College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Overview

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest population of students, faculty and staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; sustainable food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

Since our founding, we have evolved continuously to meet the changing needs of our world. Our top-ranked programs include more than 20 majors and nearly 40 minors across our areas of science.

We aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

The Cornell CALS experience empowers us to explore the boundaries of knowledge, supported by the leading minds of today and surrounded by the leading minds of tomorrow.

Website: cals.cornell.edu

General Information

Administration

Administration as of Catalog publish. For a current listing please see CALS College Leadership webpage. 

  • Benjamin Z. Houlton, Ronald P. Lynch Dean
  • Lori Leonard, Senior Associate Dean
  • Corrie Moreau, Senior Associate Dean
  • Sharon Detzer, Associate Dean
  • Sarah Giroux, Associate Dean
  • Ann LaFave, Assistant Dean
  • Xingen Lei, Associate Dean
  • Rocky Kambo, Associate Dean
  • Chris Smart, Associate Dean
  • Margaret Smith, Associate Dean
  • Julie Suarez, Associate Dean
  • Andrew Turner, Associate Dean
  • Andy Vail, Associate Dean

Office of Academic Programs

The Office of Academic Programs is a unit within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) encompassing the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Services, the Office of Curriculum Development and Instructional Support (OCDIS), and the CALS Professional Master's Program. These offices collaborate on recruitment, enrollment, degree attainment, career development and academic support for all CALS Undergraduate and Professional Masters Students. The office also oversees the curricular and compliance efforts across the college.

Office of Student Services

The Office of Student Services collaborates with students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in defining and achieving their academic and professional goals. The office serves as a central resource for academic advising, degree progress, career planning, experiential learning (including research, internships, and international opportunities), job search and preparation for graduate or professional study. Students can access Student Services staff, support, and resources in 140 Roberts Hall and in the CALS Zone (112 Mann Library).

Advising

Inclusive Academic Advising (IAA)

The Inclusive Academic Advising staff within the Office of Student Services supports all CALS undergraduate students, serves as the College's central undergraduate advising office, supports the faculty advising system, and offers consultation and support for academic issues including the college petitions process. Staff members are available to help students understand college and university policies  and to offer  an additional network of support and referrals throughout a student's undergraduate experience

Faculty Advisors

Faculty advisors are a vital resource for undergraduate students, serving as a primary point of contact fir academic guidance and experiential learning planning.  They support students in navigating curriculum questions, major requirements, and professional goals.

Advising Coordinators

Advising Coordinators act as liaisons between students, faculty advisors, and academic advising. They provide guidance on major requirements, curriculum, and course planning. Advising Coordinators can be considered the primary academic support for academic departments. 

E3 Career Development

The CALS E3 Career Development ecosystem intentionally links curriculum, experiential learning, advising, alumni and, employers to support students as they build a plan for their future and meet the college’s E3 Learning Milestone for graduation. 

By aligning coursework with career readiness, experiential opportunities, clarifying pathways within majors, and strengthening alumni and employer connections, E3 makes access to internships, research, community engagement, study abroad, and entrepreneurship transparent and attainable.  

Additionally, the Cornell Career Network, encompassing both college‑based and university‑level career units, collaborates to provide integrated career advising and education that support Cornell’s career learning outcomes. 

Pre-Health Advisors

Pre-Health advisors can provide academic and career guidance and answer questions about medical, dental, and veterinary schools, health-related careers, and experiential opportunities. Pre-health advising, support, and programs are available from the Health Professions Advising Center. 

International Engagement

To support students' diverse interests, needs, and desires, there are a variety of international opportunities available to CALS students. The international staff within the Office of Student Services and the Office of Global Learning (OGL) supports students on all international opportunities and guide them through the application process. While a semester or academic year may be the more traditional approach to an international experience, this is not the only option. We encourage students to look at all the opportunities available to them based on their needs, interests, and goals. Having a meaningful international experience can increase a student's independence, ability to be flexible, and marketability in the workforce.

