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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

Headshot of Jeff Kang'acha

Field Note

Jeff Kang’acha ‘24: Bridging tech and agriculture for global impact
Meet Jeff Kang’acha ‘24, a global development student with a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact on food systems and digital agriculture. As a fourth-generation smallholder farmer from Central Kenya, Jeff's passion lies in...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Digital Agriculture
  • Global Development
A group of students gather for a photo at FFA

Field Note

News

Since 1928 the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, has prepared students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. A Cornell delegation of more than 15 students and...
  • Agriculture Sciences Major
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
Man sits on a truck

Field Note

In the summer of 2023, Logan Bonn '25 ( Global Development ) was a participant in the CALS Global Fellows Program in Maun, Botswana. Logan divided time between 1) grant writing and harvesting at his host organization, a sustainable agriculture...
  • CALS Global Fellows Program
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Students and professor hold a trophy

Field Note

Adjusting to Cornell and life as an undergraduate student can be incredibly challenging. To make this transition easier for future students, we invited Aerin Mann ‘25 to reflect on her first two years in the Global Development major. Aerin...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Four students stand outside holding bioaccoustics tools

Field Note

  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
  • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

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