Application to the Field of Horticulture
Welcome
We are glad you are interested in the Field of Horticulture. This is an exciting time in our many areas of research and extension. The deadline for MS/PhD application is December 1.
Preparing your application
All applications for Graduate Studies at Cornell are online and accessible through the Cornell Graduate School. You will be asked for a Statement of Academic Purpose, a personal statement, transcripts, relevant research and work experience, and letters of reference.
The Statement of Academic purpose describes what you want from your graduate education and how our program is likely to provide that training, as well as the experiences and achievements that make you likely to be successful in our program.
The personal statement provides a broader context of your interest in graduate education and life goals. How is horticulture a medium for reaching those goals? If you have requested consideration for a fellowship is support of diversity, this is a good place to describe the diversity you bring and how you can support our efforts to be inclusive of a more diverse audience.
There is a fee to apply. Applicants for whom the fee is a financial hardship or who participated in certain pipeline programs may request a fee waiver.
Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy.
How we evaluate you
There are many criteria we consider in evaluating a student for acceptance in the Field of Horticulture. A strong background in life sciences is important; as evidenced by grades, coursework, and research projects undertaken. A high motivation for graduate study in horticulture is essential. We look carefully at the student's statement of purpose and experiences in horticulture or plant sciences. The more in-depth the experiences, the better. We welcome applications from non-traditional students with significant life experiences and a strong desire to study in the field of horticulture, as well as students coming directly from their undergraduate degrees. Letters of recommendation are also extremely important. We are interested in getting all the information we can about the students' motivation and aptitude for graduate research.
Our admissions process uses a holistic review, in that we look at how your qualifications and potential fit together as a whole. In order to capture the many relevant dimensions of PhD applicants, we use a rubric with these criteria:
- Academic preparation. Does your education to date prepare you for success in our program?
- Fit with mission and expertise. Are your goals consistent with our mission? Does our program provide the kind of training you seek?
- Life skills. Can you do realistic long-term planning and execute on that plan? Are you resilient in the face of setbacks?
- Research potential. How do you know that you will thrive in a research environment? How do you deal with the complex issues that describe most research problems?
- Diversity contributions. Will you enhance diversity and inclusion in horticulture and research? Do you bring novel and valuable perspectives to your research topic?
Admission is competitive. Although students are not required to have an undergraduate degree in horticulture, a strong background in life sciences is essential for success in our graduate program. Students considering graduate school as a means to change career paths, but lacking extensive background in life sciences, are encouraged to consider a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in the Field of SIPS instead of the MS or Ph.D. degrees.
Tests
English language requirement
International applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency through either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The Graduate School sets minimum scores though the Field can require higher scores where necessary for the proposed program. The Graduate School proficiency requirements can be found on their website. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center. More information: English Language Proficiency Requirements.
GRE requirement
GRE scores are not required. If you choose to submit them, the scores will be considered, along with the totality of your academic record, solely to assess the strength of your academic preparation.
Institution and section codes
TOEFL - Cornell University = 2098, section code = 30
GRE - Cornell University = 2098, section code = 0109
Process and Timeline
December 1 - Application deadline for Fall Admission to MS, PhD, and MS/PhD programs. Supporting documentation, letters of references, and test scores are all required by this date. Contact the Graduate Field Coordinator for more information.
January- Review of applicants and evaluation by prospective advisors. Applicants may be contacted by prospective advisors for more in-depth discussion of potential role in their research program.
Early February- On-campus recruiting event. Select applicants will be invited to a two-day recruiting event to further explore the opportunities offered at Cornell.
Mid-February through April 1- Admission offers are made on a rolling basis as funding packages are developed. We fully fund every admitted PhD student.
April 15- Admission and support offers must be accepted by this date.
Accepted applicants will receive an acceptance email that will include funding information, the name of the advisor assigned to them, and other pertinent information from the Graduate School.
Financial support
Students may obtain support in several ways including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships.
Fellowships in support of Diversity:
Applicants from a variety of backgrounds or identities historically underrepresented within graduate education are eligible for consideration for a Fellowship in Support of Diversity. We encourage you to self-identify your eligibility. You may then write a Personal Statement to be used in the Diversity Fellowship nomination and selection process.
Field requirements
View field requirements for the Graduate Field of Horticulture.