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Discover CALS

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

Pursue knowledge while pursuing your purpose

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to one of Cornell University’s largest populations of students, faculty, and staff. 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.

First-Year Students

Applying to college is an important step! From admissions requirements to a list of CALS majors, you'll find it all here.  We can't wait to CUatCALS! 

Transfer Applicants

Many pathways can lead to a degree from Cornell CALS. We welcome students with diverse experiences. 

Tuition & Aid

You’re encouraged to work closely with our Financial Aid Office.

Undergraduate Stories

a horse grazes in a field

Field Note

Summer equine internship revitalizes passion for studying animals
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Horse Farm Improvement Program (HFIP) through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in Livingston County, New York. The internship provided invaluable experience in horse farm management and...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
Jonathan Russell-Anelli with students in the field

News

Emily McFadden ’25 has always wanted a career in agriculture and the environment. When she toured Cornell as a high school student, she sat in on a soil science course (PLSCS 2600) taught by Jonathan Russell-Anelli, senior lecturer and senior...
  • Campus Area Farms
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Dilmun Hill Student Farm
Greg Peck and a student are inspecting apples at the orchards

News

For Andrew James ’26, it all started with one not-so-giant peach. Growing up in Dallas, TX, most of the yards in James’ neighborhood were made up of Bermuda grass, but James’ dad, Dustin James ’97, decided to try planting a peach tree. “There...
  • Cornell Orchards
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
A group of students at a farm

News

Brooke Paykin ‘24 chose to major in Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) because she cares about protecting the natural environment and she enjoys seeing projects from planning through construction. Her love of hands-on engineering...
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
  • Biological and Environmental Engineering
Student organizes buckets

Field Note

As a Laidlaw scholar , Jensen Njagi ’25 spent the summer doing community-based translational research in his home country of Kenya. As a Global Development major, Jensen is driven by a purpose to improve community health while considering the...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
  • Environment

Opportunity Spotlight

Apply what you learn through real-world experiences and internships.

Faculty Spotlight

Passionate teachers, researchers & world-renowned leaders in their fields.

Research Spotlight

Join research teams taking on some of today’s most pressing issues.

Student and CALS faculty member planting in a greenhouse
three people examining plants under a plastic covering
graduate students doing research