Peer Advisors

Peer Advisors are a vital part of the CALS Office of Student Services. Peer Advisors are a vital part of the CALS Office of Student Services. These student employees work on projects and assist their fellow students with questions and basic services in a supportive, inclusive, and respectful manner. 

Office of Curriculum Development and Instructional Support

The OCDIS advances strategic curricular development throughout the college. The Director of this office provides guidance and implementation for pedagogical advancements, builds developmental resources to faculty, and launches new academic initiatives across the college. This office also supports shifts in coursework and the formation of new degrees.

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Each year, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Undergraduate Admissions Office is responsible for admitting and enrolling a talented, capable, and compelling class of students from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. The admissions work meets college and institutional enrollment goals, while both reflecting and supporting the college mission. This includes first-year, transfer, and internal transfer admissions processes. The office engages in various forms of in-person and virtual outreach to prospective students and their families, evaluates and makes decisions on more than 7,000 applications each year, and coordinates events for admitted students. The Admissions Office staff also advises and supports the CALS Ambassadors program.

The office is located in 177 Roberts Hall. Staff members include Heather Marcotte, Erin Treat, Anna Cummings, Jenn King and Callan Robinson. The staff can be contacted via email at cals_admissions@cornell.edu or phone at (607) 255-2036.

Undergraduate Admissions

In CALS, students apply to one of 20+ majors and are selected based on academic preparation and demonstrated fit for Cornell CALS and their chosen major. A significant factor taken into consideration by the admissions committee is how well a student's academic interests relate to the mission of the college. Majors fall within the life, agricultural, environmental, and social sciences.

Enrollment

Undergraduate enrollment is approximately 3,100. Annually 750 students graduate, while new student enrollment consists of approximately 600 first year and 200 transfer students. College faculty members serve as chairs of the Special Committees of approximately 1,100 graduate students.

Transfer Admissions

A student who has earned 12 or more credits at another accredited college or university since graduating from high school is eligible to apply to CALS as a transfer applicant. Approximately 30 percent of CALS undergraduates are transfer students who have completed part of their collegiate work at other institutions, including community colleges. Detailed information is available on the CALS Transfer Admissions webpage.

All accepted transfer credit must be from an accredited college or university. A maximum of 60 non-Cornell credits may be transferred. Transfer credit is awarded based on review of official transcripts. Additional course information may be required to determine transfer eligibility.

Internal Transfer

A degree-seeking Cornell student in good standing may apply for Internal Transfer to CALS, to pursue a major and degree that is not available in their current Cornell college/school. Eligibility guidelines, academic requirements by major, application timelines and the process for applying are detailed on the CALS Internal Transfer webpage.

The process requires each student to meet with the Advising Contact in their desired CALS major, prior to applying, to ensure that the student fully understands the major requirements, along with how to complete the required courses within the timeline of their expected date of graduation. Following the meeting, the Advising Contact provides feedback to the CALS Admissions committee regarding the student's candidacy. Additionally, the student must submit the Internal Transfer application, which includes a personal statement and resume.

Students who are well-positioned for Internal Transfer are those who seek to enter CALS as rising sophomores, mid-semester sophomores or rising juniors. The strongest candidates have met the academic requirements by major, are supported by the Advising Contact in their desired major, and are able to communicate, through their personal statement and resume, why pursuing their desired major within CALS is the best fit for them at Cornell.

Visiting Students

A limited number of non-degree candidates who want to take courses in the college are admitted each year as Visiting Students. Applicants should complete the Transfer Common Application, including the Cornell Supplement to indicate the special/visiting student intentions and coursework.

Off-Campus Students

Courses that Cornell students participate in that are approved credit-bearing programs off Ithaca's campus during the fall or spring semester will count towards the number of credits that can be brought in from an external institution. For a list of programs and more information, please refer to Special Academic Options.

