Admissions
Admission Deadlines
The deadline for admission into the Summer 2023 cohort is April 3, 2023.
Admission Requirements
Two years of work experience
Applicants must document at least two years of work experience in a relevant field to be eligible to enroll in the distance learning degree program.Statement of purpose
A one or two page statement stating your reasons for undertaking graduate work, as well as an explanation of your academic interests, including their relation to your undergraduate study and professional goals.Resume
Transcripts from each college or university previously attended.
- Professional writing sample
A combination of three letters of recommendation, professional and academic.
Official GRE general test scores (optional)
Please make sure to indicate the University code (2098) when submitting your scores.Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
TOEFL or IETLS scores are required from international applicants.
The minimum sub-scores for each element of the TOEFL iBT as outlined by the Graduate School: Writing – 20, Listening – 15, Reading – 20, Speaking – 22. The minimum overall score for the IETLS is 7.0. For further information on this requirement as well as exemptions, please visit the Graduate School website.Undergraduate degree requirements
Required degree in engineering, mathematics, or science, conferred by an accredited college or university.Application fee of $105
Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.
Writing Sample Guidelines
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.