Eligibility
Applicants are required to have a thorough knowledge of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, quantitative methods, calculus, real analysis and linear algebra. Math classes — such as differential equations, mathematical probability and statistics, optimization and stochastic differential equations — are also good preparation.
In all of these classes, applicants should have a grade of B or better at the time of matriculation.
Math Courses
We require students to have completed courses in real analysis and linear algebra before starting at Cornell, and strongly recommend completing a course in differential calculus. Please note that classes taken as S/U are not sufficient. The linear algebra and real analysis courses must cover the topics listed here and here. If your transcript does list ‘linear algebra’ or ‘real analysis’ as courses, the admissions committee may request you provide the detailed syllabi of the courses (with English translations where appropriate) within which the linear algebra and real analysis were covered.
TOEFL/IELTS
We strongly recommend a TOEFL score of 26 and above in each of the four components (speaking, writing, reading and listening) with the IELTS equivalent being a minimum of 8 for each component. We also recommend foreign students (outside of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and English-speaking Canada) to submit their TOEFL/IELTS scores even if they obtained a terminal degree from institutions located in the US / Canada / Australia / New Zealand within the past five years. Applicants who do not have this academic background will be ineligible for admission into the Ph.D. program but might be considered for admission to the M.S. degree program.
TATA-Cornell Institute
Sometimes fellowships for graduate study are available through the Tata-Cornell Institute. Applicants interested in research that aligns with the mission, and interested in funding through the Tata-Cornell Institute should clearly indicate their preference in the very first part of their statement of purpose.
Transferring
Students wishing to transfer into the AEM Ph.D. program internally or externally must go through the regular admission process. Interested students are required to submit their application by mid-December for consideration for admission the following academic year (we do not admit students mid-year). Note also that we do not admit self-funded students.
How to apply
Applications for the Ph.D. in AEM are available online through the Cornell University Graduate School. Students must submit all of the following iteM.S. to be considered for admission and financial support the subsequent fall term.
- The Cornell University Graduate School application form
- Academic statement of purpose: Explain academic interest and relation to professional goals.
- Personal statement: Describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insights into your potential to contribute to Cornell University’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.
- BS or BA from an accredited university: Submit all undergraduate transcript(s) along with any graduate school transcripts. Upload all transcripts into the online application form. Students who are subsequently admitted and accept the offer of admission will be required to submit an official paper transcript prior to matriculation.
- Three letters of recommendation: Letters should be from persons who can appraise the academic potential of the applicant.
- Results of the TOEFL or IELTS if required (institution code = 2098): 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. Please see the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirement page for more details.
- GRE examination scores are required for admission to the AEM Ph.D. Program.
Application Deadlines
To ensure your application receives full consideration please submit your completed application by December 15 for the subsequent fall term.
We strongly encourage all applicants to submit their online application and supporting materials at least two weeks in advance of our deadline (December 15) Late applications will not be accepted.
Costs, financial aid and housing
Financial aid
Two types of financial support for graduate students are available through Cornell: merit-based assistantships and fellowships and need-based loans. Prospective students are also encouraged to seek support from national, international, industrial, foundation and government sources.
FAQ
Explore frequently asked questions — including program length, the admissions process, dissertation requirements and career possibilities — to learn more about our program.
What do I need to be considered for admission?
- Official TOEFL/IELTS scores – Send scores to Cornell University Graduate School, Institution Code 2098. Department codes are not used for matching scores to applications; if ETS requires you to select a department code, you may choose “undecided” or “not listed”. Detailed information regarding requirements and exceptions to this requirement are described here.
- Unofficial copies of transcripts uploaded into the graduate school application.
- 2 letters of recommendation. For additional letters of recommendation, applicants should ask recommenders to send a PDF copy of their letter to Dyson-MS-PhD@cornell.edu and the letter will be uploaded into your application.
- Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP)- Detailed information regarding the ASOP can be found here.
What materials do I need to send by mail?
