Admissions

The Master of Engineering degree is a coursework and project-oriented program.

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The Master of Engineering degree is a coursework and project-oriented program. Prospective applicants can find additional information on our Admissions FAQ page.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for all Fall 2023 applicants is February 1, 2023. We are also accepting applications for internal Cornell applicants only for the Spring 2023 term. The deadline for internal candidates applying for the Spring 2023 term is October 15, 2022.

Application Requirements 

We admit students with a bachelor’s degree from a variety of STEM backgrounds. No work experience is required. Accepted students have sequence of math that includes Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3, Differential Equations, and a Probability and Statistics course.

  • Online application
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation (3)
  • Application fee
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores for applicants whose native language is not English
  • Technical writing sample 

We will also interview a select group of students prior to admission to the program. 

If you are having financial difficulties, you can learn more about application fee waivers via this site: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/apply/application-fees/

Some tips for the statement of purpose in your application

  • Be creative! We want to learn more about you in a fun, engaging way.
  • Highlight your strengths: This is the time to showcase you and how you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering Management community.
  • Share your passion for Cornell: We are excited to hear what gets you excited about Cornell and the MEM program.

  • What we’re looking for in the writing sample
    We ask you to submit a technical writing sample that demonstrates your ability to synthesize and communicate quantitative information. The writing sample should be no more than 5,000 words and can include figures. Acceptable documents include but are not limited to a technical analysis, project report, written review of technical material, an internal company report, white paper, published article, and projects/reports from a previous Engineering course. The technical writing sample should have been written in the past 3 years. If you were a coauthor, provide an introductory paragraph that specifically highlights your role and contribution.

    If you or your employer have concerns about confidential material, you can choose to redact portions of the document containing sensitive information or data. You can also write a brief critical review of the work in question that omits any confidential material or data. If portions of the document are removed, we respectfully request that the submission is coherent and still allows the Admissions Team to make an informed decision about the candidate. 
     
    The technical writing sample is distinct from the Statement of Purpose (also called the Personal Statement). The Statement of Purpose helps the admissions committee understand your academic objectives and determine if you are a good match for the program you are applying to. The goal of this document is to impress upon the admissions committee that you have solid background and experience, and that you have the potential to be successful in graduate study. The Statement of Purpose is also a place, if necessary, to address any blemishes, gaps, or weaknesses in your academic record. In these situations, be honest but brief. Focus on how you overcame obstacles, remained persistent in the pursuit of your goals and showed resilience. Share what you learned from the particular experience, and how it led you to become a better scholar or person.

Admission for International Applicants English Language Proficiency

All International Applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum required level of English Language Proficiency in order to be considered for admission. More information is available on the Graduate School website. 

TOEFL
For the IBT TOEFL, you must meet the following minimum required scores as determined by the Cornell Graduate School in each of the following sections in order to be considered for admission to our field:

  • Listening - 15
  • Writing - 20
  • Reading - 20
  • Speaking - 22

IELTS
A combined overall score of 7.0 or higher is required for consideration for admission when submitting an IELTS score.

If you are not able to meet or exceed the minimum scores in each of the four sections of the IBT TOEFL or the combined overall score of the IELTS, you will not be considered eligible for admission to Cornell University. Sadly, no exceptions will be made.

You may only be considered eligible for an English Language Proficiency Requirement (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS) waiver if you have studied full-time for two (2) or more consecutive years (a minimum of four (4) consecutive semesters) at a college or university where English is the language of instruction located in a country where English is the native language (including English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK).

Every other country, including the India subcontinent, Singapore, the Anglophone Caribbean, Anglophone Africa, Francophone Canada and Puerto Rico, do not qualify for a TOEFL exemption, as per the Cornell Graduate School.