Application Timeline and Criteria – When do I need to Apply?
Fall semester
The Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment (GFNRE) has a rolling admissions policy and will accept applications through spring for students starting during the Fall semester. However, to be considered for Cornell Graduate Fellowships and other University-sponsored fellowships, PhD applicants should apply by December 31st. Most decisions regarding admissions, Cornell Fellowships, and teaching assistantships are made between early January and early February.
Spring semester
Although most students enter in the Fall, we do consider applications for Spring admission. Applicants for Spring semester admission should apply by October 31st.
Applications submitted outside our Fall or Spring admission cycle may receive consideration if a faculty member receives research funding and is looking for a student to work on the research project.
What criteria are used in admissions?
All applicants should not only have excellent academic credentials, but also should correspond with faculty members to discuss your background and interests. The most important admissions criteria are: (1) a student’s academic record and work experience, and (2) the extent to which a faculty member shares common research and professional interests with the prospective student, and is willing to supervise that student during their graduate studies. Students are reviewed for admission by the Admissions Committee after a faculty member requests review of a prospective student’s completed application materials: application form, statement of purpose, transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores (International students only), a CV, and three letters of recommendation. For additional information about TOEFL or IELTS requirements please review https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/prepare/english-language-proficiency-requirement.
NOTE: For MS and PhD students, you must have a faculty member willing to sponsor your studies in order to be accepted. This is why it is essential that you correspond with one or more faculty members about your shared research interests prior to submitting your application. For help, visit the “Tips for Contacting Potential Faculty Advisors” page.
Typical expectations for admitted graduate students include:
- Undergraduate Major. Students are accepted from a range of undergraduate majors in the natural and social sciences, as well as math and humanities.
- Letters of Recommendation. Letters of support from university faculty members or other professional researchers (for MS and PhD) and from supervisors (especially for MPS) provide the best indication of an applicant’s ability to effectively pursue graduate research.
- Statement of purpose. Students should provide a clear and concise statement of their proposed research and coursework interests, as well as relevant past experiences that have led them to those interests.
- Work experience. Most of our students have several years of relevant work experience following completion of their undergraduate degree.
Any additional considerations regarding your credentials should be discussed with faculty members who are considering you for admission.
For MS and PhD programs:
A student who wants a shorter program or to “test the waters” for the PhD should apply for the MS degree. MS students conduct a research project and complete a research thesis. They generally take 2 years to complete the degree, although it is not uncommon to go 2 ½ or 3 years.
A student who has research experience and is ready to commit to an in-depth research project should apply for the PhD. PhD students conduct an original research project and complete a dissertation. They generally take five years to complete the degree, although the time can be reduced if they already have an MS degree.
For a student to be considered for admission, a faculty member must be willing to supervise and ensure funding for the prospective student. Therefore it is important that you correspond with and obtain sponsorship from a faculty advisor during the application process.
A faculty member must sponsor a student’s application for review by the Admissions Committee in order for the student to be offered admission. Individual mentoring by faculty is fundamental to our philosophy of individualized graduate education and to the success of our students.
It is essential for prospective applicants to identify a faculty advisor who shares their interests and is willing to make a commitment to work with them during the course of their graduate studies. Applicants should identify faculty who have interests similar to theirs and send the faculty member an email explaining their interests and academic background, and why the applicant might be a productive member of that faculty’s research team. Include a resume or cv. If an applicant receives a positive response from a faculty member, the applicant can work with the faculty member to schedule a call or visit to meet with other faculty and current graduate students. The entire list of faculty in our field may be found on this Graduate School web page for the Field of Natural Resources and the Environment. .
*Remember, we do not accept students without a faculty advisor, so it is important to have a faculty sponsor. You might also consider applying to related graduate fields at Cornell, including Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Soil and Crop Sciences, Development Sociology, and Global Development. Each graduate field has different admissions procedures so become familiar with the application process for fields you are considering.
Generally, you do not need to meet or speak with the Director of Graduate Studies unless you have specific questions that have not been addressed. If you have questions about application procedures or your application status, contact the Graduate Field Assistant, nregrad@cornell.edu If you have questions about the overall graduate program that have not been answered by faculty who share your interests, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Marianne Krasny (mek2@cornell.edu) .
In order to be officially considered for admission you must submit your formal application to the Graduate School.