Hard copy materials do not need to be sent at the time of application. If admitted into the graduate program, applicants will receive correspondence indicating what items are required and by what dates they need to be submitted.
Will I be considered for financial support?
All Ph.D. applicants will be considered for financial support. Financial support may be in the form of a teaching assistantship (TA), fellowship, graduate research assistantship (GRA), or a combination of these three.
The M.S. program is a self-funded program. M.S. applicants may be considered for financial support, though the majority are admitted without a guarantee of support. Even if they are not admitted with a guarantee of support, some M.S. students do obtain funding for the M.S. degree program through hourly TA or GRA positions.
What is the final deadline to be considered for admission into the program?
M.S. and Ph.D.: December 15 (applications should be complete on this date)
If I have obtained a full scholarship for graduate studies, should I upload this information into the application?
Yes, financial support information should be included in the application. External scholarships of support can enhance your chances of admission.
May I apply with a 3-year bachelor’s degree?
We accept all bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions in the United States, even those that are completed in 3 years. For international degrees, we follow the guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers when considering which degrees are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree obtained in the United States. This usually means that 4 years of study are required, though some 3-year degrees can be accepted. International degree equivalencies are provided here. If you still have questions after reviewing the international degree equivalencies, please Contact Graduate Admissions.
What scores are needed to be considered for admission into your program?
Admitted applicants usually have a GPA in excess of 3.50 (4.00 scale), and generally score above the 85th percentile in each category of the GRE. Grades in mathematics and economics classes are considered much more carefully, as is the quantitative portion of the GRE. It is crucial that applicants write a well-defined statement of purpose that clearly identifies their research interests and how their interests relate to current research being conducted by members of the graduate field faculty.
If I apply directly to the Ph.D. program and am not accepted, will I still be considered for admission into the M.S. program?
Yes, all applicants rejected from the Ph.D. program can be considered for admission to the M.S. program at the applicant’s request. No separate application is needed.
What academic background do I need to be considered for admission into the Ph.D. program?
Incoming Ph.D. applicants are required to have a thorough knowledge of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and quantitative methods. All applicants must have a thorough knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and at least two semesters of advanced mathematics, including a course in real analysis. Math classes, such as differential equations, mathematical probability and statistics, optimization, and stochastic differential equations, are also good preparation for the Ph.D. program. All of these classes should have a grade of B or better at the time of matriculation. Applicants who do not have this academic background are unlikely to be admitted into the Ph.D. program, but will be considered for admission to the M.S. degree program.
What academic background do I need to be considered for admission into the M.S. program?
Applicants to the field of applied economics and management do not have to major in agricultural economics, applied economics, or economics as undergraduates to be considered for admission to the MS program. Students with undergraduate specializations in finance, marketing, management, and related business specializations are also welcomed to apply. However, any deficiencies in preparation will lengthen the graduate program. Applicants are preferred to have completed calculus, algebra, statistics, econometrics, and intermediate-level microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory at a higher than 100 level.
How many students are accepted each year?
On average, 10 Ph.D. and 40 M.S. students are accepted each year.
When will I receive the admission decision?
All applicants should be notified by email at the end of February or beginning of March.
When do I need to notify you of my decision to attend this program?
Do you have an open house for admitted students?
Yes, this is typically held each year in the 3rd week of March. We encourage applicants to visit during this time. If admitted students are unable to visit during this time, please schedule a separate visit with the Dyson Graduate Program. Please allow a minimum of two weeks’ notification of your plans to visit.
What are the benefits of a STEM designated program for students on F-1 visas?
For international students, the STEM designation offers an additional benefit. If approved by the USCIS, optional practical training (OPT) provides many F-1 visa students with the opportunity to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months, gaining valuable experience related to their field of study. Students graduating from STEM designated programs may apply for a 24-month extension to their post-completion OPT, potentially providing up to 36 months of temporary employment in the U.S.
Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams
Cornell University has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent.
Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that:
- Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
- Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
- Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).
Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify globaloperations@cornell.edu. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.