Immersive. Innovative. Collaborative. The Dyson School undergraduate applied economics and management degree (AEM) is known for its strong, industry-specific academics and unrivaled experiential learning offerings. You’ll learn from a distinguished group of scholars and practitioners, all of whom not only share their expertise with Dyson School students but also advance their fields and address global issues through research and community engagement. Inside and outside the classroom, you’ll see Dyson’s “Our business is a better world” vision in action.
Program overview
The rigorous B.S. in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) program centers on a core of applied economics and management courses, and it’s also flexible enough to customize your academic plan based on your career goals. You’ll choose one or two Dyson School concentrations and further explore your interests with electives from across the university. A Dyson School student can take elective courses from astronomy to zookeeping.
AEM course requirements
Dyson core courses lay the groundwork for your applied economics and management major courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, accounting, and business management provide a solid foundation, while classes like the Ethics in Business and Organization class help you put theory into practice.
All Dyson students choose at least one concentration. Each concentration, from accounting to strategy, has specific requirements and, often, the ability to select from a broader list of AEM courses (and relevant classes from other schools and colleges).
At the Dyson School, you’ll put into action what you learn in your applied economics classes through internships, research, study abroad, capstone projects, and other hands-on experiences. Plus, many of these real-world learning opportunities have built-in opportunities to make a difference in communities near and far.
Many of the business minor options for non-Dyson students overlap with concentration areas for AEM majors, such as sustainable business and international markets. This means AEM students can’t also minor in these areas.
You have goals, and we’ll help you get there. Academic advisors at Dyson can assist your short- and long-term course planning, whether it’s helping you determine which semester is best for a study abroad experience, how to incorporate a minor, or finding elective AEM courses that match your professional goals. The Dyson Office of Student Services and Advising is also your connection to additional academic, career, physical and mental health, and other support resources across the Cornell campus.
Apply to Dyson online through the Common App. Simply select “Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—Dyson School” to get started. Choose whether you want to be considered for early- or regular-decision admission. From there, you’ll see our application requirements, including where and how to submit supplemental materials.
Early decision vs. Regular admission: What’s the difference?
Early decision is a binding commitment, which means that if you’re admitted to Cornell, you must withdraw any applications to other schools and send your enrollment deposit to Cornell by early January. (You may be released from the commitment if you have applied for financial aid and do not receive an award sufficient to make the Cornell education affordable for you and your family.)
Your early decision application may be admitted, denied, or postponed to a regular decision (in which case you are not subject to the binding early decision commitment).
A closer look at the application process
Applying to Cornell is a big step, and we want you to be as prepared as possible. The admissions process is more than uploading transcripts and letters of recommendation. Your application — and especially your admission essay — is an incredible opportunity to showcase who you are, how you’ll fit in and contribute to Dyson, what our “business for a better world” ethos means to you, and where you want your applied economics education to take you. We can’t wait to hear your story.
Application and supplemental materials: What to include
Apply online using the Common App. Choose Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—Dyson School. You’ll also submit:
Resume: Highlight your academic, extracurricular, community, and professional experiences.
College of Business Essay Question: What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)
SAT/ACT scores: Cornell’s SAT code is 2098, and our ACT code is 2726. For additional questions, see the Standardized Testing Policy
Your high school record: What we expect to see
To prepare for the rigor of Cornell, your record should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement through a minimum of 16 units, including the following areas:
English: 4
Mathematics: 4, including calculus
Science: 3
Additional units of advanced math and science are recommended
Your application will be further strengthened by evidence of initiative, leadership, and entrepreneurship. This can be illustrated through your additional courses, extracurriculars, honors/awards, and work/volunteer experience.
Application tips: Making the most of your admissions experience
Give yourself plenty of time to complete, review, and double-check your application. Here are some tips:
Review the requirements and instructions carefully; the Common App website offers excellent tutorials and guides to help.
Notify your school counselors/teachers of your intent to apply to Cornell; request any required letters of recommendation with plenty of lead time.
Get familiar with our programs; in your essay, it’s vital to connect your goals and interests to Dyson
Consider your summer and school-year activities—are they in alignment with your business goals?
Application checklist
Whether you’re a first-year student coming directly from high school or a transfer student joining the Cornell community from another Cornell college or other university, we want to ensure you have what you need to complete the application process. Explore the specific requirements and information based on your education and experience.
A Dyson School degree is a solid investment in yourself and your future. Driven by Cornell’s founding vision of “any person, any study,” we’re committed to helping promising students achieve their dreams, regardless of their means. The University’s Office of Financial Aid will help you determine how to make your tuition and living expenses as manageable as possible.
Interviews are not required or offered as part of Dyson’s undergraduate admissions requirements.
We encourage you to visit campus to get a feel for Cornell and Ithaca. You may also experience campus from home.
Does Dyson’s selection process differ from the rest of Cornell’s?
We’re selective, but our criteria go beyond grades. Our holistic approach means we consider every aspect of your application: how you’re challenging yourself academically, how you’re making a difference in your school and community, and how your passions and experiences align with Dyson’s programs.
What is the primary/alternate option? Does choosing both increase my chances of being admitted?
When applying to the SC Johnson College of Business, you must choose to apply directly to either the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration or Dyson. We find that most students already have a specific path they feel is right for them based on the academic and extracurricular opportunities available within one school.
Select an alternate option only if you can clearly articulate how your personal and professional goals fit both schools.
Choosing a primary and alternate school, however, will not increase your chances of admission. During the early decision application review, you will only be considered for admission for your primary choice.
What jobs do applied economics and management students get after graduation?
As part of the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell and with close ties to the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dyson offers an incredible interdisciplinary education. Our applied economics and management graduates succeed in a variety of industries, sectors, and specialties. They work for start-ups, family businesses, Fortune 500 companies, social enterprises, and multinational organizations.
Connect with the Dyson admissions team and apply
Students arrive at Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management with a solid foundation in math and science, strong analytical skills, and rich extracurricular experiences. If this sounds like you—and you’re ready to use business for the greater good—we invite you to apply to Dyson. Or, contact admissions for more information.