Departments

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers more than 20 undergraduate majors and nearly 40 minors, many of which are cross-departmental to take advantage of the knowledge experience and expertise of the faculty from several disciplines. Faculty identify a sequence of courses that constitute the requirements for each major.  In addition, all students must meet the minimum distribution requirements of the college. Courses of study are designed to provide systematic development of basic skills and concepts as well as critical thinking. Many majors provide the opportunity for students to concentrate in a particular focal area.

Our curriculum flexes to align with student's individual interests and ambitions. We encourage students to experiment and make connections across the life, agricultural, environmental and social sciences that are at the core of the CALS experience.

Departments / Division / Schools

The links below will take you to the departmental websites for each area.

Additional Course Offering Areas:

1

Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS) courses are not associated with any departments, other than instructors from departments or the Center for Teaching Innovation. These courses have broad interest among students across the college.

Special Academic Opportunities

Early Enrollment Pathway

Outstanding undergraduate students may be admitted for professional study in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Law School, or the SC Johnson College of Business before completion of their undergraduate program. To be considered, a student must:

  • Fulfill all University Graduation requirements. 
  • Fulfill all college requirements. 
  • Fulfill all major(s) requirements. 
  • Complete a minimum of 108 of their 120 academic credits toward the Bachelor of Science before the start of the senior year and have been accepted by one of the above-named professional schools.
  • No more than 121 academic credits from the student's first semester in the pathway will be applied toward general elective requirements to reach the 120 credits required to complete the CALS Bachelor of Science degree.
    • The 12 credits from the Professional Pathway will count toward the maximum of 60 transfer credits allowed toward the undergraduate degree.
  • Once 120 credits have been reached, students will have met all undergraduate degree requirements and their bachelor's degree will be conferred on the next degree date.
  • Students considering applying are required to confirm eligibility with the pre-law or pre-vet advisor and an advisor in CALS Office of Student Services, located in 140 Roberts Hall early in their sophomore year to discuss eligibility and application requirements. 
  • For the admissions process and criteria, students should refer to the admissions criteria of the professional school they are applying to. 
1

The 12 credits from the Professional Pathway will count toward the maximum of 60 transfer credits allowed toward the undergraduate degree.

Opportunities in Research

Undergraduate Research

Students at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are exposed to a wide variety of learning experiences. One of the best ways for a student to gain knowledge beyond the textbook is to engage in original research.

Many opportunities for research exist across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the University.

Students may be able to work on a faculty member's research project for pay. Opportunities can be identified by contacting individual faculty members or departmental offices. A second option is for students to receive credit through a 4990-level course within a department by conducting their own research project under a faculty mentor. Hundreds of students each year conduct research for credit.

Juniors and seniors usually have the course background to engage in research, but first-year students and sophomores also may be qualified to do some types of research. Off-campus research experiences are also available for pay or as internships.

Research Honors Program

The Research Honors Program provides students with a special opportunity to work with a faculty mentor to experience the research process. The Bachelor of Science degree with "distinction in research" is conferred upon those students who, in addition to having completed the requirements for the B.S. degree, have satisfactorily completed the honors program and have been recommended for the degree by the honors committee.

Research may be done in these program areas: animal sciences, biological sciences, biology & society, communication, entomology, environment and sustainability, information science, landscape studies, nutritional sciences, physical sciences, plant sciences, and social sciences. Students in any CALS major may be eligible to participate in most of these program areas. Each program area has its own requirements in addition to the college requirements. After reviewing the requirements of each program area found on the Honors Program Requirements website, students' questions may be directed toward the appropriate program area chair.

Visit Undergraduate Research Opportunities for information about identifying a research topic, conferring with a faculty member, and undergraduate funding opportunities.

Research Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Identify a question or topic requiring original research through critical examination of existing literature
  • Formulate the question into one or more testable hypotheses or central arguments and develop methods suitable to evaluate these hypotheses or arguments
  • Obtain information relevant to the hypotheses or arguments through effective use of contemporary methods and research techniques
  • Critically analyze the evidence obtained to refute or support the hypotheses or arguments
  • Integrate the findings of this research to the findings of others and to larger issues in the discipline
  • Communicate effectively through writing the thesis and oral or poster presentations

Honors Degree Requirements

Application Requirements and Procedures

An undergraduate wishing to enroll in the honors program must have completed a minimum of 55 credits, at least 30 while at Cornell. Additionally, the student must have a cumulative Cornell GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of entry and at the completion of the program, unless otherwise noted by a particular program.

