Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) Student Handbook

Page Contents

A. Introduction

Welcome to Cornell Engineering and to the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program! This M.Eng. Handbook is intended to be a useful resource and reference for all students pursuing M.Eng. (pronounced em-ENJ) degrees offered through Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, New York.

The sections that follow provide an overview of the M.Eng. program, general degree requirements for all M.Eng. students, your rights and responsibilities as you begin (and progress through) your degree program, policies regarding program extensions and leaves, academic integrity and student conduct, tuition and employment, and helpful resources available to all M.Eng. students.

Please note that this handbook is a general resource that complements other handbooks and materials published by individual M.Eng. programs. Individual program handbooks typically detail curriculum requirements for concentration options and focus areas within the discipline, as well as other program-specific degree requirements. As a rule, individual M.Eng. programs may impose additional or more stringent requirements than those outlined in this handbook. If there is a discrepancy between a requirement in this handbook and materials published by your M.Eng. program, the more restrictive requirement applies. 

B. M.Eng. Program Overview

Since Cornell Engineering launched its first M.Eng. programs in the 1964-65 academic year, professionally focused graduate students have celebrated the opportunity to take advanced engineering coursework and to immerse themselves in practical, hands-on projects and experiences. 

Over the years, Cornell’s M.Eng. programs have grown in number and scale, and their content and delivery modes have evolved to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Today, Cornell Engineering is home to fourteen (14) M.Eng. programs across a wide range of disciplines, each producing outstanding thought leaders who solve problems and create positive impact. Four (4) of these programs currently offer students the option of pursuing their M.Eng. degree via distance learning.

1. M.Eng. Learning Outcomes

The following five Learning Outcomes are common to all M.Eng. programs:

  1. Mastery and application of core disciplinary knowledge
  2. Problem formulation and organization and planning of the solution process
  3. Collaborative problem solving and issue resolution
  4. Communication of knowledge, ideas and decision justification
  5. Self-directed learning and professional development

While each program ensures its students achieve these outcomes in ways that are specific to their discipline, in all cases M.Eng. students benefit from a carefully crafted balance of advanced engineering coursework, hands-on projects, guided learning, and integrated opportunities to develop valuable professional skills and behaviors. These attributes distinguish the Cornell M.Eng. degree and ensure its graduates are highly sought-after in today’s professional arena.

2. M.Eng. Governance and Leadership

a) Within Your Program

Every M.Eng. program has designated individuals who guide and support students in navigating administrative, academic, and personal issues. These include the program’s Graduate Field Administrator (GFA), the M.Eng. Director, academic advisors, and M.Eng. project advisors.

In most programs, the primary “go-to” person for M.Eng. students is the GFA, although in some fields these individuals hold different working titles, including Assistant Director, Program Coordinator, or Student Services Coordinator. For convenience, the term “GFA” will be used throughout the M.Eng. Handbook to refer to these experienced and essential staff members.

The M.Eng. Director is a designated faculty member who oversees the program’s academic curriculum, capstone projects, professional development, and student advising. Students frequently consult with their M.Eng. Director about their academic plans and career goals, in addition to their academic advisors.

Every M.Eng. student is assigned an academic advisor at the start of their degree program. This may be the M.Eng. Director or another faculty member in the student’s area of interest. You can view your assigned academic advisor(s) by logging into Student Center with your Cornell Net ID. For M.Eng. students who were previously Cornell undergraduates in the same field of study, your M.Eng. academic advisor may be different from your undergraduate academic advisor.

Course substitutions and other requests to deviate from your M.Eng. program’s curriculum requirements, including program extensions, typically must be approved by your M.Eng. Director and/or your academic advisor. Exceptions involving course enrollment, academic progress, or general degree requirements typically must be approved at the College level. (See the Academic Petitions section for more information.)

b) Beyond Your Program

Unlike Cornell’s research-oriented M.S. and Ph.D. programs, whose governance and oversight are under the direction of the Graduate School, all M.Eng. degree programs offered through the Ithaca campus fall under the jurisdiction of the College of Engineering.

The Dean of the College of Engineering has executive authority and is responsible for providing academic, administrative, and judicial oversight for the M.Eng. programs. Many of these duties are delegated to the Associate Dean for M.Eng. Programs (Associate Dean), who leads the M.Eng. Programs Support Team and works closely with the Master of Engineering Directors Board in guiding and supporting the M.Eng. programs.

