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Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) MS/PhD

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) MS/PhD Program is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to agricultural and life sciences research, global collaborations, and commitment to public engagement. CALS boasts more than 20 graduate fields (e.g., Plant Breeding & Genetics, Animal Science, Food Science, Soil & Crop Sciences), allowing students to tailor their curriculum and research focus under the guidance of renowned faculty. Below is a detailed overview of the program, featuring specific professors and labs, lifestyle factors in Ithaca, admissions insights, funding structures, and career outcomes.





1. Research Focus & Notable Faculty

Although CALS comprises numerous departments, the following faculty members exemplify the program’s depth and range:

  1. Dr. Susan R. McCouch

    • Department & Lab: Plant Breeding and Genetics – McCouch Lab

    • Research Focus: Internationally recognized for her work on the genetic improvement of rice, Dr. McCouch’s lab studies quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, disease resistance, and stress tolerance in diverse rice varieties. Her groundbreaking efforts have influenced breeding programs aimed at addressing global food security.

  2. Dr. Michael J. Gore

    • Department & Lab: Plant Breeding and Genetics – Gore Lab

    • Research Focus: Specializes in quantitative genetics, genomics, and phenomics for crop improvement. His group employs cutting-edge imaging and data-analytics approaches to enhance traits in crops such as maize, cassava, and peanuts, often collaborating with international partners in Africa and South America.

  3. Dr. Tom Overton

    • Department & Lab: Animal Science – Overton Lab

    • Research Focus: Focuses on dairy cattle nutrition and metabolic health. His extension-focused lab collaborates closely with New York State dairy farms, translating research findings into practical feeding strategies that optimize milk production and animal welfare.

  4. Dr. Kathryn J. Boor

    • Affiliation: Former Dean of CALS (2010–2020) and Professor of Food Science

    • Research Focus: Renowned for her work on dairy microbiology and food safety. Though Dr. Boor recently became Dean of the Graduate School, her influential research group in Food Science continues to investigate microbial contaminants and shelf-life extension of dairy products.

These faculty labs demonstrate the scope of CALS research, which spans crop genomics, livestock nutrition, microbiology, bioenergy, integrated pest management, and beyond. Many labs are collaborative, uniting students from multiple departments to address real-world problems in sustainability and global health.


2. Program Structure & Work-Life Balance

  • Degrees Offered: CALS confers both Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. MS programs often require 2–3 years, while PhD programs range from 4–5+ years, depending on research scope.

  • Interdisciplinary Coursework: In addition to departmental seminars, students can enroll in courses from other fields (e.g., Biological and Environmental Engineering, Nutrition) to broaden their expertise.

  • Work-Life Balance: While the workload is considerable—particularly during field seasons and lab experiments—students highlight the supportive culture in CALS. Departments often organize social events, writing retreats, and mental health seminars. The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) provides resources on maintaining personal well-being alongside academic demands.


Student Perspective: Many graduate students cite the strong sense of community in CALS and the emphasis on communicating with PIs about realistic timelines and workloads—promoting a more balanced and sustainable research experience.

3. Life in Ithaca & Housing

  • Location: Cornell’s main campus is in Ithaca, New York, nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region. Ithaca is celebrated for its gorges, waterfalls, and vibrant local food scene.

  • Cost of Living & Housing: Rents can be higher than one might expect in a smaller city, yet are generally more affordable than major urban hubs. Many graduate students live in Collegetown (close to campus) or in neighborhoods like Fall Creek and Belle Sherman. On-campus graduate housing (e.g., Hasbrouck Apartments) is also available, though spots can be limited.

  • Recreation: Hiking opportunities abound in state parks like Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls. Ithaca’s Farmers Market, local breweries, and frequent community events (e.g., Apple Fest) offer relaxation away from the lab.


4. Admissions Competitiveness

Gaining admission to CALS graduate programs can be highly competitive, with acceptance rates often hovering between 15% and 25%—though exact numbers vary by department and year. Successful applicants usually demonstrate:

  • Strong foundational coursework in related sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering).

  • Previous research experience or publications.

  • A clear research statement aligning with faculty expertise.

(Source: Cornell Graduate School admissions data for Agriculture & Life Sciences fields, 2019–2021 cohorts.)


5. Funding & Financial Support

  • Research Assistantships (RAs): The bulk of MS/PhD students receive funding through RA positions tied to faculty grants. RAs include full tuition coverage and a stipend that generally ranges from $28,000 to $35,000 per year (depending on the department and grant).

  • Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Some departments offer TAships, where students assist with course instruction and grading. TAs typically receive tuition remission and stipends similar to RAs.

  • Fellowships: CALS encourages applications for external fellowships—such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, USDA-NIFA grants, or Fulbright—and offers competitive internal awards (e.g., CALS Global Fellows Program).

  • Extension & Outreach Opportunities: Many labs collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension, enabling funded community-based projects and applied research experiences that benefit local agriculture.


6. Outcome & Career Paths

Graduates of CALS MS/PhD programs transition into a range of fields, reflecting the program’s interdisciplinary nature:

  1. Academia: A significant portion secure postdoctoral or faculty roles in top-tier universities or research institutes globally.

  2. Industry & Biotech: Many pursue R&D positions in seed companies, agribusiness, or biotechnology firms (e.g., Bayer Crop Science, Corteva, Zoetis).

  3. Government & Policy: Some move into USDA or environmental agencies, shaping policies on food systems, public health, and sustainability.

  4. Nonprofit & NGO Sector: Graduates with interests in international development often join organizations like the CGIAR or the Gates Foundation, working on crop improvement and nutrition initiatives in developing regions.

Cornell’s extensive alumni network—both national and international—ensures that graduates have ample networking opportunities and mentorship beyond their degree.


References & Additional Links

In summary, the MS/PhD programs within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University offer an academically rigorous yet supportive environment, enriched by faculty known for advancing global agricultural science. While admission is selective, those who join CALS benefit from substantial funding opportunities, immersive research projects, and a vibrant community in Ithaca. Graduates go on to shape the future of food systems, plant and animal sciences, and environmental stewardship across academia, industry, and public service.

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