Bachelor's in Applied Economics & Management (B.S.)
Through economics, management, and data-driven decision-making, the Applied Economics and Management (AEM) program empowers students to create innovative solutions for economic and societal challenges.
- Schedule
- Full-time
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Ithaca, NY
- Degree Awarded
- Bachelor of Science
- This program is part of
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
B.S. in Applied Economics & Management
Understanding the confluence of behavior, markets, and economies is key to succeeding in global business and development. The bachelor’s in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) from the Dyson School builds foundations and fosters excellence in improving economic and civic outcomes from any perspective.
Students become versed in economics and econometrics, management, finance, accounting, quantitative analysis, and beyond. Interns and graduates work in industries ranging from finance to NGOs. This coursework, combined with our Grand Challenges program, provides ample opportunity to explore and solve contemporary global conundrums in economics and business.
Why choose Cornell?
Choosing Cornell means stepping into a program designed to connect economic thinking with the real business world. You’ll gain the skills, experience, and industry connections and opportunities that help you move forward professionally. This combination creates an experience that is both focused and far-reaching.
The Dyson School’s AACSB International–accredited undergraduate AEM degree program prepares students to succeed in life and career by using their education to make meaningful differences in their communities and around the world.
Ivy League applied economics
Quantitative management
Academic rigor
Research-driven strategy
Grand Challenges
UN-aligned coursework
Focused concentrations
For career alignment
Three-school ecosystem
Cross-disciplinary learning + broad electives
Alumni network+ employers
Direct connections
Why Dyson for your applied economics and management degree?
It’s more than what you learn; it’s also about the how and why. At the Dyson School, you’ll get hands-on learning experiences focused on solving legitimate global business issues—all with the guidance of a distinguished faculty and access to university-wide resources.
Hands-on learning
Get plenty of practical experience on and off campus through internships, study abroad, research, community engagement, and leadership development. Many student organizations even allow you to put your learning into action, such as managing an investment fund or consulting with small businesses.
Better-world approach
Prepare to use your skills and talents to address today’s most pressing issues. The Dyson School embodies the “our business is a better world” ethos found in nearly everything we do. Our faculty find solutions to societal needs through original research, and students participate in service-based courses and projects.
Cornell connections
Be part of a small school environment with the resources and support of a large university. Take courses or even double major in programs within the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Plus, you’ll benefit from the insight and connections of the Big Red alumni network.
Program snapshot
The B.S. in AEM combines applied economics with business management training to prepare future leaders for any company or organization. At Dyson,
Students learn how to analyze situations, interpret economic data, implement strategic change, and evaluate how markets respond to incentives, policy, and competition. The focus is on how analysis informs decisions.
Through applied projects using real datasets in tandem with your specialized concentration, AEM majors strengthen how to structure analysis, interpret results, and turn information into clear, actionable insight for the betterment of both business and society.
What is Applied Economics and Management ?
Applied economics and management (AEM) is all about using data, reasoning, and elements of economic theory to make informed business decisions—and crucial decisions, big and small, are made at every level of an organization. That’s why the practical, interdisciplinary AEM major builds a solid foundation for countless career paths.
Why this matters now
Markets are evolving quickly. Regulatory environments are shifting. Capital is moving differently. Global development and competition are reshaping nations and industries.
Organizations are operating under increasing uncertainty and relying on those who can interpret what others cannot. The ability to connect economic theory with real-world outcomes is increasingly valuable across business, consulting, and policy environments.
Those who can translate complex data into clear insight are increasingly positioned to lead analysis, influence strategy, and drive decision-making across organizations and sectors.
B.S. in AEM career outcomes
After earning the B.S. in AEM, graduates work across a variety of fields and industries. Graduates enter a wide range of industries including consulting, finance, technology, government, and consumer goods. Many roles focus on strategy, analytics, market research, and policy analysis, where economic insight and data-driven decision-making are essential. Our students are also supported by career advising, employer engagement, and access to Cornell’s global alumni network.
Within four months of graduation, our alumni see impressive results. See our careers page for more information.
93%
received job offers (2025)
93%
accepted job offers (2025)
$100k
median base salary + $10k median combined bonus (2025)
Explore the journey of where AEM can take you
At Cornell, your B.S. in AEM journey combines collaborative, quantitative, applied learning to help you translate complex data into business decisions. The journey below highlights how one student leveraged educational and internship opportunities, faculty mentorship and quantitative training to launch a career in the financial sector.
“Dyson has been the foundation for my growth, offering academic rigor and a collaborative environment where peers and mentors have continuously pushed me to excel … I feel exceptionally well-prepared thanks to Dyson’s hands-on learning, exposure to real-world challenges, and the support network that has helped me build confidence, adaptability, and purpose.”
Ari Salsberg, B.S. in AEM
From AEM student to investment analyst
Ari entered the program seeking opportunity to grow his knowledge, skills and network around his career goals.
-
FOUNDATIONS IN ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS
- Built expertise in economics, statistical analysis, and business fundamentals
- Worked closely with classmates and faculty as part of Grand Challenges program
- Explored applications of finance and economics through coursework and applied projects
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CAREER DISCOVERY AND NETWORKING
- Expanded his professional capabilities and network across financial analysis and investment
- Refined his skills through hands-on research, internships and faculty mentorship
- Applied valuable analytical acumen used by employers in the finance sector
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TODAY: Analyst, Perella Weinberg
Ari now conducts evaluation and analysis focused on investment optimizations, applying the skills developed through the program to support growth of corporations, financial sponsors, governments, and sovereign wealth funds.
They are Dyson
Innovators. Builders. Connectors. Dyson School students are ambitious high-achievers who see their ideas and aspirations come to life before they even leave campus. Meet a few of them in this video.
Curriculum overview
The rigorous curriculum integrates economic theory with applied quantitative methods.
You develop skills in:
- Macro- and micro-economics
- Financial and managerial accounting
- Strategic management
- Behavioral economics
- Econometrics and statistical analysis
- Risk modeling and optimization
- Market and policy analysis
Coursework is complemented by applied projects and internship support, ensuring you gain both analytical depth and practical experience.
During and after Cornell
Life on campus and in the community
Being part of a vibrant campus community and living in a thriving college town is a big part of life at the Dyson School. Student organizations, Cornell traditions, Big Red athletics, and countless events and activities will enrich your educational experience. Plus, with access to a range of academic, professional, wellness, and other resources, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
What can you do with an applied economics degree?
With deep industry expertise in finance, consulting, technology, consumer packaged goods, and agribusiness, many Dyson School students land top positions in these fields—but you’ll quickly learn that an applied economics and management bachelor’s degree can take you anywhere, from a private equity manager to a director of sales and marketing for a dairy producer.
Our top-notch career services and academic advising will help you align your academic journey with your desired career path.
Dyson School admissions
During the college search, finding the perfect fit is everything. We encourage you to explore both our application requirements and degree requirements to ensure the Dyson School is right for you. Our website is full of excellent academic, career, and campus life information; you may also explore a campus video tour, or attend an online or in-person admissions event.
Admissions deadlines
Applications are to be sent 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.
November 1
EARLY DECISION
January 2
REGULAR DECISION
March 15
EXTERNAL TRANSFER (Fall)
N/A
EXTERNAL TRANSFER (Spring)
Your path forward
For those seeking to use business to improve lives, the next step is yours. The Cornell Dyson B.S. in AEM is designed to help you do just that.