include:

• Emerging Markets
• Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus
• Product Design and International Development
• Natural Resources and Economic Development

Sustainable Business & Economic Policy

Study the interrelationships among business, the economy, and the environment. In this concentration, you will examine the role of sustainability in business and economic development, from clean technology to environmental protection. You’ll also learn how to design policies and management strategies that help organizations become better stewards of natural resources. 

• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Strategies for Sustainability
• Business and Economics of Energy 
• Corporate Sustainability

Technology Management

Deepen your understanding of management strategies surrounding innovation and entrepreneurship. In the technology management concentration, you’ll learn about business processes and practices that facilitate the creation and successful launch of new technologies. You’ll develop the entrepreneurial mindset needed to enact change in organizations and markets. 

• Digital Business Strategy
• Predictive Analytics in Business Strategy
• Strategic Management of Innovation
• Industrial Organization, Consulting and Business Strategy

Capstone Projects: Gain Practical Professional Experience

One of the hallmarks of the MPS in Applied Economics and Management program is the yearlong, problem-solving capstone project. You and a team of peers will address a contemporary managerial or economic issue and have the option to work alongside an industry partner. You’ll gain experience with project planning and team management; data collection and analysis; and presenting and communicating your insights.

Challenge accepted. One recent student team researched consumer shopping habits with an eye toward reducing food waste, while another explored how telehealth became more widely adopted and accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are just a few examples of how MPS in AEM students turn challenges into solutions across sectors and industries for real-world clients.

Why STEM-Designated Matters: An MPS Degree for Today’s Professionals

The Dyson School has always prepared students for the ever-evolving fields of applied economics and management. Today, that means ensuring your education covers the technical competencies demanded by employers. Our STEM-designated MPS in Applied Economics and Management program includes coursework in econometrics, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in business, and Python programming.

Among our six industry-focused concentrations is technology management; the required and elective coursework in this area dives deep into strategic innovation in digital industries.

CEMS MIM: An International Opportunity Only Available at the Dyson School

The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is an international business credential that can strengthen your employment opportunities, especially if you’re interested in pursuing a career with a multinational corporation.

In partnership with CEMS, a global alliance in management education, this prestigious international program allows you to spend a semester abroad at another top-tier business school—and Cornell University is the only institution in the United States to offer this certificate. Through the study abroad component, a rigorous international curriculum, and engaged project work, you’ll build cultural competency, develop professional connections, and gain an incredible edge in today’s global economy.

Our Faculty: Learn from Dedicated, Experienced Scholar-Practitioners

The Dyson School—and the greater SC Johnson College—is home to a renowned faculty with a wide range of expertise. You’ll learn from award-winning educators, widely published scholars, and industry-leading practitioners. Their engagement goes beyond the classroom; they also serve as academic advisors and career mentors.

Our Director: Meet Professor Aija Leiponen

An expert in innovation strategy in digital industries, Professor Aija Leiponen is fascinated by the emergence of decentralized platforms and applications based on blockchain technology. Her recent research examines the conflicts and cooperation in wireless communication standard development and explores the implications of markets for big data.

As program director, Leiponen works with faculty, staff, partners, and alumni to ensure the AEM curriculum stays relevant and that learning and networking experiences stay plentiful. Also part of the program faculty, Leiponen teaches in the technology management concentration.

Career Support: Networking and Professional Development Opportunities at the Dyson School

Our graduates advance in their companies, pursue management positions with other organizations, switch industries, and start careers in entirely new industries. Wherever you hope to go after earning your applied economics and management master’s degree, we can help you get there. 

Our career management team offers assistance with self-marketing campaigns, one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online resources. Career support isn’t just an office or a service; it ranges from networking with industry partners through your capstone project to finding an alumni mentor.

The Dyson School Experience: A Connected, Collaborative Community

As a graduate student at the Dyson School, you’ll find a strong community that facilitates connections with classmates, faculty, and staff. From team-based projects to social gatherings, you’ll be surrounded by ambitious peers from not just the MPS in AEM program, but other graduate programs across the college of business.

Our Program

The Dyson School’s flexible, industry-relevant MPS in AEM program offers an unparalleled graduate school experience. We combine Ivy League rigor with practical experiences to prepare you for professional success in a global, technologically driven economy. You’ll learn from a world-class faculty , engage with industry partners, receive personalized career support , and have access to exclusive international learning opportunities .

The Dyson School is an exciting place to learn. With stately academic buildings, stunning scenery, and a steady stream of activity, Cornell University is located in the vibrant college town of Ithaca, NY. We’d love to show you around campus, whether you meet us in person on the AgQuad for an upcoming social or explore from home. In the Finger Lakes region of New York, you’ll have much to see and do beyond campus.

Our Expertise

The Dyson School is highly regarded in financial services, consulting, technology, consumer packaged goods, and agribusiness, among other areas. Our faculty members are among the world’s leading scholars, innovators, and practitioners in these fields—and curriculum and student opportunities reflect this expertise.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DYSON

MPS in Applied Economics and Management Admissions

If the MPS in AEM program at the Dyson School feels like the right fit for your next educational endeavor, we can’t wait to learn more about you and your professional goals. As you plan to apply, you’ll need to gather and prepare items such as your statement of purpose, a video essay, and letters of recommendation. 

Our MPS in AEM admissions page has all of the details you’ll need to get started, including an overview of the process and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

VIEW ADMISSIONS DETAILS

Dates and Deadlines: A Look at the Admissions Timeline

Interested in applying to the Dyson School’s MPS in Applied Economics and Management program? Our application period opens in the fall, and you’ll have a few rounds of deadlines to consider.

• December 1 Round One
• January 15 Round Two*
• March 1 Round Three
• April 15 Round Four

* CEMS MIM applicants must submit a complete application by January 15. International applicants are encouraged to apply in rounds one and two.