Interested students should make arrangements and discuss research ideas with a faculty member by the second semester of their junior year. Students must submit an application and thesis proposal to the appropriate office in accordance with their program area procedures and deadlines. Knowing the deadlines and submission procedures for a particular program area is the student's responsibility.

Applications

The CALS Research Honors Program Committee meets in the fall to give final approval of all qualified applicants, officially enrolling them in the honors program. Additional requirements for application and completion of the honors program are specified by each program area.

Honors Degree Requirements

Students enrolled in the honors program may earn credits for their research by enrolling in an independent research course (this course is not a requirement in all program areas). Funding opportunities are also available.

Students are required to present their research in the form of an oral presentation or poster session. Some departments have a seminar series during which honors presentations may be given; the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board (CURB) Forum is another possible venue for presentations. Students should discuss presentation options with their faculty mentors.

In addition to a presentation, successful completion of the honors program requires a research report, written in the style of a master's thesis or scholarly journal article. Students may volunteer to publish their original honors research at eCommons Cornell University Library, as long as doing so does not interfere with other plans, such as patenting or publishing in a professional journal. A permission form to allow a thesis to be made available online at Mann Library can be obtained from the honors committee chair. Thesis examples are available on the web; each program area chair may also be able to provide relevant examples.

Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences wishing to participate in the Research Honors Program are not eligible for "distinction in research" by participating in a program offered by another Cornell college or administrative unit.

The research honors committee for each program area then recommends to the college registrar those students who qualify for honors. Only those who maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and complete all of their honor requirements will be graduated with "distinction in research."

More information is available on the CALS Research Honors Program website.

Honors Program Areas

Listed below are the CALS research honors program areas, details on requirements for each area is available on the Honors Program Requirements website.

  • Animal Science
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biology & Society
  • Communication
  • Entomology
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Food Science
  • Information Science  
  • Landscape Studies
  • Nutritional Sciences, within the Division of Nutritional Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Plant Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Off-Campus Opportunities

There are two approved channels for credit-bearing off-campus study:

  • Credit earned through an approved, accredited university or study abroad program administered through the Office of Global Learning.
  • Credit earned in Cornell courses that require off-campus activity.

Students who plan to enroll in courses at another institution should refer to the non-Cornell (transfer) credit policies.

Education Abroad and Other International Opportunities

Students attending a program through the Office of Global Learning  during the fall or spring semester must:

  • be a full-time student;
  • be in good academic standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above. Some programs may require a minimum of 3.0 GPA or higher;
  • Be able to study abroad and graduate on time;
  • apply by the stated deadlines;
  • apply for an approved program through the Office of Global Learning. Students may petition to receive a one-time recognition and permission to attend a non-approved university or study abroad program. There is no guarantee of an approval and all petitions will go through a review process by both the Office of Global Learning and CALS. Credit is not awarded retroactively after a return from a leave of absence during which you may have studied abroad independently;
  • receive approval on the "CALS Study Abroad Participation Form" from their faculty advisor and/or designated department coordinator, and CALS Office of Student Services.

Programs Must:

  • be a "CALS-approved" accredited university or study abroad program offered through the Office of Global Learning. Search the Experience Cornell: select "Global" under Category, and "Agriculture and Life Sciences" under the College/School filter on the left side of the screen in order to view CALS-approved opportunities;
  • be an approved accredited university or study abroad program by both the Office of Global Learning and CALS that has been given one-time recognition status through the official petition process.

Students enroll in a standard full-time course load abroad, according to the standards of the host institution or program, and typically receive 30 academic credits per year, or 15-16 academic credits per semester. While most programs require 15-16 credits, students must enroll in a minimum of 12 academic credits. Students may enroll in a maximum of 18 credits with written permission from both the host program and CALS.

