Academic excellence

The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business combines the strengths of three leading business schools, a world-class faculty and the resources of Cornell University. Students gain a rigorous education grounded in scholarship, hands-on learning and a tradition of academic excellence that spans generations.

A legacy of business education

Business education has been part of Cornell University since 1922, when the School of Hotel Administration became the first collegiate hospitality program of its kind. Today, the SC Johnson College brings together the Dyson School, Johnson School and Nolan School, combining their longstanding academic traditions within one college. Established in 2016, the college builds on Cornell’s strengths as a leading research university to provide students with a broad and rigorous business education.

Built on recognized standards

The SC Johnson College is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the leading accrediting body for business education. Cornell was among the early institutions that helped establish standards for business schools, and the college continues to uphold those standards through rigorous academics, regular review and a commitment to continuous improvement. Accreditation gives students and employers confidence that our programs meet recognized benchmarks for quality and excellence.

Breadth and depth

Students benefit from specialized expertise within one of our three schools while gaining access to opportunities throughout the college and university.

Dyson Grand Challenges student speaking at event

Dyson School

The Dyson School focuses on applied economics and management, giving students a strong foundation in analytics and entrepreneurship. Students work closely with faculty on research opportunities that deepen their understanding of business and support strong academic preparation.

A young woman leads classmates in a bright contemporary presentation space at Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech's Roosevelt Island campus

Johnson School

The Johnson School offers MBA and graduate programs that prepare students for leadership roles in business, technology and global markets. Students build strong analytical and decision-making skills while studying how organizations operate across industries and regions.

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Nolan School

The Nolan School offers rigorous study in hospitality, real estate, finance and service leadership, preparing students to understand how organizations operate and grow across service-driven industries. Students engage with industry-focused coursework and faculty expertise that strengthen their academic foundation and professional readiness.

Cornell business faculty Karan Girotra smiles while teaching business students in a lively lecture hall.

Leading scholars and practitioners

Academic excellence begins with exceptional faculty. SC Johnson College is home to 250 faculty members who combine leading research, industry knowledge and a strong commitment to teaching. Their work spans disciplines and schools, creating opportunities for students to learn from experts, engage with new ideas and gain a deeper understanding of business in a changing world.

250

faculty members

across the SC Johnson College

1,000+

courses

taught annually

8

academic areas

focus faculty efforts and promote collaboration

“In our unique community, we cultivate an environment that thrives on the diversity of thought, fostering a culture of collaboration and exploration. Here, students are not merely recipients of knowledge but active participants in shaping the future. Our commitment to immersive, engaged learning and impactful research sets the stage for a transformative educational experience.”

Andrew Karolyi

Charles Field Knight Dean, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Dean Andrew Karolyi smiling, leaning against bookshelf in his office

No. 3

Best Undergraduate Business Schools, 2026

Cornell University (Dyson School)
Poets & Quants

No. 6

U.S. MBA Business School Rankings, 2026

Cornell University (Johnson School)
Financial Times

Man on phone at table in NYC

Strong outcomes for graduates

The value of a Cornell business education can be seen in the careers, organizations and industries our graduates help shape.

Hear from our community

Students describe a learning environment that challenges them, supports them and connects them with opportunities throughout Cornell.

Elina Hur headshot

“A Ph.D. is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.”

Elina Hur, Ph.D. ’23

Assistant Professor of Marketing, Fox School of Business, Temple University

Nolan Alum Keith Barr

“My time at [the Nolan School] gave me a deep understanding of the hospitality industry that was underpinned by a comprehensive business curriculum and helped me form critical industry relationships. These factors combined to set me on the path to be a successful leader in business.”

Keith Barr ’92

President & CEO of CarMax, former CEO of IHG Hotels and Resorts

“Having started my nonprofit in high school to promote environmental awareness, I wanted a program that would allow me to deepen my business skills while staying grounded in values of sustainability and impact. Dyson’s motto of ‘Our Business is a Better World’ was the perfect fit.”

Ankita Chakraborty ’28

Research with global reach

Through its research centers, institutes and industry partnerships, the SC Johnson College brings together faculty, students and organizations to address important business challenges. This collaborative work connects disciplines, informs business practices and contributes to conversations that actively shape global policy and decision-making.

Centers and institutes

The centers and institutes at the SC Johnson College bring faculty, students and industry partners together to study key issues in business and management. Their research produces new insights that inform teaching, support academic inquiry and reinforce the college’s commitment to rigorous scholarship.

Societal impact

SC Johnson College faculty and students study complex business and social challenges through research, teaching and collaboration. Their work connects scholarship with practice and addresses issues that matter to organizations and communities around the world. This focus reflects the college’s commitment to rigorous academic work that extends beyond the classroom.

Engaged College Initiative

The Engaged College Initiative at the SC Johnson College connects faculty research with organizations, communities and industry partners to address practical challenges in business and society. Faculty and students apply academic research in real settings and bring insights back into the classroom. This work reflects the college’s commitment to rigorous scholarship and strengthens the academic experience across the college.

Three students walk past the Tata Innovation Center in NYC

New York City initiatives

From Roosevelt Island to Midtown Manhattan, the SC Johnson College extends its academic presence into one of the world’s leading centers for business, technology, healthcare and real estate. Through programs at Cornell Tech, executive education offerings, industry-connected learning and a vibrant network of alumni and employers, students gain access to opportunities that complement their Cornell education and connect classroom learning with the energy of New York City. Learn more about how the college’s NYC initiatives expand the Cornell experience.

Insights and impact

The SC Johnson College community approaches complex challenges through research, teaching and collaboration.

Leveraging artificial intelligence

AI is more than a tool. It’s a market analyst. A logistics coordinator. A decision maker. It’s the basis of a product not yet developed. A solution for tomorrow’s greatest challenges. But only when business leaders draw on sound judgment to develop and implement the technology thoughtfully. Our faculty, students and alumni are working to understand the business and economic implications of AI, guard against pitfalls and leverage it for good.

Purpose-driven business

What if business success was measured by problems solved — not just profits generated? Our students, faculty and alumni tease apart complex issues, build businesses to address societal problems and improve the world at large, whether they are working to eliminate packaging waste, reduce disease on poultry farms, rethink the culture of banking or advance climate finance.

Leadership as a discipline

What does effective leadership look like in a world full of disruption, uncertainty — and possibility? It is not always about authority and command, but rather curiosity, trust, self-reflection and courage. At the SC Johnson College, we research management techniques, define meaningful strategies, create space for aspiring leaders to develop and offer alumni opportunities to keep learning.

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