Graduate Research Degree Programs

Go beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) offers research-centered (M.S./Ph.D.) advanced degree programs in more than 30 fields of study.

Cornell is ranked first among the nation’s academic institutions in National Science Foundation research funding. The total research expenditure in CALS exceeded $185 million in fiscal year 2016. Graduate research education receives strong financial support with nearly $50 million in tuition, stipend and organized research expenditures.

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.

Graduate research degree offerings

Master of Science (M.S.)

Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs are designed for those who wish to obtain further education in a selected field and to develop their ability for critical inquiry, independent research, and teaching.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are designed for individuals who demonstrate the potential to perform original research under guidance, with a view to various careers, including those in research and teaching.

Joint M.S./Ph.D

Some graduate fields also offer joint M.S./Ph.D. degree programs. In certain cases, students who desire a Ph.D. but have not demonstrated research capabilities may be admitted to an M.S./Ph.D. program.

Graduate research at Cornell

With nearly $700 million in research expenditures, one of the 10 largest academic research libraries, top-ranked graduate fields and some of the best facilities in academia, Cornell University is consistently ranked as one of the most comprehensive universities in the world.

Graduate research education receives strong financial support with nearly $50 million in tuition, stipend, and organized research expenditures. Cornell is ranked first among the nation’s academic institutions in National Science Foundation research funding.

$700

Million in Research Expenditures

1 of 10

Largest Academic Research Libraries

1,040

Total Graduate Students

Graduate fields of study

Learn more about the graduate degree programs available in CALS. General information about graduate study at Cornell University is available on the Graduate School's website.

View all graduate fields of study

Ray Chen, MPS'18 works in the Stocking Hall Teaching Winery. — Ray Chen, MPS'18 and a Food Science student in VIEN 4360: Distillation Principles and Practices Laboratory, works in the Stocking Hall Teaching Winery.