The following requirements apply to Education Abroad coursework:

  • Courses must be taken for a letter grade; S/U grading is not permitted.
    • Duplicate courses for which a student has already received credit at Cornell are ineligible for credit. 
  • Grades earned abroad are not included in the Cornell University cumulative GPA.
  • Courses may fulfill major or minor requirements if approved by the relevant department or faculty advisor.
  • Students are required to complete at least one course with content directly related to the country or region where the education abroad program takes place.
  • All education abroad courses must be completed entirely in person; hybrid and online courses are not permitted.
  • External Transfer students may participate in the same education abroad opportunities as other CALS students.
  • Credits earned through approved fall or spring education abroad programs administered through Cornell's Office of Global Learning do not count toward the 60-credit maximum for external transfer credit.
CALS Global Fellows Program

The CALS Global Fellows Program supports CALS undergraduate students from any CALS major in pursuit of challenging, professionally focused summer internships and research placements that enhance and complement their career goals and academic progress while enriching their undergraduate experience with diverse cultural and international immersion. Through key partnerships, the Global Fellows Program provides a platform for students to make positive and definable contributions to global organizations and communities.

Acceptance to the program is competitive and a limited number of students are selected each year.

More information regarding specific placement opportunities, eligibility, and how to apply can be found online.

Capital Semester

Capital Semester offers the unique opportunity to help students explore careers in public service, public policy, politics, and government. Students intern directly for a Member of the New York State Assembly or New York State Senate in Albany. These programs are offered during the spring semester and are open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Policy interests may include, but are not limited to: Health Care; Environment; Agriculture; Energy; Science and Technology; Crime, Incarceration, and Justice; Social Sciences; Human Rights; Children and Families; Education; Taxation and Economic Policy; Labor; and Urban Planning.

This program offers a paid internship (stipend) in the New York State Legislature, earning a full semester of credits (12 credits). 

As part of either the Senate or Assembly, students learn through direct experience and formal instruction how the New York State Legislature functions. The Capital Semester Internship Program offers students a type of real-world experience. For full program details go to the Experience Cornell Pages for NYS Assembly or NYS Senate. Contact Zoe Nelson before applying at zmn2@cornell.edu.

Ithaca College Exchange Programs Policies

Overview

The Cornell University–Ithaca College Local Exchange Program allows matriculated full-time Cornell students, with prior approval and within stated stipulations, to cross-register at the other institution only during the fall and spring academic semesters. 

Policies
  1. As an Ithaca College exchange program participant, the student must pay for full-time status at Cornell University (12 or more credits for undergraduate students
  2. Cornell students can register only for Ithaca College courses applicable to their program that do not duplicate Cornell courses.
  3. A student may only take courses not offered at their home institution. (Schedule conflicts or unavailability of courses in a given semester do not constitute valid rationales for enrollment as an exchange student.)
  4. The School of Continuing Education website provides more information for those interested in this program.

Only Division of Nutritional Sciences undergraduate majors may complete courses at Ithaca College for the Applied Exercise Science minor. Contact dnsstudentservices@cornell.edu for further information.

Brooks School Cornell in Washington DC Connect Program

Cornell in Washington DC Connect is an immersive spring and summer program located in the heart of Washington, D.C. This unique experience offers students from all colleges the opportunity to earn full academic credit while living, learning, and interning in the nation’s capital.

Through the program, students enroll in small courses led by Cornell faculty who are industry experts and gain hands-on work experience through an internship of their choosing. Participants live in the Wolpe Center in Dupont Circle, creating a fully integrated and professional experience in D.C.

To learn more about the Cornell in Washington DC Connect program, visit the Brooks School website.

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML)

Cornell's Shoals Marine Lab is the country's largest undergraduate-focused marine field station, offering summer courses on Appledore Island, Gulf of Maine. Students from any major can focus on coastal field work and experiential learning while living on the island. Courses could meet major and college distribution requirements. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Please refer to the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) website for more information.

