Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Enabling innovation and impact through education.
R.F. Smith School Master of Engineering students have strong academic backgrounds and are actively engaged with their communities. We prioritize students who share our vision of using engineering to impact the world.
Our program is:
Immersive:
If working in teams, conducting research, and solving problems with an engineer’s toolkit sounds like the right fit for you, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for in our immersive, 1-year M.Eng. program. The immersive project is a team-based project that involves financial analysis and feasibility-driven management skills development.
Flexible.
Course offerings are dynamic based on the ever-changing needs of society and industry. You choose courses that may suit your interest and fit your desired focus area in
energy economics, data science/artificial intelligence, medical and industrial biotechnology.
Practical.
These experiences progress toward practical applications such as addressing current challenges in AI, energy, and process. Our graduates find careers in technology, business, and policy.
Technical fundamentals
R.F. Smith School Master of Engineering students design their program of study in one or more focus areas.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is driving the next phase of societal transformation. Recent advancements in the Internet of Things, wireless sensors, clouds, mobile devices, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, especially large language models (LLMs), and fast computing capabilities will enable the next Industrial Revolution. The DSAI focus path is located at the intersection of process engineering, data science, and computer science. It teaches students data analytics skills, decision-support tools for solving real-world operational problems in the era of big data, and fundamental concepts in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Energy economics and engineering (EEE)
Energy economics and engineering brings together faculty and students from various personal and academic backgrounds to focus on one of the central challenges of time: the transition to a carbon-neutral future. The energy economics and engineering focus prepares students for careers in energy-related technology, management, and public policy.
Medical and Industrial Biotechnology (MIB)
Medical and Industrial Biotechnology is fundamentally changing the human condition. Advanced analytics and new scientific developments enable the rapid development of vaccines, faster and more reliable disease diagnosis, and the development of next-generation therapeutics. Industrial biotechnology is paving the way to renewable chemistry and green consumer products. This focus area prepares students for biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers in world-leading organizations such as Pfizer, Merck, and Regeneron.
Immersive studio
Studio is a required part — and one of the most exciting parts — of every master’s degree program. Through this series of intensely immersive courses, you’ll develop solutions for leading startups, companies, and local, state, and federal government and non-governmental organizations.
Studio enables you to develop new solutions to challenges posed by leading commercial and government organizations. In the first semester, you’ll learn leadership and entrepreneurship. Then, in semester two, choose whether you want to develop your startup and pitch it to investors, develop a new tech product with a major company, or engage with local, state, or federal policymakers. Whichever track you choose, you can also round out your focus with a wide selection of flexible electives.
Studio will transform and challenge you like never before. You’ll learn to lead a team. You’ll make mistakes. And you’ll be so glad you made them here.
Flexible Electives
The Master of Engineering program is more than just technical instruction. Sure, there are specialized courses. However, societal problems are rich and multifaceted. Technology is only part of the formula to change the world. Students choose their electives from anywhere on campus to give them the tools and perspectives they need to make a positive impact. Taking courses in law, business, public policy, art, history, or language are all encouraged at Cornell. Our Master of Engineering program fully embraces the “…any person … any study” ethos that makes Cornell a special place.
If you know you want to work in academia or eventually get your Ph.D. in chemical engineering, you should look into CBE’s M.S. program, which could be a better fit than the M.Eng. for this outcome.
Where do M.Eng. graduates work?
M.Eng. graduates work in a variety of sectors: computer informatics, energy systems, food science, medical and industrial technology, or product design.
Recent Cornell M.Eng. graduates' employers
- ARCADIS
- Air Products and Chemicals
- Amazon
- Bristol-Myers Squibb*
- Codexis
- ConocoPhillips
- Corning
- Deloitte*
- ExxonMobil
- General Electric
- General Mills
- Genentech
- Global Foundries*
- GTE Products Corporation
- IBM*
- Intel*
- Infinium
- Kraft Foods
- Merck*
- Motorola
- NOHMs
- Technologies PowerAdvocate
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals*
- Samsung*
- Saudi Aramco
- Schlumberger*
- Veolia
- Wood Mackenzie
* Indicates companies that have hired international Cornell Engineering M.Eng. graduates.