Request Information: Learn More about Our Applied Economics Graduate Program

Exploring economics master’s degrees and want to learn more about the Dyson School’s program? Our admissions team is here to answer your questions about everything from course requirements to the application process. Just complete the information request form, and someone will be in touch soon.

The Dyson School MPS in AEM Degree: Your Questions Answered

There’s a lot to consider as you research and compare graduate programs. In this section, we answer a few of the most common questions we get about the Dyson School’s MPS in Applied Economics and Management degree. If the information you need isn’t covered here, contact our admissions team ; they’re happy to help.

Is Applied Economics a Good Major?

At the Dyson School, students take on real global challenges through an immersive and collaborative learning experience. By studying in our Applied Economics and Management program (it’s more than just an applied economics major), you will develop critical thinking skills, an analytical approach to problem-solving, proficiency in data analysis, and knowledge of financial and economic concepts.

How Much Does the MPS AEM Degree Program Cost?

The tuition rate for the 2023–2024 academic year is $32,602 per semester, and the MPS in Applied Economics and Management program is two semesters long. As a general guideline, Cornell has experienced an average annual tuition increase of 3 to 5 percent in recent years. MPS students typically fund their tuition and expenses with a combination of federal and private student loans. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for merit-based scholarships, and most aid is awarded in the earlier rounds of admission. For more information on tuition and the costs of attendance for the MPS in AEM, see the Graduate School page on costs and funding .

Does the MPS in Applied Economics and Management Have an Early Admission Program for Cornell Undergraduates?

Yes, Cornell undergraduates can begin working on MPS requirements during their final semester of undergraduate studies.

If you are a Cornell undergraduate who wants to pursue the MPS in Applied Economics and Management, we offer an early admission option that allows you to get a head start on your graduate work. You may apply during your junior year of undergraduate studies if, at the start of your senior year, you will have no more than eight credits remaining to complete your bachelor’s degree. Once you are accepted, you may begin work on your MPS AEM program while you are completing the requirements for your undergraduate degree.

Eligibility

Minimum requirements for early admission to the MPS AEM program are:

• Be in your junior year as a Cornell undergraduate.
• Have no more than eight credits left to complete your undergraduate degree at the start of your senior year.
• Have a GPA of at least 2.7—but please note that most admitted applicants have a substantially higher GPA.

To be considered,you must:

• File a complete application for admission to the MPS AEM degree program online through the Graduate School. Be sure to select “early admission” on the educational history page of the application.
• File an early admission petition and course record form with the Graduate field coordinator in the MPS AEM program.

Application Deadlines and Field-Specific Requirements:

You must apply for early admission during your junior year. Refer to the admissions page for deadlines and application requirements.

Please note: The grades of MPS AEM courses you take during your early-admission semester will count toward your undergraduate cumulative GPA.

How Can I Request a Deferral?

Deferrals are rarely granted. In most cases, requests to defer enrollment result in an invitation for a candidate to reapply.

If you are not an applicant: Postpone applying to the program until the application year you intend to enroll.

If you are an applicant: Withdraw your application from consideration and apply again in the application year you intend to enroll.

If you have been admitted: Do not submit the nonrefundable enrollment deposit; notify the admissions office that you are not able to accept the offer of admission.

Where Will I Live While in School?

Graduate student housing is available on and off campus within walking, biking, or a bus ride’s distance from campus. Visit the Graduate School website for more information on housing and living in Ithaca .

Is Student Visa Assistance Offered for International Students?

Yes. Cornell’s Office of Global Learning assists international students with student visa applications.

Can I Change My Concentration After I Submit My Application?

No. You are required to select a concentration when you apply. Your application is reviewed by a faculty committee specific to your concentration, and your offer letter will be specific to your concentration.

Next Steps: Applying to the Dyson School

Ready to take your career to the next level with a graduate degree in applied economics from the Dyson School at Cornell University? We encourage you to begin your application today.

To get started, register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.

Because research is the primary focus of the doctoral program , PhD candidates are freed from any requirement to teach as part of their graduate support. PhD candidates are required to complete 3 full course equivalents as a course assistant and make adequate progress toward graduation and work with faculty members on research projects.

• Stipend amount effective July 1, 2023: $44,885
• Full tuition waiver
• Inclusion in the university’s health plan at no charge
• Degree conferred is a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of management, granted by Cornell University

If you would like to apply, you will need to use our  online application . This method offers the convenience of tracking your status, submitting academic records online, and having your application received by the committee for review.

Applicants interested in the Johnson PhD program in economics should complete their application for admission to the graduate field of economics at  gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/applying/apply-now . They should indicate in their statement of purpose that they are interested in working with Johnson faculty members in the economics group, and how their research plans are related to those of one or more of the group’s faculty members.

Application and supplemental material deadline is December 15.

Application Process

To submit a complete application, you need to:

• Complete the  online application  form
• Prepare a statement of purpose
• Prepare a personal statement
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Submit a copy of your transcripts from each institution attended
• Have an official score report on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) sent to the Cornell Graduate School GRE – use school code 2098 GMAT – use school code 5JW-BM-26

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Refer to the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirement Guidelines.

Financial Aid

You apply for financial aid automatically when you send in your application form. We do not require a separate application for financial aid.

Contacts and Further Information

For general information about the Cornell University Graduate School:

Cornell University Graduate School Caldwell Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-2602 www.gradschool.cornell.edu

For specific information about the Management doctoral program, contact:

Doctoral Program 253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607.255.5340 E-mail:   Graduate Research Programs Office

Application, Admission, and Financial Aid FAQs

When can i expect to hear the status of my application.

