CORNELL UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Graduate Fields of Study at Cornell University
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
7.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Interdisciplinary approachStudy across departments and disciplines
- Purpose-driven scienceFocus on relevant research
- Global reachEngage with diverse students, faculty, and staff
Cornell University offers a wide range of graduate fields of study that transcend traditional departmental and disciplinary boundaries. These fields are built around shared intellectual interests, allowing students to draw faculty expertise from various departments, colleges, and even campuses. Students are admitted into specific fields and then select major and minor subjects within that field, representing their research interests and concentrations. Admissions decisions are made by field faculty committees within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), with the Cornell University Graduate School managing the application process and providing administrative support.
Careers
Graduate studies at Cornell prepare students for diverse career paths across various sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the fields allows for flexibility in career exploration.
- Research
- Engineering
- Pharma/Biotech
- Technology/Science
- Agribusiness
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Cooperative Extension
- Farming
- Meteorology
- Media/Entertainment
- Communication
- Consulting
- Marketing/Advertising/PR
- Government
- Law/Legal Services
- Social Services/Nonprofit
- Horticulture
- Food Industry
- Manufacturing
- Public Service
- Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through scores such as a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL (prior to Jan 2026), or a minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS. Alternatively, a minimum of 130 on the Duolingo English Test or a score of 191 on the Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is accepted.
- When is the application deadline for graduate studies?
- The application deadline is November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. Supplemental materials are due November 14 for Early Decision and January 16 for Regular Decision.
- How is tuition and financial aid handled for international students?
- Tuition details should be contacted directly from the university. All financial aid is need-based, and admissions decisions for international applicants are need-aware. International applicants must apply for financial aid at the time of their initial application by completing the CSS Profile.
- How do I apply for a graduate program at Cornell University?
- You should start your application using the Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement, which become available in August. If you need financial aid, apply at the time of your initial application. Submit your application materials by the Early Decision or Regular Decision deadlines.
- What are the potential career paths after completing a graduate program?
- Graduate studies at Cornell can prepare students for diverse roles in fields such as research, engineering, technology, agribusiness, consulting, and government. The interdisciplinary nature of the programs allows for flexibility in career exploration across various sectors.
Entry requirements
TOEFL (prior to Jan 2026)minimum 100
TOEFL (Jan 2026 onwards)minimum 5.0, recommended 5.5
IELTSminimum 7.5
Duolingo English Testminimum 130
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiencyminimum 191
English proficiency can also be demonstrated if you are a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident, English is your native language, or English has been the primary language of instruction throughout your secondary school career.
Fees
Tuition (international)Contact university for specific program tuition.
Tuition (home)Contact university for specific program tuition.
LivingContact university for estimated living costs.
All financial aid is need-based. Admissions decisions for international applicants are need-aware, meaning the ability to pay educational costs is considered.
How to apply
1. Start Your ApplicationThe Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement become available in August. For specific program requirements like portfolios or design supplements, check the respective field's admissions details.
2. Financial Aid ApplicationIf you anticipate needing financial aid, you must apply at the time of your initial application. Complete the CSS Profile by the specified deadlines.
3. English ProficiencySubmit official scores for accepted English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge) or meet one of the alternative criteria (native speaker, English as primary language of instruction in secondary school).
4. Submit Application MaterialsSubmit the Common Application, Cornell Writing Supplement, and the application fee (or waiver) by the Early Decision deadline of November 1 or the Regular Decision deadline of January 2.
5. Supplemental MaterialsSubmit any additional required materials by November 14 for Early Decision or January 16 for Regular Decision, excluding portfolios and design supplements which may have separate deadlines.
6. Await DecisionAdmission decisions and financial aid offers are typically announced in mid-December for Early Decision applicants and by the end of March for Regular Decision applicants.
7. Respond to OfferIf admitted, you will have until January 20 to reply to the offer for Early Decision, and May 1 for Regular Decision.
Scholarships
Need-Based Financial AidVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through scores such as a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL (prior to Jan 2026), or a minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS. Alternatively, a minimum of 130 on the Duolingo English Test or a score of 191 on the Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is accepted.
When is the application deadline for graduate studies?
+
The application deadline is November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. Supplemental materials are due November 14 for Early Decision and January 16 for Regular Decision.
How is tuition and financial aid handled for international students?
+
Tuition details should be contacted directly from the university. All financial aid is need-based, and admissions decisions for international applicants are need-aware. International applicants must apply for financial aid at the time of their initial application by completing the CSS Profile.
How do I apply for a graduate program at Cornell University?
+
You should start your application using the Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement, which become available in August. If you need financial aid, apply at the time of your initial application. Submit your application materials by the Early Decision or Regular Decision deadlines.
What are the potential career paths after completing a graduate program?
+
Graduate studies at Cornell can prepare students for diverse roles in fields such as research, engineering, technology, agribusiness, consulting, and government. The interdisciplinary nature of the programs allows for flexibility in career exploration across various sectors.