The Master of Engineering Directors Board (the Board) is comprised of the Directors of each M.Eng. program. The Board is convened regularly by the Associate Dean and serves as the primary legislative and advisory body for the M.Eng. program. Many of the rules and policies outlined in the M.Eng. Handbook fall under the Board’s jurisdiction. Petitions and appeals requiring College-level approval are reviewed by the Board’s Academic Committee. 

Other units involved in ensuring that M.Eng. students successfully onboard and meet academic requirements include the Graduate School, the Engineering Registrar, and the International Services Office:

3. M.Eng. Programs and Contact Information

Links to the program websites for each of the fourteen (14) Ithaca-based M.Eng. programs are listed below. The individual program pages detail the concentration options and focus areas available in each field, selected faculty that support each area, and program-specific degree requirements. The four programs marked with an asterisk (*) offer distance learning options in addition to their on-campus programs:

A directory of contact information for all M.Eng. programs, maintained by the M.Eng. Programs Support Team, is posted on the Cornell Engineering website.

C. M.Eng. Degree Requirements

Cornell University confers degrees in May, August, and December of each year. M.Eng. students must satisfy all degree requirements and be cleared to graduate by their programs and the Engineering Registrar prior to the degree conferral date. 

This section outlines general degree requirements that apply to all M.Eng. students, additional requirements and considerations for Early Admit Pathway students, and links to webpages that detail individual M.Eng. program requirements. Note that most M.Eng. programs have additional requirements regarding core and elective course selections, concentrations and certificates, project work, academic performance, and other curricular components.

1. General Requirements

a) Credit Hours

The M.Eng. degree requires students to complete a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours in courses that are:

  • Technical and allowable, as defined by the student’s M.Eng. program;
  • At the graduate level (numbered 5000 or above at Cornell);
  • Taken for letter-graded or S/U academic credit; and
  • Countable based on the student’s academic performance.

Of the thirty credit hours meeting the above criteria:

  • Twelve (12) or more credit hours must be in courses offered via the home M.Eng. program.
  • Three (3) or more credit hours must be devoted to the M.Eng. project, which must include a formal written report.
  • At most two (2) credit hours may be for courses graded on an S/U basis, subject to program approval.

In addition:

  • No course may count toward the M.Eng. degree that covers subject matter previously taken at Cornell (on an audit or for-credit basis).
  • With the exception of approved transfer credits, all credit hours counted towards the M.Eng. degree must be under the supervision of a Cornell faculty member.

b) Transfer Credits

In accordance with the criteria listed below and individual program policies, M.Eng. programs may permit students to transfer up to nine (9) credit hours that can be applied towards the M.Eng. degree:

  • Credits must have been earned at an accredited academic institution and not counted towards any other degree. (Note that some M.Eng. programs only allow transfer credits for courses previously taken at Cornell.)
  • Credits must have been earned in graduate-level courses taken on a letter-graded basis (not Pass/Fail or S/U).
  • For any course taken outside of Cornell, the student must have earned a grade equivalent to 2.50 or higher, when calibrated to Cornell’s grading system.
  • Any transfer credits earned prior to the student’s initial enrollment in the M.Eng. program must be submitted and approved within three (3) weeks of the start of the student’s first semester in the M.Eng. program. Before credit can be considered for approval:
    • The student must provide documentation deemed satisfactory by their M.Eng. degree program to assess transfer credit eligibility. This may include the official course syllabus, lecture notes, assignments, exams, or other materials needed for the program to assess the suitability of the course for M.Eng. credit and the student’s performance.
    • The student must provide written documentation deemed satisfactory by the Engineering Registrar’s Office, certifying that the proposed transfer credits have not been counted towards another degree or transcript notation (e.g., a minor, honors, or special designation) earned at Cornell or elsewhere.
  • Any credits to be transferred from an institution other than Cornell and earned after the student’s initial enrollment in the M.Eng. program must be pre-approved in writing by the student’s M.Eng. Program Director.
  • M.Eng. program decisions to refuse transfer credits are final and may not be appealed to the M.Eng. Board of Directors.

c) Residency

Except as noted below, two (2) full-time semesters in residence are required of all M.Eng. students. To be considered full time for a given semester, a student must register and enroll in at least twelve (12) credit hours for letter-graded or S/U credit (audited courses do not count). Winter and summer sessions do not count as residency units.