We download materials from grad school in early January and send them to each area for assessment. Each area makes decisions at different times. We will be in touch when there’s a decision to communicate. Write to us if you have a deadline on another offer you are considering.

My undergraduate GPA is low, but my Master’s GPA is better. What are my chances of admission?

Admissions completes a holistic look at your academic record and academic potential.  Your academic statement, standardized test scores, and recommendation letters also affect admission decisions.

What are the minimum GPA, test scores, etc. to be considered competitive?

We do not provide this information. We are a highly selective and small program.

I am currently in a program and will complete my coursework soon, would it be possible to finish my dissertation in the Management PhD program?

Transfers (including students from other Cornell PhD programs) are through the regular application process. Transfer credits from previous programs are determined by the area faculty on a case-by-case basis, the PhD program office is unable to provide any broad guidelines to applicants in this process.

I have been out of school for several years. How does this affect admission chances?

Several of our students have work experience, and a couple of our best recent placements worked for almost a decade. We look at the totality of applicant strengths.

I am a double degree/major, how should I enter this information?

Describe one degree/major per line in the application, including separating GPAs if you wish.

I don’t have a business undergraduate degree. Will this hurt my admission chances?

No, our students have a variety of college majors like CS, Econ, Stats, Psychology, Sociology, etc.

I am currently in another PhD program. Will this be seen negatively?

No, we have had transfer students in the past. These applications are considered through the regular application process.

My research interests lie in the intersection of two areas. To which area should I apply?

See professor profiles in both areas to look for a research interest match.

Can I request an application fee waiver?

The Graduate School has detailed information on how to request an application fee waiver.

Do you have a cutoff for GRE/ GMAT scores?

We do not, but we rarely admit students with scores below 90-95 percent.

What is the institution code for submitting test scores?

You don’t need to add extensions to this. You can choose 01 (grad school) or 02 (management).

I applied last admission cycle, can I use my previous letters of recommendation?

Yes, once you have submitted your application, reach out to [email protected] to request your previously submitted letters be added to your application package.

I have applied to another field and also want to apply to Management at Cornell. Can I do this?

No, you have to pick one. If the first rejects you, you can ask for your application to then be transferred to the second option for consideration.

I am interested in both the Masters and PhD programs, can I apply to the MS in Management program and to the PhD in Management program?

Yes, it is up to you to disclose this information on your application.

How much funding do you offer?

We provide full tuition, health insurance, and a competitive stipend for 5 years. We have students with families who live on this stipend, you have to pay insurance for your family yourself. We only make fully-funded offers. We share these numbers in our offer of admission.

I am an employee of Cornell, can I apply for the PhD in Management program?

Unfortunately no, our PhD in Management program is full-time residential.

Cornell University does not offer a separate Masters of Science (MS) degree program in the field of Statistics. Applicants interested in obtaining a masters-level degree in statistics should consider applying to Cornell's MPS Program in Applied Statistics.

Choosing a Field of Study

There are many graduate fields of study at Cornell University. The best choice of graduate field in which to pursue a degree depends on your major interests. Statistics is a subject that lies at the interface of theory, applications, and computing. Statisticians must therefore possess a broad spectrum of skills, including expertise in statistical theory, study design, data analysis, probability, computing, and mathematics. Statisticians must also be expert communicators, with the ability to formulate complex research questions in appropriate statistical terms, explain statistical concepts and methods to their collaborators, and assist them in properly communicating their results. If the study of statistics is your major interest then you should seriously consider applying to the Field of Statistics.

There are also several related fields that may fit even better with your interests and career goals. For example, if you are mainly interested in mathematics and computation as they relate to modeling genetics and other biological processes (e.g, protein structure and function, computational neuroscience, biomechanics, population genetics, high throughput genetic scanning), you might consider the Field of Computational Biology . You may wish to consider applying to the Field of Electrical and Computer Engineering if you are interested in the applications of probability and statistics to signal processing, data compression, information theory, and image processing. Those with a background in the social sciences might wish to consider the Field of Industrial and Labor Relations with a major or minor in the subject of Economic and Social Statistics. Strong interest and training in mathematics or probability might lead you to choose the Field of Mathematics . Lastly, if you have a strong mathematics background and an interest in general problem-solving techniques (e.g., optimization and simulation) or applied stochastic processes (e.g., mathematical finance, queuing theory, traffic theory, and inventory theory) you should consider the Field of Operations Research .

Residency Requirements

Students admitted to PhD program must be "in residence" for at least four semesters, although it is generally expected that a PhD will require between 8 and 10 semesters to complete. The chair of your Special Committee awards one residence unit after the satisfactory completion of each semester of full-time study. Fractional units may be awarded for unsatisfactory progress.

Your Advisor and Special Committee

The Director of Graduate Studies is in charge of general issues pertaining to graduate students in the field of Statistics. Upon arrival, a temporary Special Committee is also declared for you, consisting of the Director of Graduate Studies (chair) and two other faculty members in the field of Statistics. This temporary committee shall remain in place until you form your own Special Committee for the purposes of writing your doctoral dissertation. The chair of your Special Committee serves as your primary academic advisor; however, you should always feel free to contact and/or chat with any of the graduate faculty in the field of Statistics.

The formation of a Special Committee for your dissertation research should serve your objective of writing the best possible dissertation. The Graduate School requires that this committee contain at least three members that simultaneously represent a certain combination of subjects and concentrations. The chair of the committee is your principal dissertation advisor and always represents a specified concentration within the subject & field of Statistics. The Graduate School additionally requires PhD students to have at least two minor subjects represented on your special committee. For students in the field of Statistics, these remaining two members must either represent (i) a second concentration within the subject of Statistics, and one external minor subject; or, (ii) two external minor subjects. Each minor advisor must agree to serve on your special committee; as a result, the identification of these minor members should occur at least 6 months prior to your A examination.

