M.S. Admissions
Deadlines
Admission Decisions
Admission decisions for the fall semester are processed from January 21 through May 15, and will be sent via electronic mail as the decisions are made. Decisions are not processed all at one time.
Admissions Deadlines
Fall 2025 deadline: January 24
We will begin evaluating applications on January 7th. We do not offer admission any other time other than the fall.
Masters Program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Students interested in pursuing the Masters Program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering apply through the Cornell University Graduate School. Admission is then determined by faculty members in the applicant’s chosen field.
A completed online application includes:
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL scores (if applicable)
- Résumé
No GRE scores will be required for the fall 2024 admission cycle.
Additional information may be submitted within the supplementary information section of the application. We do not require a writing sample for the MS application.
Application
Follow the link to Cornell's online Graduate School Application.
The Cornell University Graduate School application must be submitted online. Information regarding current application fees and payment options can be found at the Graduate School website.
Please note that when you are filling out the application, the Proposed Field of Study and Program Name is Chemical Engineering, MS.
Statement of Purpose
This should describe your objectives in pursuing the MS degree program.
Résumé
Please include an up-to-date résumé where requested in the on-line application.
Transcripts
Please upload within the on-line application a copy of a transcript from each college or university you have attended. Please do not send transcripts through the postal mail. Hard copies of official transcripts will be requested for admitted students only.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for application to the CBE MS program. At least two letters from academic contacts are preferred. Any letters from professional references should specifically describe your accomplishments. Electronic recommendation requests are generated in the process of submitting the online application.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GREs are not required for the fall 2022 admissions cycle.
TOEFL/IELTS
Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or the IELTS and (for the TOEFL) have the official score reported to Cornell from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
TOEFLE/IELTS Requirements Waivers
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived if the applicant meets at least one of these criteria:
- is a native citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada (except Quebec). (NOTE: Applicants who are citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, or Singapore are NOT exempt from the TOEFL requirement).
- studied in full-time status for at least two academic years within the last five years in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or South Africa. You must submit a transcript that shows you have attended college in one of these approved locations.
TOEFL note:
Admission to Cornell is not possible without having at least the minimum score in each category as set by the Cornell University Graduate School, and there are no exceptions to this rule. TOEFL University code is 2098. Minimum scores allowable for admission:
- Writing 20
- Listening 15
- Reading 20
- Speaking 22
IELTS note:
The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS. Instructions for delivering electronic IELTS or TOEFL scores are on our Required Test web page.
GRE/ GPA Minimum Requirements
The College of Engineering, of which we are a part, sets a minimum grade point average of 2.7 for admission. Our admissions committee takes a holistic view of applications therefore there is no minimum GPA or GRE.
Financial Aid and Tuition
Tuition and fees for the MS program are those of the Graduate School endowed division for a professional program. Current tuition rates and fees can be found at the Bursar's Office website.
The MS program is a self-funded degree. Information on need-based financial aid and loan information is offered through the Cornell University Graduate School. They also maintain a Fellowship Database, which lists grants and fellowships awarded by various government agencies, foundations, corporations, and private sponsors.
Advisor Selection Process
Students will not choose an advisor until they arrive at Cornell. All M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to attend a series of faculty presentations where they will learn about their individual research. Students are then encouraged to meet with faculty they are interested in and attend group meetings. In early October, once faculty have presented, students will submit a form with their top rankings. The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) then begins the process of matching students and faculty members.