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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which degree program is right for me?

The Masters of Engineering (Chemical) degree, commonly referred to as the M.Eng. Program, is a one-year professional degree. No thesis is required for this program, but students complete a 3 to 6 credit project. Financial aid is extremely limited for this program; most students are sponsored by their employer or family members or are self-paid.

The Master of Science and the Doctoral degree programs (MS/PhD) are flexible, able to accommodate the needs and interests of individual students. The MS is normally completed in two years; the PhD, in about four to five. A student's research project and major courses are chosen from those available in chemical engineering; minors are chosen in related fields. Almost all students accepted into these programs are fully supported with full tuition and a stipend for living expenses.

2. How do I apply and what are the deadlines?

Applications to the Master of Engineering program are accepted on a rolling basis. However, please submit an application by October 1  for the spring session and May 1 for the fall session so that there is time to process the paperwork and issue any visa documents, if necessary.

Applications to the MS/PhD programs are due by January 15 for the fall session. We rarely accept students for the spring term.

For an application to our MS, MS/PhD, or M.Eng. Graduate Programs, please visit the Cornell Graduate School website.

3. How and when are advisors selected?

All admission decisions are made by a group of faculty members, not just one person. Advisors are not selected until the end of the first semester. Therefore, students should not contact faculty members directly to inquire as to whether or not they can join a research group before being accepted into the program.

4. Is the TSE (Test of Spoken English) required for applying for financial aid?

No, the TSE is not required. However, the TOEFL is required.

5. What kind of financial aid is offered?

Limited financial aid is available for our M.Eng. Program.

Almost all accepted students to our MS/PhD Program are offered full tuition and a stipend for living expenses. No additional paperwork is necessary to be considered for financial aid. All applications received by January 15 are automatically considered for financial aid.

6. Can I send a copy of my TOEFL and GRE scores?

Yes, we can accept a copy of the score reports for the initial review of the file. The reports can be faxed, mailed, or scanned and emailed to dgs@cheme.cornell.edu. If you are accepted into the program, you will have plenty of time to provide official scores to us.

7. How many letters of recommendation are requested?

We require at least two letters of recommendation, but prefer three.

8. Who do I contact if I have further questions?

You can contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at 358 Olin Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-4550 or by e-mail: dgs@cheme.cornell.edu.