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Apply | Graduate Programs

Research Degrees

The Cornell University Graduate School has almost 100 graduate fields of study, in which a master of science (M.S.) and/or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) are offered.

Visit the Graduate School Admissions page for detailed information to start your journey toward applying.

 

Professional Master’s Degrees

Admissions decisions for all the CALS professional master’s graduate degree programs are made by CALS graduate field faculty committees. Application deadlines vary by field. To see a list of deadlines, please visit our FAQ page. Each graduate field has specific application criteria. To learn more about the application requirements, please explore the field of study you are interested in. 

There is a $105 nonrefundable 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 the Graduate School Application Fees page.

Steps for completing your application

  1. Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application. Get started by setting up an ApplyWeb account. Once you have an account, you can go to the online application to begin the process.
  2. Submit unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts. An official paper transcript is required for all admitted students.
  3. If required by the graduate field, submit your GRE scores. Official scores must be sent to Cornell University using code 2098, along with the graduate field code.
  4. Submit your résumé or CV and letters of recommendation. Most graduate fields require 2-3 letters of recommendation.
  5. All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International students demonstrate proficiency by submitting official test scores from TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System). Cornell does not accept PTE Academic scores or any other alternatives. An application cannot be considered complete until Cornell receives official scores from ETS or IELTS Academic.
  6. Submit a Statement of Purpose.

About the Statement of Purpose

Each applicant must submit a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to help reviewers better understand your academic objectives and determine if you are a good match for the field to which you are applying. Your statement of purpose should:

  • Detail your reasons for applying to the program and explain your academic interests. Make sure to include subjects you're passionate about, faculty whose research interests you or courses you would like to take.
  • Provide information on your undergraduate study and any research or professional experiences and how they fit with the program. If your undergraduate major is different or unrelated to the graduate field, explain why the field interests you and include any additional courses or professional experience that has prepared you for a transition into a new field.
  • Highlight skills you have learned from academic, lab, research or professional experiences.
  • Detail your professional goals.
  • Address any gaps or weaknesses in your academic record. Be honest but brief. Turn your weakness into strengths, and illustrate how you overcame obstacles, showed resilience and remained persistent in your goals.