Overview
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.
Since our founding, we have evolved continuously to meet the changing needs of our world. Our top-ranked programs include over 20 majors in community and rural development, environment and natural resources, food and nutrition, communication, applied economics, agriculture, international programs and life sciences.
The excellence of our science is matched by the generosity of our spirit. We aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.
The Cornell CALS experience empowers us to explore the boundaries of knowledge, supported by the leading minds of today and surrounded by the leading minds of tomorrow.
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Our Work
We accelerate purpose-driven science by supporting inquiry that crosses disciplinary boundaries and stretches from discovery to invention.
The world is complex and intertwined, and bringing global challenges into focus takes more than one lens.
Today, we concentrate on three overlapping spheres of inquiry:
- Understanding natural and human systems
- Stewarding sustainable food, energy and environmental resources
- Fostering social, physical and economic well-being