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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 Cornell University’s second largest population 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're home to more than 20 majors and 30 minors in the life sciences, social sciences, environmental sciences, and agricultural and food sciences.

Find a program
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First-Year Students

Find your program and apply directly to CALS.

Learn About Applying

Transfer Applicants

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

Connect with CALS

If you haven't already, introduce yourself by signing up for Cornell University's undergraduate admissions email list.

Cornell Undergraduate Admissions Email List Sign Up

Undergraduate Stories

Weill Cornell Medical College

Field Note

Veer Vekaria ’19: Embracing life-long learning in the medical field
How did your Cornell CALS experience support your personal and professional goals? CALS is defined by the electricity and interplay between all the disciplines it houses. When I first started at Cornell, I felt like a cookie-cutter pre-med...
  • Neurobiology and Behavior
  • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
  • Health + Nutrition
Four girls trek across the desert in Morocco on camels

Field Note

Jessica Snyder ’20: Preparing for a dynamic career in international development

  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Louise Erskine looks off into the distance holding a camera

Field Note

Building Food and Community Solidarity Across North America: A Photo Series

  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
  • Global Development
A laptop on a wooden table with a notepad and pen and a cup of coffee

Field Note

The 2020 CALS Global Fellows Program: Working around the world from home
For the past five years, the CALS Global Fellows Program (GFP) has worked with international partners to create meaningful, professionally-focused internships and research opportunities for undergraduate students in any major in CALS and Dyson...
  • CALS Global Fellows Program
  • Department of Communication
Hannah Fuller stands in front of the Patagonia mountains

Field Note

Championing resilient food systems

  • Department of Global Development
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Global Development

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

Fact #1

Half of our majors have this element in common

Fact #2

Bring your passport

Fact #3

Stop and smell the white rugosa roses

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!

Let’s connect

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