Build a career in international business with this dual Master’s program.
Designed for early-career professionals with an interest in global business practices, this three-semester program provides you with the opportunity to launch your global career while graduating with two prestigious credentials.
Program details
Location
Ithaca, New York & International semester abroad
Degree awarded
Master of Professional Studies in Applied Economics and Management + CEMS Master of International Management
Home school
Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management
Curriculum
The MPS AEM portion of the program requires a total of 30 credit hours consisting of 21.5 hours of required core coursework, 6 hours of quantitative methods coursework, and a 9 credit hour concentration in one of the following areas:
- Behavioral finance
- Behavioral marketing
- Sustainable business and economic policy
- Business of food
- International development politics
- Technology management
The CEMS MIM portion of the program will include one additional semester of coursework to be completed at one of the 33 partner schools in the CEMS alliance. Students must be enrolled full-time for all semesters (12 credits minimum), as part-time study is not permitted.
Semester abroad selection process
Students are matched with a CEMS alliance business school for their semester abroad based on program availability and alignment with their academic and career interests.As part of the application, you will be asked to thoughtfully rank all CEMS partner schools in order of preference. Your rankings help the admissions and program teams determine the best possible placement for your exchange semester.
Because each CEMS partner school has a limited number of exchange spots available, Cornell cannot guarantee placement at a student’s top-ranked institution. However, the admissions and program staff work closely with students to identify a host school that will provide a meaningful academic, professional, and cultural experience. Students are encouraged to submit their applications earlier in the cycle for a stronger opportunity to be matched at their preferred exchange location.
All CEMS courses at partner institutions are taught in English, allowing students to succeed academically regardless of local language proficiency. Students will also join a global community of incoming exchange students and local CEMS students who can help support their transition and experience abroad.
Application dates & deadlines
Applications open in September, with three deadlines through January to consider before submitting your application. Early submission of applications is encouraged for priority admissions and merit scholarship consideration.
Round 1
December 1
Round 2
January 15
Round 3
January 30
Application checklist
Transcript
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. If admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts for verification.
Transcripts must include:
- All completed courses
- Grades for each course
- Degree earned and date conferred
Important notes:
- Redact or cover your Social Security Number before submission.
- If your transcript is not in English, include a certified English translation along with the original.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have a recognized equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. If your credentials differ in title or duration, consider submitting a credential evaluation (e.g., through World Education Services).
- Admitted students must submit official transcripts before enrollment.
GMAT/GRE score report
The program requires a GMAT or GRE score, though there is no minimum score requirement. Scores are valid for five years, and the highest score will be considered if multiple exams were taken. The program accepts the GRE General Test at Home, GMAT Online, and GMAT Focus.
GMAT scores should be sent via mba.com using code 5811; GRE scores should be sent through ETS using Cornell code 2098. Unofficial scores may be used for review, but official scores are required before enrollment.
Applicants may request a GMAT/GRE waiver through the application if they can demonstrate strong quantitative ability through academics or work experience. Waiver decisions are sent within seven business days, and approved applicants are not disadvantaged in admissions review.
Two letters of recommendation
Submission of two letters of recommendation is required:
- One from a current or recent supervisor who can attest to your work-related skills.
- The second may be from either an academic or professional source.
Statement of purpose
Please use the academic statement of purpose to describe, within 500 words:
- Your academic interests,
- Your academic background, preparation, and training, including any relevant professional experiences,
- Your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this specific program, and
- Your professional goals.
Personal statement
Please describe (within 300-500 words) how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue a graduate degree. For additional suggestions on how to write a personal statement, please see the Graduate School’s website.
Resume or CV
Please submit a resume or CV with your application. While not required, related experience and demonstrated interest in the industry can strengthen your application and support success in the program.
Video interview
After submitting your application, you will be sent an email invitation to complete a video interview, where you will be asked to give short verbal responses to pre-recorded questions.
Note, the invitation to the video interview will be sent automatically after submitting your application. Please monitor your inbox carefully. We advise that you use the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to complete the video interview.
Application fee
A non-refundable application fee of $105 is required. Payment must be made through the online application using either an e-check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank, or a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card.
The application fee will be waived for:
- Current or former United States military members
- Cornell students and recent alumni (graduates within two years of application date).
Contact gradadmissions@business.cornell.edu for a fee waiver code prior to submitting your application if eligible.
International applicants
International applicants must submit official TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test scores sent directly from the testing agency. Since all MPS AEM courses are taught in English and involve discussion, group work, and intensive reading and writing, applicants must demonstrate strong spoken and written English skills. TOEFL “My Best Score” reports are not accepted, and applicants must meet Cornell Graduate School minimum sub-scores.
Test scores must be from within two years of the application deadline. Duolingo scores should be sent to the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
In some cases, English test requirements may be waived. Additional details on score minimums, submission procedures, and waiver criteria are available on the Graduate School website.
MPS AEM + CEMS MIM FAQs
When will I study abroad?
CEMS students study abroad in their first or second semester. The semester abroad will vary depending on your concentration requirements and the exchange school’s academic schedule.
Students are not able to study abroad in their final semester of the program, as it will be spent at Cornell University completing any remaining MPS in Applied Economics and Management degree requirements.
Is CEMS just an add-on semester to the MPS AEM program?
The CEMS MIM is more than an additional semester added to the MPS AEM degree. It provides an additional internationally recognized credential and opens students up to increased global opportunities.
The CEMS student cohort at Cornell and at each student’s host school abroad is composed of students from CEMS schools around the world. Students are on a path to global citizenship through the MPS and CEMS curricula; a global network of students, alumni, and corporate partners; cultural immersion; and leadership opportunities.
Can I change my selected concentration after submitting my application?
Concentrations cannot be changed after application submission. When applying, your application is reviewed by a faculty committee specific to your concentration, and your offer letter will be specific to your concentration.
Is student visa assistance offered for international student?
Yes. Cornell’s International Students and Scholars Office assists international students with student visa applications.
What are the minimum scores accepted on TOEFL/IELTS exams?
The Cornell University Graduate School has minimum requirements for English Language Proficiency. The Admissions Committee for the MPS AEM believes it is essential that applicants have fluency in the English language to be successful.
The MPS AEM also accepts the Duolingo English Test. We require an overall score of 130 or higher on the Duolingo English Test.
Next steps
Is the MPS in Applied Economics & Management + CEMS MIM from Cornell the right next step for your career? We encourage you to start your application today!
Register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. Select “Applied Economics and Management, M.P.S. with CEMS MIM” as the program of interest, then follow the instructions for applying to the program.