Grad FAQ
- How do I apply?
- Am I eligible to apply for graduated study?
- What is the difference between M.Eng and M.S. degree programs?
- What materials should be included in my application?
- Do I have to take the TOEFL?
- What is the minimum GRE guideline?
- How long are GRE scores valid?
- What are the institutional and departmental codes for the TOEFL and GRE scores?
- When is the application due?
- How much is the application fee?
- My transcripts are not in English. Will you accept them?
- How do I pay my application fee?
- Can I update my online application after it is submitted?
- Can I apply and delay my enrollment, if I decide to begin my studies later?
- Is there an interviewing process for admission?
- How much is tuition?
- Is financial aid available?
- Is there an additional form to fill out for financial aid?
- Are international students considered for financial aid?
- What is a fellowship?
- What is an assistantship?
- Is tuition covered by a fellowship or assistantship?
- Is there housing available for graduate students?
- How do I schedule a visit?
- How long does it usually take to finish an MS degree?
- How long does it usually take to complete a PhD degree?
- Who do I contact if I have further questions?
All applications are interactive and available on the Graduate School’s website.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng); a coursework and project-oriented degree program usually completed in two semesters if started in the Fall. Admission to this program generally requires an undergraduate degree, or equivalent coursework, in an appropriate field of engineering.
Master of Science (M.S.); a research-oriented degree program usually completed within two years. Admission to this program generally requires an undergraduate degree , or equivalent coursework, in an appropriate field of engineering, although the environmentally-oriented concentrations may be able to accept students who have a strong physical sciences background.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); an in-depth research-oriented degree program that is usually completed within 3 to 5 years. Those applying for direct admission to the PhD program are expected to have a master's degree in an appropriate area first; otherwise, they should apply to the combined M.S./Ph.D. program.
The M.Eng degree is set up to be completed in two semesters. No thesis is required; a final written report on the design project replaces the thesis. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of technical graduate-level course work and work on a real-world design project. The project may either be in a group setting or an individual project. The program is intended for those interested in professional practice and engineering.
The M.S. degree is a research-oriented program that usually takes 4 semesters to complete and requires an independently written thesis. There are no credit-hour or specific course requirements. Each student's program (course work and research) is individualized and decided upon in consultation with a Special Committee which the student selects and that is made up of faculty from the student’s major and minor subject areas. The program is intended for those interested in a research or academic career and, generally, continuation into a PhD program. In fact, several of our concentrations will not accept terminal MS applications. Those interested in a terminal Master’s degree should apply to the Master of Engineering program; others may apply for the combined MS/PhD program. Competition for these assistantships and fellowships is very keen and in general only about 5% of new M.S. (/Ph.D.) applicants will receive an offer of financial aid. Please note that because there are no credit-hour requirements in the M.S. (or Ph.D.) program, credits earned at another university cannot be transferred to an M.S. (or Ph.D.) program at Cornell.
Both the M.Eng and M.S. degrees are excellent preparation for a Ph.D. program or for a career.
In addition to the application form and Statement of Purpose, CEE requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses taken, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores for any applicant whose native language is not English. No exceptions are granted. Although a resume is not required, it is helpful.
Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL and have the official score reported to Cornell from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Only students who have studied full-time for two or more years at a college or university where English is the language of instruction located in a country where English is the native language are exempt from the TOEFL.
Many applicants should have access to the Internet-based Test (iBT) version of the TOEFL. This version will test all four language skills important for effective communication: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Each section has its own score, and the Graduate School has set the following minimum scores for admissions:
- Writing: 20
- Listening: 15
- Reading: 20
- Speaking: 22
CEE and the Graduate School will continue to accept scores for the Paper Based (600 minimum) versions of the TOEFL for applicants in regions where the iBt is not available.
To have scores sent to Cornell, you must indicate the Institutional Code for Cornell and the Department Code for your proposed field of study on the TOEFL. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date because language proficiency can change considerably in a relatively short period of time. Scores more than two years old cannot be reported or verified by ETS, and are not forwarded to institutions for consideration. If you took the TOEFL test more than two years before the date you applied to Cornell, you will have to take the test again in order to have your scores reported.
CEE does not have a minimum GRE score requirement that applicants must obtain. The GRE is looked at as part of the overall application package; applicants generally are neither accepted nor rejected based on GRE alone.
5 years
- Institutional code: 2098
- Departmental code for GRE: 1199
- Departmental code for TOEFL: 65
For FALL admission completed applications, including all supporting materials, must be received by January 15 at the latest (applications will not be accepted after January 15), although it is very much to the applicant's advantage (especially international applicants) to apply earlier. For SPRING admission, the deadline for completed applications, including all supporting materials, is October 15. Financial aid is rarely available in the Spring. No separate application form is required to apply for financial aid; simply check the box on the application form that asks if you wish to be considered for merit-based aid.
The current application fee is $80.
No, transcripts must be in English.
The application fee is paid on-line within the application form.
Unfortunately, once you submit your application you cannot make any changes to it. Please contact cee_grad@cornell.edu with any changes you have.
Unfortunately, deferrals are not accepted at this time.
No, there is no interviewing process at this time for admission into our graduate programs.
The 2011-12 academic year tuition rates are as follows:
- Research Degree (M.S., M.S./PhD): $29,500
- Professional Degree (M.Eng): $41,325
Admission and financial aid decisions will not be made without benefit of a complete and formal application. Decisions are based on the applicant’s Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation (3 required), transcripts of all universities attended, GRE scores, TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English, and any other supporting documentation the applicant feels will benefit his/her application (please do not send us copies of research theses, reports, etc.). All admission and financial aid decisions are made as a group, not by an individual faculty member, therefore resumes to individual faculty members requesting teaching/research positions or assessments of the applicants chances of receiving admission/aid cannot be considered.
Because our financial aid resources never cover all worthy applicants, we strongly encourage all applicants to aggressively seek other sources of support, including fellowships offered by both private and government organizations, or support from current or potential employers.
There are no additional forms to fill out to be considered for financial aid. All applicants are considered for financial aid.
Yes, all international students are considered for financial aid.
All fellowships are awarded in the Fall and must be awarded to new incoming in a Ph.D. track program (M.S./Ph.D. or Ph.D.). All fellowships are for one year only with the additional years covered by TA and/or GRA appointments. Fellowships cover full tuition, full health insurance, and a 9-month stipend.
Includes teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and M.Eng assistantships. All awards are based on merit, not need, and we never have enough funding ourselves to offer to all worthy applicants. Full-time (15-20 hour per week work commitment) assistantships are offered to M.S. and/or Ph.D. students only. They pay full tuition, full health insurance, and a 9 month stipend. MEng assistantships are part-time only (7 ½ hours per week work commitment). They usually include a ½ tuition fellowship and a stipend equal to ½ the amount of a full TA or GRA.
(Please see Fellowship & Assistantship definitions above)
Many off-campus options are available. Visit the Housing and Housing Resources sections of the graduate student website for more information.
Visit the How to Visit page of the CEE website for information.
It takes an average of 2 years to complete a M.S. degree.
It takes an average of 3-4 years to complete a Ph.D. degree.
You can contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at 219 Hollister Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-7560 or by e-mail: cee_grad@cornell.edu.
