Admission Requirements

Application

The application process is entirely online through the Cornell University Graduate School. Applications must be submitted through the Cornell Graduate School to be considered for admission to our Ph.D.

December 15

The application deadline for submission of all completed application materials is December 15, this is a hard deadline and no exceptions will be made. Applications that remain incomplete after the December 15 deadline will be considered ineligible for admission.

Do not submit any hard copy materials of any kind, they will not be considered or added to your online application materials.

Academic Statement of Purpose

Detail your academic background and research interests, along with specific faculty members you are interested in working with.
Personal Statement

Describe how your personal background has influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion and belonging.
English Language Proficiency Scores

All foreign nationals whose native language is not English are required to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Please visit the Graduate School website for information on the English Language Exam Requirement.
Unofficial Transcripts

An unofficial transcript from each university you have attended is required for submission. The transcript(s) must be in english. You will upload your transcript(s) yourself in your online application. For more information, please consult the Graduate School’s Transcript Requirements webpage.
Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required. At least two (2) of the letters should be submitted by faculty members familiar with you and your background.
GRE

We do not require GRE scores.