Program details
Duration
10 months (30 credit hours)
Degree awarded
Master of Professional Studies in Applied Economics & Management
Home school
Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management
Curriculum
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
Students can add an international semester and earn a dual certification through the CEMS Master in International Management program alongside their MPS-AEM degree. Explore the dual-degree option to expand your global business experience.
Full details and course listings for the MPS-AEM are available via the Cornell course catalog.
Application dates & deadlines
Applications open in September, with four deadlines 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
March 1
Round 4
April 15
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 MPS-AEM 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 former instructor addressing your academic potential
- One from an advisor, mentor, coach or supervisor addressing your professional potential
Statement of purpose
Please use the academic statement of purpose to describe, within 500 words:
(1) your academic interests,
(2) your academic background, preparation, and training, including any relevant professional experiences,
(3) your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this specific program and
(4) 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.
Early admission pathway for Cornell undergraduates
Cornell undergraduates interested in the MPS-AEM program may apply for Early Admission, allowing them to begin master’s coursework during their final undergraduate semester and complete the degree with just one additional semester of study.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Cornell undergraduate in their junior year.
- Have between 1–8 credits remaining to complete their undergraduate degree at the start of senior year.
- Submit an Early Admission petition signed by their undergraduate advisor and the Dyson School registrar.
Application Process
Early Admission applicants are eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Indicate your Early Admission status in the Test Scores section of the application.
Apply for Early Admission during your junior year by submitting a complete application through the Graduate School and selecting Spring Intake under the Academic Program section.
Admissions FAQs
Can my undergraduate degree be in any major?
Yes, your undergraduate degree can be in any field, provided you excelled in your studies.
Is there a minimum GPA or test score required for admission into the program?
No. There is no minimum GPA required for admission to the MPS-AEM program. We expect applicants to show they can excel in our rigorous academic environment. The average undergraduate GPA for admitted students in other SC Johnson College programs is about 3.4.
Is the GMAT or GRE required?
All applicants are required to submit either the GMAT or GRE taken in the last five years.
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 MPSAEM also accepts the Duolingo English Test. We require an overall score of 130 or higher on the Duolingo English Test.
Can I change my concentration after I submit 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.
Next steps
Is the MPS in Applied Economics & Management 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, M.P.S.” as the field, then follow the instructions for applying to the program.