Some examples of external minors include Computational Biology, Demography, Computer Science, Economics, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Operations Research. The declaration of an external minor entails selecting (i) a field other than Statistics in which to minor; (ii) a subject & concentration within the specified field; and, (iii) a minor advisor representing this field/subject/concentration that will work with you in setting the minor requirements. Typically, external minors involve gaining knowledge in 3-5 graduate courses in the specified field/subject, though expectations can vary by field and even by the choice of advisor. While any choice of external minor subject is technically acceptable, the requirement that the minor representative serve on your Special Committee strongly suggests that the ideal choice(s) should share some natural connection with your choice of dissertation topic.

The fields, subjects and concentrations represented on your committee must be officially recognized by the Graduate School ; the Degrees, Subjects & Concentrations tab listed under each field of study provides this information. Information on the concentrations available for committee members chosen to represent the subject of Statistics can be found on the Graduate School webpage . 

Statistics PhD Travel Support

The Department of Statistics and Data Science has established a fund for professional travel for graduate students. The intent of the Department is to encourage travel that enhances the Statistics community at Cornell by providing funding for graduate students in statistics that will be presenting at conferences. Please review the Graduate Student Travel Award Policy website for more information. 

Completion of the PhD Degree

In addition to the specified residency requirements, students must meet all program requirements as outlined in Program Course Requirements and Timetables and Evaluations and Examinations, as well as complete a doctoral dissertation approved by your Special Committee. The target time to PhD completion is between 4 and 5 years; the actual time to completion varies by student.

Students should consult both the Guide to Graduate Study and Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty (available at www.gradschool.cornell.edu ) for further information on all academic and procedural matters pertinent to pursuing a graduate degree at Cornell University.

Program of Study

Each Public Policy PhD student completes a course of study designed to produce cutting-edge social science research on policy-relevant topics. Students gain expertise in:

One or more areas of substantive public policy Cutting-edge empirical methods for policy research A social science discipline (Economics, Sociology, Government or by petition, another social science discipline)

The  special committee  is responsible for developing an appropriate course of study with each student. This individualized approach allows students to tailor their academic pursuits to meet their intellectual and professional goals. The program also provides ample opportunities for professional development and support throughout a student’s course of study.

Public Policy PhD students typically spend their first two years immersed in disciplinary coursework, with an emphasis on foundational theory and methods. Common 1st year course sequences include:

Theoretical Economics*  (Micro Theory I & II, Econometrics I & II)

Applied Economics  (Microeconomics for Policy Analysis, Applied Econometrics I & II)

Sociology  (Social Theory I & II, Statistics for Social Research I & II)

Other disciplinary tracks are also accepted by petition.

*Math pre-reqs include: multivariate calculus, linear algebra, real analysis

In the 2nd year, students turn to substantive policy courses in topics such as: labor, education, public, gender, family, race, development, urban, health, behavioral, immigration, and inequality. They also take additional methods courses in areas such as applied econometrics, demography, spatial analysis, computational methods, and qualitative and mixed-methods.

2nd Year Paper

In their 2nd year, Public Policy PhD students also begin work on their 2nd year paper under the supervision of their special committee chair. This is an empirical paper with sufficient promise and contribution that it could potentially be publishable in a peer-reviewed academic journal. As such, this paper is structured like a journal article.  It can be co-authored with faculty, but should be led by the student.  Students begin writing the paper in the Spring of their second year (or earlier), and it is due to their special committee chair on December 15th of their third year. The committee chair is responsible for overseeing and approving the second year paper.  The 2nd year paper form must be submitted to the GFA upon approval by the special committee chair.

A and B Exams

The Graduate School requires two examinations: a comprehensive Admission to Candidacy (“A” exam), taken after the student has earned at least two units of residence credit; and a final examination (“B” exam), given after completion of the doctoral dissertation. The Special Committee conducts these examinations.

Student’s select a Special Committee chair and additional faculty members to create a Special Committee. The Special Committee is responsible, in concert, with the student, to map out a research and academic program. The Graduate School imposes no requirements for courses or grades; your Special Committee will ensure you make appropriate progress and achievement.

To choose a Special Committee, the student must submit a request online from the “Advisor” section of the Student Center. The Graduate School requires that students select a Special Committee  by the end of their third semester of study .

The A exam typically involves completing and orally defending a dissertation proposal and must be completed by the beginning of their 4th year.  The requirement and structures of the A exam are coordinated with the student and the Special Committee Chair. It may involve a written dissertation proposal, a set of powerpoint slides, and an oral presentation of the proposed research followed by questions from the Special Committee. Students are encouraged to meet with their Special Committee Chair periodically throughout the 3 rd  year of study to develop their research ideas and prepare for the A exam.

The A exam must be scheduled with the Graduate School a calendar week before the exam.  The exam must be scheduled using the Schedule A Examination and Research Compliance Form (online).  The student must also make sure that the results of the exam are recorded on the Results for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) (online) at least three business days after the exam.  Both forms can be found here,  Graduate Forms .

The Special Committee passes the A exam if the student has provided sufficient evidence that their proposed dissertation research will meet the standards necessary to obtain a PhD in their field once completed. The Special Committee may pass the A exam outright; they may also conditionally pass the A exam, subject to certain revisions specified by the committee at the end of the exam. The student and committee members must agree to those revisions and a timeline for submitting the revision.

The B exam entails a successful oral defense of the dissertation. Most students complete their B exam at the end of their 5th or 6th year, and should take place no later than the end of the 7th year. (Keep in mind that Public Policy only guarantees funding through the 6 th  year of study.)

Students schedule B exams with the Graduate School at least seven days in advance by submitting a Schedule of Examination Form (available online from the Graduate School).  Exams should be scheduled so that all members of the Special Committee are available to participate in the exam.  A Results of Examinations Form must be filed with the Graduate School within three business days of the examination.  Both forms can be found here,  Graduate Forms .

