Cornell seal
Back

Discover CALS

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

Graduate Fields of Study

Pursuing purpose-driven science through an interdisciplinary approach

At Cornell, graduate study is organized using a field structure. 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 and labor relations, civil and environmental engineering, and sociology, along with the more traditional economics and management.

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.

Admissions decisions for all CALS graduate degree programs are made by CALS graduate field faculty committees. The Cornell University Graduate School administers the application process for graduate programs at Cornell and provides administrative support for all Cornell graduate research students. To learn more about the graduate degree programs available in CALS, click on the field name below. General information about graduate study at Cornell University is available on the Cornell University Graduate School website.

Explore Graduate Fields of Study

Broaden your understanding of Indigenous perspectives and global issues.

Minor - Graduate

Focus your interests on one of several concentrations, including animal science, physiology of reproduction, animal genetics and animal genomics.

MPS MS MS/PhD PhD

Explore a rigorous but flexible program led by the Dyson School's internationally renowned faculty, working toward an inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all.

MPS MS PhD

Study of processes in the atmosphere, from the planetary boundary layer to the ionosphere. Applications relate to the analysis and prediction of weather and climate.

MS MS/PhD PhD

Take advantage of a top ranking, multidisciplinary training in diverse aspects of biological and biomedical sciences, supported by over 50 faculty.

PhD

Develop your strengths in engineering design, improve your fundamental engineering knowledge or further your training in agricultural technology.

M.Eng MPS MS PhD

Pursue a highly individualized, interdisciplinary exploration of fundamental principles in both the biological and physical sciences. 

PhD

Master your ability to propose, test and refine communication theories in preparation for careers in higher education and beyond. 

PhD

Obtain a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge of fundamental principles in biology, computational science and mathematics, connecting biological processes to computational models.

PhD

Study the application of sociology in public service work to apply to development work in the U.S. and abroad, as well as college teaching in sociology, rural sociology and related fields.

MS/PhD PhD

Explore the study of organic diversity, including its origins, dynamics, maintenance and consequences, while pursuing topics across a broad span of interconnected fields.

MS PhD

Work alongside faculty at this top-ranked program to advance the field of insect biology and apply that knowledge to solve problems and improve lives worldwide.

MS PhD

Take advantage of this opportunity to broaden your knowledge in physical, chemical and biological areas related to environmental-quality problems and their control.

Minor - Graduate

Gain the experience you need to join the world's leading food science and technology researchers, innovators and technical experts collaborating across disciplines to meet the growing needs of governments, industries and institutions.

MFS MS PhD

Join a community of enthusiastic researchers working to expanding knowledge in genetics, genomics and development, and educating and mentoring others to become skilled in scientific inquiry.

PhD

Explore a vibrant, active genomics research community, including usage of world-class facilities such as the Center for Vertebrate Genomics and the Cornell Center for Comparative and Population Genomics.

Minor - Graduate

Enhance your practical and technical skills to prepare for careers in field-based development and development policy roles that serve low-income and rural communities globally.

MPS

Explore horticultural plants and systems in temperate and tropical climates, made possible by the use of extensive greenhouse and growth chamber facilities and through thesis research in tropical areas.

MS PhD

Examine information systems in their social, cultural, economic, historical, legal and political contexts, with an emphasis on practical applications. 

MPS MS PhD

Explore a wide range of issues in plant and soil sciences.

MPS

Prepare for success in this challenging and rewarding profession through experiential design studios, courses in technical and computer skills and a concentration focused on your interest. 

MPS MLA MRP/MLA

Seek understanding of the diversity and unique aspects of prokaryotes and other microorganisms, working to progress agriculture, biotechnology, medicine and environmental sciences at the cellular level.

PhD

Design your ideal program that helps faciliate learning and improve society’s stewardship of the environment, working to promote a conservation ethos for a sustainable planet.

MPS MS MS/PhD PhD

Explore this subject at all levels of analysis -- from ion channels through neural networks to the behavior of animal societies.

PhD

Take advantage of the most comprehensive opportunity in the nation for nutrition education, research and service to communities near and far.

MS PhD

Explore the cutting edge of basic and translational plant research and train to be among the next generation of leading plant scientists.

PhD

Expand your interests in crop improvement in the context of global agriculture with this applied breeding program.

MS MS/PhD PhD

Train to be a leader in the biology and management of pathogens--as well as the infectious diseases they cause--at one of the nation's first department of plant pathology.

MS PhD

Gain an integrated understanding within the natural and social sciences to excel at decision making at times of uncertainty, especially in the context of environmental crisis.

Minor - Graduate

Work to address the challenge of developing environmentally sustainable agricultural systems to produce food for a growing world population.

MS MS/PhD PhD

Design an interdisciplinary program of study to enhance your chosen major subject area with a minor field emphasis in water resources.

Minor - Graduate