Ph.D. Program FAQs

The Ph.D. program normally requires four or five years of study and research.

Ph.D. students should have a strong background in engineering, mathematics, computer science, mathematical economics or one of the physical sciences. An undergraduate calculus-based probability course is advisable and students should have some background in computing.

No, we do not pre-screen candidates for admission. You will need to formally apply via the Graduate School’s online application.

In cases of extreme financial need, the Cornell Graduate School will consider a request for a fee waiver. A letter of request for a waiver, and documentation of need, such as a letter from a college financial aid office, must be submitted to the Graduate School's student service representative prior to submitting the application.

The Cornell Graduate School is pleased to offer application fee waivers to qualified participants of programs designed to provide educational and/or career support to students from historically underrepresented identities. Fee waivers are available to participants of several pipeline programs.

We do not offer an M.S. program. Students admitted directly to our Ph.D. program are awarded a Special Masters degree by recommendation of their Special Committee upon passing of the Admission to Candidacy exam, typically taken during the third year of study.We do offer an M.Eng. program (a non-research program). Please refer to that degree program for more information.

Some prospective applicants contact professors directly to inquire about research opportunities. Such contacts do not usually enhance the applicant's chances of admission, and research assistantships are generally not awarded to first-year Ph.D. students. Sending emails to multiple faculty members is particularly disadvantageous.

No, temporary advisors are assigned to our incoming Ph.D. students. During their first year of study, they will have access to First Year Ph.D. Colloquiums to help them become familiarized with the faculty and their research areas. Many incoming students think that they are required to provide their own topic of research – that is not the case. All of our faculty members here are happy to provide and discuss available projects.

Yes, almost all students admitted to our Ph.D. program receive full financial aid in the form of a fellowship, research assistantship, or teaching assistantship, and admissions are based solely on academic merit.

Applications are not reviewed until all your transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, application form, and test scores have been received. If you apply by the January 5 deadline, decisions will be finalized by April 15.

We do not accept transfer credit from other institutions for this program.

Average scores of applicants admitted are:

• Undergraduate GPA 3.90/4.00
• TOEFL iBT110
• GREV 162
• GREQ 168
• GREA 4.28

You may submit only one Cornell application for a given term, selecting one field; multiple applications will not be processed. If you are not offered admission, you may contact one different graduate field and ask to have your application reviewed. If the new field's deadline has not passed and that field is willing to review your application, you should contact your original field and request that they forward your materials.

The ideal recommender knows you and is known (by reputation, position, or previous contact) to the admissions committee. We prefer to have letters of recommendation from a faculty member/instructor who knows your capabilities. Recommendations from employers or work supervisors should be as specific as possible about what you have accomplished. Recommendations from peers are usually of less value.

Cornell has graduate student housing for individuals and for families. Campus Life provides the most up-to-date information about housing and residential programs and Ithaca-area resources. Many students live in private apartments or rooms at various distances from the campus, often sharing with roommates. A housing packet with information about Cornell and private housing opportunities is sent to applicants who accept admission.

Incoming Ph.D. students who are not supported by fellowships are generally supported by teaching assistantships. All students are encouraged to serve as TAs. TA positions are also available for our summer courses. This is definitely an invaluable experience, especially for a possible academic career.