Program Overview

Earth Science and Engineering M.Eng. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

The Earth Science and Engineering M.Eng. program is administered by the College of Engineering, with a focus on Geological Sciences.

Program Description

The Earth Science and Engineering M.Eng. program is designed to support students with a range of career goals. The program is suitable for students who are interested in furthering their studies in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), either because they became interested in the field late in their undergraduate career and need to develop more depth in the discipline, or to strengthen their computational/analytical skills. It also allows students with a strong existing EAS background to explore an interdisciplinary project or participate in an immersive research project that goes beyond what is typically possible during the undergraduate experience.

The M.Eng. Program differs from a Master of Science (MS) in the timeline and potential funding sources. MS degrees typically take two years, and students can sometimes also be funded on research grants or teaching assistantships. M.Eng. degrees are for one year and are funded by the student.

The program offers M.Eng. degrees with a range of concentrations, with the goal of matching research areas that interest prospective students with the core competencies of the faculty. The 30-credit M.Eng. program is intended to extend and broaden the student's background to develop competence in a defined number of subject categories. Students typically take between 3-4 courses a semester, with the remaining credit hours involving their research project.

Concentrations by Subject

• Earth science and engineering

Tuition

The tuition rate for M.Eng. degrees is updated by the Bursar's office each academic year. M.Eng. degrees are considered Tier 1.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines

• Fall admittance: May 15
• Spring admittance: October 15

Early Admit Pathway Deadline (for Cornell Undergraduates only)

• Spring Early Admit (apply for Fall semester M.Eng. admittance): October 15
• Fall Early Admit (apply for Spring semester M.Eng. admittance): May 15

Requirements Summary

• Letters of recommendation: 3
• Resume: optional
• GRE: not required

Learning Outcomes

• Highly individualized program tailored to each student’s needs, depending on their backgrounds
• Acquisition of core knowledge in one of hydrology, applied geophysics, or ocean science and technology
• Communication skills demonstrated via a written project