A and B Exam Deadlines and Requirements

Major Steps for the B Exam

Understanding the steps and associated deadlines in the dissertation/thesis and degree conferral process is necessary to establish a successful plan and realistic timeframe. The major steps are:

• Complete draft dissertation
• Schedule exam
• Make revisions
• Submit final electronic thesis/dissertation (ETD) to the Graduate School

Planning Timeline

The Code of Legislation requires students to submit a completed draft for committee review six weeks prior to scheduling the exam. Submission of the final thesis/dissertation must be within 60 days of the final exam. Students who miss the 60 day submission deadline are ineligible to register in future terms.

Use this checklist to guide your process.

• Complete your research.
• Learn about  thesis and dissertation formatting guidelines .
• Develop a detailed outline for your approach to writing your dissertation or thesis.
• Write the body of text for the dissertation or thesis.
• Complete your draft thesis/dissertation  six weeks prior to your final examination  and submit to all members of your Special Committee.
• Schedule your final exam  one week before your final examination date , and submit a final draft of your dissertation/thesis to each Special Committee member.
• Take your final exam (“B” Exam), oral dissertation defense for PhD candidates, or (“M” Exam) an oral thesis defense for master’s candidates, six-eight weeks before conferral date .
• Make changes as specified by the Special Committee.
• Submit the final electronic version of dissertation or thesis (ETD) to Graduate School using  ProQuest . See  Thesis and Dissertation Submission Process  for instructions.
• Attend  commencement  and celebrate!

For conferral deadlines, please see the Graduate School webpage:  Deadlines

Public Policy PhD students may also earn a PhD minor during their course of study, such as the PhD minor in Demography  offered by the Cornell Population Center or the  PhD minor in Data Science  offered by the Statistics Department.

Terminal Master’s Degree Requirements

Terminal M.S. in Public Policy. On the recommendation of the special committee, a terminal M.S. degree may be awarded to a doctoral student who has: A) earned at least four registration units; and B) received a master’s level pass on a terminal master’s exam or performed at the level of a passed master’s exam on the A exam (without passing the A exam).

M.A. in Economics. Students who meet the following requirements are eligible to be awarded an M.A. in Economics at the time of the A exam (the student can only get one Masters degree at the time of the A exam):

4 RUs, including the semesters during which the first-year Economics PhD sequence is taken

A member of the Graduate Field of Economics is on the Special Committee

Successfully completing the seven-course first-year program in the Field of Economics (currently ECON 6090, 6100, 6130, 6140, 6170, 6190, and 6200) with a grade of B- or better or an explicit waiver from the DGS in Economics.

Passing the Economics Qualifying Exams in Econometrics, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomic Theory at the level of a Pass for Master’s Degree or better.

Passing the A Exam in Public Policy at the PhD level.

• Health Policy and Economics

Our  Master of Science track in Health Policy and Economics  is not like your generic public health degree — in fact, far from it. We train students to become leading policy analysts and researchers working to identify the most effective ways to organize, manage, finance, and deliver high quality healthcare. Students learn to apply advanced research methods such as biostatistics, econometrics, and decision science to evaluate policies and programs while gaining valuable real-world experience under the guidance of a healthcare expert during the culminating capstone project.

This track provides a strong foundation in healthcare research methods with specialized training in health economics, health policy, data analytics, and implementation science. Each student acquires hands-on experience through a faculty-mentored research project that begins in the first term and culminates in a capstone/portfolio final project.

This track also has close ties to other departments within Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell University, Cornell Tech, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months, and part-time students in 18-24 months.

Unique Program

There are great differences between an M.P.H. and our M.S. track in Health Policy and Economics. M.P.H. programs tend to place greater emphasis on public health and epidemiology; contrastingly, we emphasize a broader policy perspective to include payment policy, health insurance coverage, and structural issues related to the healthcare delivery system. Additionally, our program is mostly practice-based while M.P.H. programs tend to be more theoretical. Our goal is to prepare professionals to work effectively in health-related policy positions and serve as well-trained healthcare researchers with strong analytic skills.

We keep our class size and student-to-faculty ratio low so that our students get the most personalized experience possible. Because of this, close mentorship with a faculty member throughout the entirety of the program is provided to all of our students. Many even continue their relationship well beyond becoming alumni and working in their careers.

Opportunities

Our alumni hold positions in data and policy analysis, healthcare consulting, project management, quality improvement, and more. Our alumni are also well-prepared to pursue doctoral studies.

Students learn to develop and evaluate innovative approaches to financing and delivering healthcare using cutting edge research methods, while gaining hands-on experience in data analysis.

Understanding how incentives present in the nation’s healthcare system – from ways that physicians and hospitals are reimbursed to the regulatory requirements for the development and approval of new drugs and medical devices – influence the cost and quality of care is essential to keep up with the changing healthcare landscape and to provide the best care possible. Utilizing cutting-edge statistical approaches, our students learn to conduct rigorous analyses with healthcare data using computing packages such as SAS, Stata, and R. The results of these analyses allow them to better comprehend how changes in health policy and new interventions in the delivery of care may improve the health of people across the country.

Our students have diverse backgrounds including social sciences, basic sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and healthcare administration. Their diversity creates a unique, collaborative learning environment.

Collaboration

Being in New York City is a huge asset for our program. Local institutions collaborating with Weill Cornell Medicine include NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Hospital for Special Surgery, The Rockefeller University, the State Department of Health, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and more.

Our faculty are nationally recognized experts in health policy, economics, health services research, biostatistics, health informatics, cost-effectiveness, and comparative-effectiveness. Our NYC location allows for collaboration between experts and researchers at neighboring institutions such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The culminating capstone project allows students to gain valuable, real-world experience under the guidance of leading healthcare experts to address problems faced by our healthcare system.