Exceptions:
  • For Early Admit Pathway students enrolling in on-campus M.Eng. programs, one full-time semester in residence is required beyond the Early Admit semester. 
  • M.Eng. students enrolled in distance learning M.Eng. programs, the Employee Degree Program, and the Industrial Partnership Program are exempt from the residency requirement.

d) Time to Degree

The timing with which M.Eng. students are expected to complete their degree programs varies by student type, as does the maximum allowable time to degree. The maximum times listed below for each student type are inclusive of any interim leaves of absence taken:

  • Full-time students:
    • Expected time to degree (including the Early Admit semester, where applicable): Two (2) or three (3) semesters, depending on the individual M.Eng. program option
    • Maximum time to degree: Four (4) calendar years
  • Distance Learning students:
    • Expected time to degree: Two (2) to three (3) calendar years
    • Maximum time to degree: Six (6) calendar years
  • Industrial Partnership Program students:
    • Expected time to degree: Four (4) semesters
    • Maximum time to degree: Seven (7) calendar years
  • Employee Degree Program students:
    • Expected time to degree: Two (2) to three (3) calendar years
    • Maximum time to degree: Six (6) calendar years

Under certain conditions, full-time students enrolled in two-semester M.Eng. program options may apply to extend their program to a third semester of study. See the Program Extensions section for details.

e) Academic Performance

Students must meet minimum grade requirements for each course that they count towards the M.Eng. degree, as well as minimum grade-point average requirements across all countable courses. 

i. Minimum Grade Requirements for Individual Courses

The following grade requirements hold for individual courses to be countable toward the M.Eng. degree:

  • Students will not receive credit toward the M.Eng. degree for any Cornell course in which they receive a grade below C- (i.e., D+ or lower) or a grade of U (if the course is taken on the S/U grading basis).
  • For any course transferred from outside of Cornell, a student must have earned a grade equivalent to 2.50 or higher, when calibrated to Cornell’s grading system.
  • M.Eng. programs may impose higher grade requirements in specific courses for students to receive credit towards the M.Eng. degree.
ii. Minimum GPA Requirement

Students must achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 2.50 or higher across all Cornell courses counting towards the M.Eng. degree, excluding any transfer credits earned outside of Cornell.

Note that if a student has earned letter grades in Cornell courses that are not countable towards the M.Eng. degree, the cumulative GPA that shows on their Cornell transcript may differ from the internally computed GPA used to assess whether they have met M.Eng. degree requirements.

f) M.Eng. Exit Survey

The College of Engineering administers its M.Eng. Exit Survey in May and December of each year, typically during a two-week window that spans the study period and final exams. Students who are expected to graduate will be notified to complete the survey via their Cornell email accounts. Students who are expected to graduate in August will be contacted to complete the survey in May prior to their graduation.

All M.Eng. students must complete the M.Eng. Exit Survey during the announced period of their final semester of enrollment. Students who fail to complete the survey will have their diplomas held by the Engineering Registrar until they do so.

2. Early Admission Pathway Requirements and Considerations

The Early Admit Pathway enables well-prepared Cornell undergraduates to complete the M.Eng. degree on an accelerated timeline by taking graduate-level coursework that counts towards the M.Eng. degree during their final undergraduate semester, called their split or Early Admit semester. With careful planning, many Early Admit students can successfully complete their M.Eng. degree with one additional semester of study.

a) Maintaining Pathway Eligibility

Because Early Admit students apply to the M.Eng. program in the semester prior to the start of their Early Admit semester, they must meet additional conditions in order to remain eligible for the Pathway. Notably, if a student drops or fails a class after being admitted to the Early Admit Pathway, they may lose their eligibility. To remain eligible for the Early Admit Pathway:

  • Remaining Credit Hours:

    Students must enter their Early Admit semester having between one (1) and eight (8)* total credit hours remaining to complete their baccalaureate degree, including any special designations, such as a double major, a minor, or honors.

    • * For students who have completed three (3) or more credits of graduate-level coursework prior to the Early Admit semester that can be counted towards the M.Eng. degree as transfer credit, the upper limit is eleven (11) credit hours remaining instead of eight.
  • Undergraduate Degree Completion:

    Students must complete their baccalaureate degree (and all undergraduate designations) by the end of their Early Admit semester.

