Introducing Cornell Human Ecology

Cornell Human Ecology is pioneering the study of human life from scientific, social and design perspectives. Using a blend of academic disciplines and a global perspective, our students and faculty use their knowledge to identify, explore and develop solutions to the challenges facing people today. Students learn to understand and analyze the complex relationships and institutions that shape people's lives, to address the barriers that impede human thriving, and to support individuals and communities. 

Our undergraduates engage in analytic and thoughtful inquiry blended with dynamic problem solving to address contemporary and emerging societal challenges.

The following information and admissions pages are focused on Cornell Human Ecology's undergraduate admissions process. Graduate students need to connect directly with the graduate administrator in their area of interest.

Breadth of study

Human Ecology's undergraduate majors are flexible, profoundly interdisciplinary and framed in a liberal arts-based foundation. We teach our students to understand the world by identifying broader themes in human nutrition, health and genomics; design and technology; development and the life course; and economic and social well-being, through a focused interdisciplinary education. 

All programs provide students with a firm grounding in contemporary issues, as well as in the social, natural and physical sciences, and design. Our students delve into biology and chemistry, economics, psychology and sociology, and apply their expertise in fields such as business, design, health/medicine, law, nutrition, public health, public policy and research.

Community connections

Our community is comprised of outwardly-focused and inwardly-motivated students who are actively and intellectually engaged in communities. They appreciate multiple perspectives and global experiences and are unafraid to take a novel approach to creating a better world through social and systemic change.

The best of large and small institution experiences

Located in beautiful Upstate New York, our mid-sized college is home to approximately 1,050 undergraduates, 200 graduate students and over 100 full-time faculty. Students enjoy the resources of an Ivy League research university and the advantages of a smaller school.

CONTACT US

Cornell Human Ecology Office of Undergraduate Admissions is closed to foot traffic. Please direct all questions to humec_admissions@cornell.edu or call 607-255-5471. Our hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays as well as during Cornell University breaks and University observed national holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our CHE Frequently Asked Questions as well as Cornell University's FAQ website for answers to your FAQs about the College of Human Ecology and undergraduate admissions.

Email a Human Ecology Ambassador

Have questions about undergraduate student life? Email our Human Ecology Ambassadors, a group of current Human Ecology undergraduate students who can answer questions about life in the college and at Cornell University. 

Financial Aid

Direct undergraduate financial aid questions to the Cornell University Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

Stay in Touch

Join the University's contact list to receive emails, electronic invitations to programs, and important admission updates. Select “Human Ecology” in the "College Interests" section at the bottom of the form.

*Download the College of Human Ecology Viewbook version that is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. PDF is 45MB in size.