Student Handbook

To view the student handbook, click here .

Master's Tracks

• Biostatistics and Data Science
• Health Informatics

Apply to Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School

Contact information.

Chair's Office 402 East 67th Street New York, NY 10065 (646) 962-8009

425 East 61st Street New York, NY 10065 (646) 962-9409

Eighteen receive awards recognizing inclusive excellence

Graduate student honors

By | Katya Hrichak , Cornell University Graduate School

The Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and the Graduate and Professional Student Diversity Council presented the 2024 Distinguished Awards at the Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition Celebration on May 14 in G10 Biotech.

This annual event recognizes the excellence represented within the graduate community and celebrates students for demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing efforts around diversity, inclusion, outreach, and student engagement.

“Each year we take this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work being done in support of our aspiration of making Cornell a community of belonging,” said Sara Xayarath Hernández, associate dean for inclusion and student and faculty engagement. “I am very grateful for the incredible contributions being made by so many throughout the university.”

Faculty and staff were also recognized with awards for their unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion and promoting the personal and professional development of graduate and professional students. These awards include the Casey Moore Impact Award, previously the Unsung Hero Award, recently renamed to honor the contributions of retiring graduate field administrator Casey Moore and her numerous contributions to the Cornell graduate community.

2024 Award Winners:

• Casey Moore Impact Award (the Unsung Hero Award): Jennifer Majka, visiting lecturer and director of diversity and inclusion for the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
• Exemplary Leadership Award for Early Career Graduate Students: Camille Blevins, ecology and evolutionary biology doctoral student; Promise Ekpo, computer science doctoral student; Zong-Yan Liu, plant breeding doctoral student; and Augustus (Gus) Pendleton, microbiology doctoral student.
• Exemplary Leadership Award for Advanced Career Graduate Students: Cátia Dombaxe, biomedical engineering doctoral candidate; Alex Pasqualini, music doctoral candidate; and Bianca Waked, philosophy doctoral candidate
• Exemplary Service Award for Early Career Graduate Students: Odalys Callejas, geological sciences doctoral student, and Gemmechu Hassena, computer science doctoral student
• Exemplary Service Award for Advanced Career Graduate Students: Thomas Jones, industrial and labor relations master’s candidate, and Michael Meneses, applied economics and management doctoral candidate
• Faculty Champion Award for Early Career Faculty: Elizabeth Johnson, assistant professor of molecular nutrition, and Aditya Vashistha, assistant professor of information science
• Faculty Champion Award for Advanced Career Faculty: Will Cong, associate professor of finance, Rudd Family Professor of Management, and department editor for management science; Michelle Crow, senior lecturer and director for the English Language Support Office; Kate Manne, associate professor of philosophy; and Scott Peters, professor of global development

“It is an honor to have been nominated and chosen as an Exemplary Leadership Award recipient,” said Alex Pasqualini, a doctoral candidate in music. “It’s been so nice to see that my work on campus has been recognized and appreciated by the people I am in community with, as well as to the broader Cornell community.”

The award felt like a recognition of how Pasqualini’s research, teaching, and community all relate, Pasqualini said, having been nominated by the Music Grad Association, LGBT Resource Center, and QGrads.

Gus Pendleton, a microbiology doctoral student and recipient of an Exemplary Leadership Award for Early Career Graduate Students, appreciated the acknowledgment of his work to create inclusive and supportive coding communities.

“This award is a huge validation of the work I’ve been doing, and I am so grateful and humbled that my colleagues and the Graduate School felt the same,” he said. “I genuinely love teaching others to code, and I am lucky that it is such a big part of my graduate journey.”

Students in attendance were also recognized for achievement in the areas of academics, funding, community service, and milestones and completion. Graduate School Deans’ Scholars and members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and NextGen Professors Program were also acknowledged.

More News from A&S

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Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

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Peter John Loewen will begin his term as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on Aug. 1.

Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

By tom fleischman, cornell chronicle.

Peter John Loewen, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, has been named the 23rd dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff announced May 24.

Loewen’s five-year appointment as the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), approved May 23 by the Executive Committee of the Cornell Board of Trustees, begins Aug. 1.

“Professor Loewen has distinguished himself through his thoughtful and effective leadership of the Munk School at the University of Toronto,” Kotlikoff said. “He is an accomplished scholar with broad academic experience, and his energy, collaborative approach and commitment to faculty, students and staff greatly impressed the search committee. I believe that Peter will be an extraordinary leader of the College of Arts and Sciences, and I look forward to working with him to further the excellence of the college.”

Loewen, the Robert Vipond Distinguished Professor in Democracy in the Department of Political Science and the Munk School, is also the director of the Policy, Elections and Representation Lab (PEARL); associate director of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society; a senior fellow at Massey College; and a fellow with the Public Policy Forum , a Canadian think tank and registered charity .

Loewen said his selection as dean of A&S is a “deep honor.”

“Cornell’s commitment to ‘… any person … any study,’ and the way that’s animated by its commitment to having knowledge across disciplinary boundaries and across colleges, is very exciting to me,” he said. “The consequential universities of tomorrow are the ones that can speak to the biggest questions that we’re facing from as many perspectives as possible. And Cornell can do that better than any other place.”

Providing a transformative undergraduate education, and being a part of students’ lives during a time of transformation and self-discovery, is “the most important thing universities can do,” Loewen said.

“We have this incredible privilege of having students spend some of the most formative years of their lives with us,” he said, “involving us in their process of figuring out who their future selves are going to be.”

Loewen received his bachelor’s degree in political science (with a minor in economics) in 2002 from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and his Ph.D. in political science in 2008 from the Université de Montréal. He held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of British Columbia and the University of California, San Diego.