Shoals Summer Semester

The Shoals Semester program offers students a chance to apply their Cornell financial aid package toward a summer semester at the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML). Participation in the Shoals Summer Semester will require students to accelerate their undergraduate program at Cornell by accumulating a full semester's worth of credits (12 or more) over the summer at SML. Students who complete a Shoals Semester must opt to graduate early or replace a regular fall or spring semester with a voluntary leave of absence. This option is especially useful for students in the Marine Biology major concentration or minor. For more information, contact Academic Coordinator, Dr. Eugene Won for advising and the required steps to apply.

Eligibility requirements for College Approval:

  1. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  2. Be in good academic standing
  3. Complete the application form with Dr. Won

Special Studies

Several departments in the college offer independent study (4970), undergraduate learning assistant opportunities (4980), and undergraduate research (4990) for academic credit. To ensure a fair and manageable system to deal with these specialty courses, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has set forth guidelines to serve as minimum requirements for a student to receive credit.

  • A Cornell CALS faculty member is directly involved in determining both the course content and in evaluating the student's work. The experience should be purposeful, provide opportunities for reflection, present a continual challenge to the student, and incorporate active learning, with the student an active participant in all stages of the experience from planning to evaluation.
  • Before a student begins the independent study, research, or teaching assistantship:
    • A learning contract should be written between the Cornell CALS faculty member responsible for grading and the student.
      • This contract should state the conditions of the work, assignments, supervision, learning goals, number of credits and methods of evaluation of the work.
      • Credit hours should be determined in accordance with Cornell's credit hour policy and based upon number of hours of work per week.
  • Special Studies Research, Teaching, and Independent Study requests are submitted electronically. More information is available on the CALS website.
    • Some departments may have their own form and/or course numbers.
  • Evaluation: Credit will only be assigned or accepted in cases where a Cornell faculty member is directly involved in determining both the special studies course content and in evaluating the student's work.
  • Progress Updates: Students must keep the CALS faculty member responsible for grading updated on the progress of the special study.
  • Individual departments may add more requirements (including additional forms to complete) to the special study based on specific needs such as time constraints, faculty workloads, and the relationship of the special study to the goals of the department.
  • Students should further develop the experience based on the college Experiential Learning Criteria.

Internships

Several departments in the college offer supervised internships for academic credit. Academic credit isn’t awarded for the internship, rather the work (presentation/paper/project) conducted during the following fall or spring term in the special studies class. Students should consult with their major department prior to the start of an internship if they want credit. Internship Guidelines must be reviewed and can be found on the CALS website under Internship. Credit will not be awarded for internships completed prior to matriculation.

Pay and Credit for Undergraduate Research, Teaching, and Internships

Undergraduate Research: students can receive pay or credit, but not both. 

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: students can receive pay or credit, but not both.

Internships: Since credit is not granted for the work of the internship, students may receive pay for the internship experience and separately receive academic credit for the academic component of reflecting on the internship experience. 

Double Majors in CALS

Students are admitted into a single major. Completion of one (1) major is required for graduation. Some students may choose to complete more than one (1) major. Completed majors are posted on the official transcript. Students are not permitted to extend their studies beyond eight semesters (or the equivalent) in order to complete additional majors or minors.

Students interested in declaring an additional major can find more information on the CALS website. Students who pursue an additional major must choose a major that is available within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

  • Double majors across colleges are not permitted. For example, students may not double major in CALS Biological Engineering or Environmental Engineering and any other Engineering major.
  • Students majoring in CALS Landscape Architecture may find it challenging to double major within CALS. Due to the studio-based nature of the Landscape Architecture curriculum, no more than twelve (12) credits - typically electives - are expected to overlap with another CALS major.
  • Similarly, students majoring in CALS Biological Engineering or Environmental Engineering may find it difficult to double major within CALS. The specialized nature of engineering coursework means that no more than 12 credits - generally electives - are likely to overlap with another CALS major.