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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.

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Undergraduate Admissions

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.

Degrees & Programs

We've created several ways for you to delve into what CALS has to offer.  Not sure what major is right for you? Explore our offerings grouped by Interest.  Want to head straight to our majors?  Discover our majors grouped under Degree Programs.  Curious which majors might fit with your career aspirations?  Check out our Careers! 

Find a program
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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! 

Learn About Applying

Transfer Applicants

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

Learn About Transferring

Tuition & Aid

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

Learn About Tuition & Aid

Let’s connect

Learn how you can spark unexpected discoveries, inspire pioneering solutions and improve lives through purpose-driven science.

Undergraduate Admissions Working Remotely

Like so many offices during the pandemic, the CALS Admissions office is closed to visitors and our team will be conducting business remotely until further notice. We understand that during this time in particular you may have a lot of questions about applying to CALS. The very best way to reach us is by email at cals_admissions [at] cornell.edu. Don't hesitate to reach out!

 

We can't wait to get to know you as an applicant!

Undergraduate Stories

Kevin Lam in his home office.

Field Note

Kevin Lam '20: Storytelling in a changing technology landscape
Kevin Lam '20 is a graduate student at University College London (UCL), earning his Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in digital technologies and policy. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lam’s master’s dissertation focuses on remote...
  • Department of Communication
  • Communication
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Field Note

Multimedia

Jacob Feuerstein '23: Tornado chasing in Upstate New York
Cornell atmospheric science student Jacob Feuerstein '23 helped the local National Weather Service office in Binghamton, N.Y., survey and identify a tornado that impacted the nearby town of Dryden, N.Y. Jacob recounts how he identified the tornado, by both watching the radar in real time and embarking on an unofficial survey after the event.
  • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Environment
  • Nature
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Field Note

A new food justice narrative

  • Department of Global Development
  • Food
  • Global Development
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Field Note

The next generation of New York state dairy farmers: Lucas Walley ’24
Animal science major Lucas Walley ’24, originally from Walton, New York, is one of four CALS undergraduate students to be awarded a 2021 Chobani Scholarship.
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
  • Dairy
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Field Note

The next generation of New York state dairy farmers: Rachel Van Buren ’24
Animal science major Rachel Van Buren ’24, originally from Lowville, New York, is one of four CALS undergraduate students to be awarded a 2021 Chobani Scholarship.
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
  • Dairy

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