Loewen’s teaching and research interests include the future of democratic societies and the politics of technological change. His work has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Medicine, Nature Human Behaviour, American Political Science Review and other journals.

He has edited four books and has been a contributor to the Washington Post and Toronto’s Globe & Mail.

Loewen, who will also hold an academic appointment as professor in the Department of Government (A&S), said he hopes to teach in addition to his responsibilities as dean.

“How we collectively deal with the huge demographic and technological changes that are happening are really big questions for democracies to wrestle with,” he said. “Those are questions that will be thrilling to engage graduate and undergraduate students in at some point in the classroom.”

Loewen’s partner, Yvette Lam, will join the university as a major gifts officer in Alumni Affairs and Development. Loewen and Lam have two children, 9-year-old Wolfgang and Dagny, 5.

Loewen succeeds Ray Jayawardhana, who left Cornell last summer to become provost of Johns Hopkins University. Rachel Bean , the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor in the Department of Astronomy and senior associate dean for math and science, has been serving as interim A&S dean since last July.

“I know I speak for all of her colleagues when I say how grateful we are for Rachel’s deft leadership during this period of transition,” Kotlikoff said. “Her ability to balance her administrative duties with her teaching and research was impressive and invaluable. There is no more committed and selfless leader than Rachel in supporting the College of Arts and Sciences, and she has my personal gratitude for everything that she has done over the past academic year.”

Media Contact

Rebecca valli.

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

Public policy ph.d. (ithaca), field of study.

Public Policy

Program Description

Situated in the Brooks School of Public Policy, the Ph.D. Program in Public Policy trains the next generation of scholars and professionals to address pressing national and international public policy issues.

Building upon the academic strengths of the Brooks School, the core areas of focus in the Ph.D. program include data science and technology policy; education policy; environmental and sustainability policy; demography and family policy; global security; health policy; inequality and social policy; the politics and economics of development; race, racism, and public policy; and regulatory policy.

Our program combines a focus on substantive policy areas with advanced training in a disciplinary area, empirical methods, and multiple disciplinary approaches. Our multi-disciplinary faculty and students also work closely with the Ph.D. programs in Economics, Sociology, Government, and other graduate fields at Cornell.

Across these specializations, Public Policy Ph.D. students graduate with the skills to shape and evaluate policy in a range of settings, from faculty positions in academic institutions to leadership roles in the public and private sectors

Contact Information

2301 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

• public policy

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Fall semester admission: applications due Jan. 15

No spring semester admission

Requirements Summary:

• all  Graduate School Requirements , including the  English Language Proficiency Requirement  for all applicants
• two letters of recommendation
• Ph.D.--GRE general test is optional.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of a social science discipline (such as Economics, Sociology or Government). 
• Demonstrate PhD-level knowledge of the field of public policy and a policy specialization area.
• Conduct original, publishable research in public policy. 
• Write and speak effectively to professional audiences. 

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Seen & heard: the economics of rising water, also of interest.

• Inside SC Johnson

Josh Figueroa ’24 Reflect On His Dyson School Experience

Josh Figueroa ’24

Major/Program: Applied Economics & Management: Finance

What will you always remember about your time at Cornell?

I will always remember the friendships and relationships that I developed while being at Cornell. The students who attend Cornell University, the professors, academic advisors, and broader faculty contribute to the fantastic experience that we, students, ultimately have. Cornell attracts incredibly intelligent, driven, and kind individuals who allow students to learn from one another and broaden their academic, professional, and personal horizons.

Doing the greatest good is a big part of being a Cornellian. How will you carry this into your career and life after Cornell?

As I transition to my career and life after Cornell, I will always exercise the act of service and keep in mind its relevance and positive impact on many people. The service of others, whether it was a professor extending their office hours or an upperclassman sharing their wisdom with me, has positively shaped my time at Cornell, and this is something that I will always be grateful for. I plan to provide service to others, whether sharing my wisdom and experiences with undergraduate students, engaging in alum programming events, or participating in any philanthropic efforts.

What is the most valuable thing you learned in your time at Cornell?

The most valuable thing I learned at Cornell was to be curious. I found immense value in learning more about my professors’ and peers’ backgrounds outside of an academic setting. My Dyson experience has been tremendous because of the curriculum, faculty investment in the student’s development and learning, and endless professional resources. Our students can pursue and learn about their desired career paths, whether it’s in financial services, consulting, or any other pocket in the business world. Our dedicated professors and student and career services offices make this possible. Faculty such as Professor Jawad Addoum, Professor Eric Lewis, and Andrea Poag are prime examples of committed individuals who constantly invest in the student experience and ensure that we’re in the best possible position for life after Dyson.

How will you use this lesson or knowledge in the future?

I plan to use this knowledge in the future by constantly practicing second-level thinking and investigating the deep, fundamental understanding of the different projects that I will work on post-graduation. Additionally, when meeting new people during my career and other ventures, I plan to be curious about their upbringing, experiences, and knowledge that they will share with me. Curiosity will always lead down new paths.

What are you most looking forward to after graduation?

What I look forward to most after graduation is the potential to make a fraction of the massive positive impact Cornell has made in my life, whether through engagement in two non-profit organizations that I hold close to my heart, Student Sponsor Partners and Sponsors for Educational Opportunity.

• Dyson Undergraduate

Eighteen receive awards recognizing inclusive excellence

5/22/2024 By | Katya Hrichak , Cornell University Graduate School

The Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and the Graduate and Professional Student Diversity Council presented the 2024 Distinguished Awards at the Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition Celebration on May 14 in G10 Biotech.

This annual event recognizes the excellence represented within the graduate community and celebrates students for demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing efforts around diversity, inclusion, outreach, and student engagement.

