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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

Woman attends hunger, nutrition and health conference.

Field Note

Kate McHale ‘24: Advocating for youth empowerment and nutrition policy
Meet Kate McHale’24, an undergraduate in Global Development who is on a mission to increase youth engagement specifically as it relates to nutrition. As an eight-year alumna and current student leader of 4-H, Kate advocates for youth’s voices in...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
  • Global Development

Field Note

Multimedia

This summer, international agriculture and rural development major Jensen Njagi ’25 interned for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Conservation Biocontrol on Urban Farms in New York City project. This three-year project is designed to help urban...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture

Field Note

Multimedia

During summer 2022, Daniel Kim ’23, a biological sciences major with a marine biology minor, took a course in underwater research at Shoals Marine Laboratory, a remote field station located on Appledore Island, Maine, that is jointly operated by...
  • Shoals Marine Laboratory
  • Office of Undergraduate Biology
  • Organisms

Field Note

For the past four years, the Chobani Scholars Program has supported students from dairy farming backgrounds who are pursuing careers in dairy. This year, with its new focus on supporting historically underserved students who have a broad set of...

  • Animal Science
  • Food Science
  • Dairy
Girl in bike gear stands on top of hay

Field Note

Meet Lorelei Meidenbauer ’22, whose passion for affordable housing and social justice in the U.S. is helping create a flourishing world. From supporting rural schools in New York State through grant writing to biking across the country with Bike...
  • Department of Global Development
  • 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