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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.

A student examines plants in a greenhouse.

Unite Your Purpose with Your Passion

From food science to global development to communication, Cornell CALS turns knowledge into impact.

Find Your Fit

Let curiosity guide you as you explore our inspiring spaces, our pioneering community of seekers and solvers, and an adaptable curriculum that can flex to your interests and ambitions.

#1 Best College for Agricultural Sciences

The results are out! Cornell University has been ranked the #1 Best College for Agricultural Sciences in America by Niche (2027). Discover the programs, experiences and opportunities at Cornell CALS that will empower you to shape the future of food, health, agriculture and the environment.
Ag Quad in the fall

Get to Know Us

Kick off your journey with this on-demand virtual information session from the Cornell CALS admissions team. Learn more about the academic opportunities and admissions processes at CALS and discover what makes our college so unique!

Video: Introduction & Academics
Play Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Info Session 2025 - Part 1: Introduction
Video: Student Experience
Video: First-Year Admissions
Video: Transfer Admissions
Students sitting in groups on the Ag Quad in the shape of letters that spell 'CALS' with lush green trees and blue sky in the background.

The CALS Experience

Imagine a campus in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes, where lakeside views meet groundbreaking research. At Cornell CALS, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s our heartbeat. Whether you’re decoding plant genomes or designing sustainable food systems, you’re part of a purpose-driven community that combines its land-grant legacy with Ivy League excellence. CALS is more than classrooms—it’s a canvas for your dreams. So grab your hiking boots (and your lab coat), because here, exploration and impact are woven into daily life.

Life on campus

Experience Cornell in a day
Explore Ithaca
Enjoy culinary delights
Dive into activities
Connect with community

Mind, body and spirit

Prioritize your well-being
Move to your own rhythm

World-class academics

Meet inspiring professors
Engage in groundbreaking research
Discover global experiences

From Exploration to Action

Discover life-changing experiences beyond the classroom, and begin to transform the world around you.

71%

complete one or more internships

51%

engage in faculty-led research

30%

study abroad

Student Spotlights

A woman stands in front of a tree smiling.

Field Note

Julianna Lee: From extension to education
Julianna Lee '24 joined the Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) as an undergraduate. During her time at Cornell, she earned a bachelors of science in agricultural sciences and minored in education and Asian American studies. Read on to...
  • Dairy
  • Animal Science
  • Agriculture
Arianna D. Edinbugh ’28 presenting at at the MANRRS 40th Annual Training Conference and Career Expo

Field Note

Arianna D. Edinbugh ’28: Leadership and connection at national conference
Animal science major Arianna D. Edinbugh ’28 from Columbia, Maryland, was among seven students who traveled to Dallas to represent the college at the MANRRS 40th Annual Training Conference and Career Expo in April. The National Society of MANRRS...
  • Animal Science
A woman stands in a field.

Field Note

Gabby Garcia: “We will never stop learning”
Gabby Garcia joined Cornell CALS’ Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) as an intern from Zamorano University hoping to expand upon her knowledge of agriculture. During her time at Cornell, she worked on the rainfall simulation project...
  • Agriculture
  • Field Crops
  • Crops
A diverse group of students with fresh garlic

News

Celebrating 30 years of Dilmun Hill Student Farm
When Alex Chen came to Cornell in 2008, he took to heart the university’s motto of “any person, any study.” Chen majored in architecture while taking pre-med classes and sought out experiences across campus, including working as a farm manager...
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Dilmun Hill Student Farm
Kate Stephens ’26 posing next to banners at the CARET conference

Field Note

Kate Stephens ’26: Advocating for ag research, extension and teaching in DC
Kate Stephens ’26, a CALS senior from north-central Montana studying global development and communication, was selected as a student delegate for the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) conference held in Washington...
  • Agriculture
  • Communication
  • Global Development

How to Apply

Cornell summer students walk through a sunny Ho Plaza towards McGraw Tower.

1. Choose a major

Open the door to a world of knowledge, and create your own experience.

At Cornell CALS, your interests will lead you to a focus, and from there you can build an experience that spans disciplines, research areas and hands-on opportunities to chart your own course.

Explore your options

All about your CALS major

2. Review our first-year application process

Take the next step — we want to know all about you!

3. Apply with Common App

Start your journey, and prepare to join our community.

Three students petting a calf at CALS Fest.
Students at CALS Fest. Credit: Heather Ainsworth (CALS)
Two students work in a food science lab.
Students in FDSC 4190: Food Chemistry Lab conduct a lab experiment focused on food hydrocolloids, measuring the effects of viscosity and emulsion stability. Credit: Allison Usavage
A group of students wearing graduation caps and gowns wave red CALS flags in Schoellkopf Field.
Commencement 2025. Credit: Ryan Young (UREL)