“Each year we take this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work being done in support of our aspiration of making Cornell a community of belonging,” said Sara Xayarath Hernández, associate dean for inclusion and student and faculty engagement. “I am very grateful for the incredible contributions being made by so many throughout the university.”

Faculty and staff were also recognized with awards for their unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion and promoting the personal and professional development of graduate and professional students. These awards include the Casey Moore Impact Award, previously the Unsung Hero Award, recently renamed to honor the contributions of retiring graduate field administrator Casey Moore and her numerous contributions to the Cornell graduate community.

2024 Award Winners:

• Casey Moore Impact Award (the Unsung Hero Award): Jennifer Majka, visiting lecturer and director of diversity and inclusion for the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
• Exemplary Leadership Award for Early Career Graduate Students: Camille Blevins, ecology and evolutionary biology doctoral student; Promise Ekpo, computer science doctoral student; Zong-Yan Liu, plant breeding doctoral student; and Augustus (Gus) Pendleton, microbiology doctoral student.
• Exemplary Leadership Award for Advanced Career Graduate Students: Cátia Dombaxe, biomedical engineering doctoral candidate; Alex Pasqualini, music doctoral candidate; and Bianca Waked, philosophy doctoral candidate
• Exemplary Service Award for Early Career Graduate Students: Odalys Callejas, geological sciences doctoral student, and Gemmechu Hassena, computer science doctoral student
• Exemplary Service Award for Advanced Career Graduate Students: Thomas Jones, industrial and labor relations master’s candidate, and Michael Meneses, applied economics and management doctoral candidate
• Faculty Champion Award for Early Career Faculty: Elizabeth Johnson, assistant professor of molecular nutrition, and Aditya Vashistha, assistant professor of information science
• Faculty Champion Award for Advanced Career Faculty: Will Cong, associate professor of finance, Rudd Family Professor of Management, and department editor for management science; Michelle Crow, senior lecturer and director for the English Language Support Office; Kate Manne, associate professor of philosophy; and Scott Peters, professor of global development

“It is an honor to have been nominated and chosen as an Exemplary Leadership Award recipient,” said Alex Pasqualini, a doctoral candidate in music. “It’s been so nice to see that my work on campus has been recognized and appreciated by the people I am in community with, as well as to the broader Cornell community.”

The award felt like a recognition of how Pasqualini’s research, teaching, and community all relate, Pasqualini said, having been nominated by the Music Grad Association, LGBT Resource Center, and QGrads.

Gus Pendleton, a microbiology doctoral student and recipient of an Exemplary Leadership Award for Early Career Graduate Students, appreciated the acknowledgment of his work to create inclusive and supportive coding communities.

“This award is a huge validation of the work I’ve been doing, and I am so grateful and humbled that my colleagues and the Graduate School felt the same,” he said. “I genuinely love teaching others to code, and I am lucky that it is such a big part of my graduate journey.”

Students in attendance were also recognized for achievement in the areas of academics, funding, community service, and milestones and completion. Graduate School Deans’ Scholars and members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and NextGen Professors Program were also acknowledged.

Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Steve Pond Retires

Outstanding A&S teachers, advisors honored with 2024 awards

Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

• Agriculture
• Applied Economics
• Climate Change
• Communication
• Environment
• Global Development
• Health + Nutrition

Engineering enzymes to break down microplastics in sewage and wastewater

• Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
• Food Science
• Synthetic Biology

“Wastewater reuse is an important strategy in the global fight against water scarcity, but it demands that the wastewater is free of contaminants, including microplastics,” Goddard said.  

“When microplastic-contaminated wastewater is used for irrigation, microplastics will accumulate in the soil, and that has a significant impact on agricultural productivity.”

The enzyme Goddard’s lab is working with evolved within the bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis , which breaks down PET plastics in nature. It was discovered by a team of Japanese scientists outside a landfill and reported in Science in 2016 . Since then, scientists have been scrambling to discover and engineer similar enzymes that can biodegrade plastics more quickly and under a range of conditions. Goddard’s goal is to engineer enzymes that can break down microplastics into small products that can be used as energy sources for bacteria used in the wastewater treatment process. 

Think of these enzymes like precisely folded beaded necklaces, Goddard said: they’re made up of strings of amino acids that can be changed so they fold in different ways, depending on what you want them to do. But while the metaphor is simple, the science certainly isn’t: adapting these enzymes to work in the conditions present in sewage sludge requires genome sequencing the enzymes, running those sequences through complex software packages to identify which amino acids are most responsible for performing the tasks you want them to perform, engineering a huge number of potentially useful variants , and then building and testing those variants in the lab. In addition, the conditions that exist in wastewater treatment are very different from conditions where the wild enzyme evolved – and can vary significantly from one facility to another – with wastewater treatment having higher temperatures and levels of organic material, and variable pH levels. 

Goddard’s lab is also working on a variant enzyme that can attach onto materials common in wastewater filters, which would enable recovery and re-use of these enzymes. 

Seed funding for this project was provided by the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES), using Federal Capacity Funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Now, Goddard has received a half million dollar grant from NIFA to continue developing and testing these specialized enzymes to improve their performance and efficiency in real-world conditions. 

Since beginning her research on this topic in 2018, the need for microplastic removal has only increased. A groundbreaking study in January reported that there is 10 to 100 times as much microplastic in bottled water as previously believed, and the United Nations is right now debating an international treaty to limit plastic pollution . 

“Water is a commodity that we know very well is limited,” Goddard said. “We need to figure out how to remove microplastics from wastewater for it to be a viable alternative to freshwater use. In addition to health and environmental concerns, this is essential for the long-term economic sustainability of agriculture.”  

Krisy Gashler is a freelance writer for the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES)

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