  • Academic Performance:

    Students must earn grades prior to and during their Early Admit semester that maintain their eligibility for admission to the M.Eng. program and are acceptable to the admitting M.Eng. program.

  • Program Prerequisites:

    Students must meet all prerequisites and other admission requirements for their M.Eng. program either prior to or during their Early Admit semester, as determined by the program.

b) Undergraduate Student Status

Although Early Admit students have access to many M.Eng. resources during their Early Admit semester – including career advising, professional development, and community events – Cornell University officially considers Early Admit students to be undergraduates. This has the following implications:

  • Financial Aid:

    Students remain eligible for undergraduate financial aid during their Early Admit semester. However, Early Admit students who receive financial aid must make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office before the start of their Early Admit semester to discuss their plans and to ensure they understand any rules that may apply to them. Early Admit students are not eligible for M.Eng. financial aid during their Early Admit semester.

  • GPA Calculation:

    On the Cornell transcript, the grades for all courses taken during the Early Admit semester will factor into the undergraduate GPA, not the M.Eng. GPA, even though the credit hours for some of the courses may be counted towards the M.Eng. degree.

  • Enrollment:

    During their Early Admit (undergraduate status) semester, students will not be able to pre-enroll for courses for the following (M.Eng. status) semester. Typically, they will be able to enroll at the same time as other new-to-Cornell M.Eng. students (during July pre-enrollment for the fall semester, or when the Add/Drop period opens for the spring semester). Early Admit students should contact their program GFA for additional instructions.

c) Completing the M.Eng. Degree

Students who successfully complete their Early Admit semester and enroll in the M.Eng. degree program should note the following:

  • Carry Forward Limit:

    Students may carry forward up to fifteen (15) graduate credits towards the M.Eng. degree, including coursework taken during the Early Admit semester and any approved transfer credits. Students who hope to complete their M.Eng. degree on an accelerated timeline should plan to complete at least ten (10) credit hours towards the M.Eng. degree by the end of their Early Admit semester.

  • No Double-Counting:

    Credit hours that have been counted towards any other degree or credential may not be counted towards the M.Eng. degree 30-credit hour minimum requirement. This includes graduate-level courses taken for undergraduate honors or to satisfy other undergraduate course requirements.

  • Residency:

    Students must register and enroll as full-time M.Eng. students (with M.Eng. student status) for at least one semester beyond the Early Admit semester.

  • Credit Hour Limit:

    M.Eng. students may not enroll in more than twenty (20) credits hours per semester. This is a hard limit that applies to all M.Eng. students. If a student is unable to complete at least ten (10) credit hours towards the M.Eng. degree by the end of their Early Admit semester, they will need more than one additional semester to complete their M.Eng. degree.

For additional information about the Early Admit Pathway, please visit the Early Admission for Cornell Undergraduates page.

3. Program-Specific Requirements

Below are links to webpages that detail individual M.Eng. program requirements. When discussing course selections with your academic advisor, please make sure that your academic plan satisfies the general degree requirements as well as those specific to your M.Eng. program. If you have questions, please contact your GFA.

On-campus Programs

Distance Learning Programs

D. Onboarding and Enrollment

1. Startup Tasks and Events

a) New Student To-Do List and myCornellHealth Portal

All students who are new to Cornell or are beginning a new degree program at Cornell are required to visit and complete the New Student To-Do List (Cornell Net ID is required for login). This comprehensive checklist includes essential tasks and resources designed to help students smoothly transition to Cornell.

Once you receive and activate your Cornell Net ID, you can get started by activating your Two-Step Login, checking your Cornell email account, and uploading your Student ID Card Photo.

An important item on the To-Do list is visiting the myCornellHealth Portal and starting the new student health requirements process. This process involves multiple steps and may take several weeks to complete, so please plan ahead. Students beginning M.Eng. programs in the fall semester who do not complete the health requirements process by the designated June deadline will not be eligible to enroll in courses during the July pre-enrollment period. Cornell Health ensures that all new students complete this process in order to comply with state and federal laws, meet public health guidelines, and better support the health care of all Cornell students.

b) Status Activation for International Students

If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, and your I-20 or DS-2019 was issued by Cornell, you are required to activate your status immediately upon entering the United States. Be sure to activate your status on the Office of Global Learning’s website.

c) Requesting Accommodations

Students with disabilities have the right to equal access to courses, programs, services, and activities, reasonable accommodations and adjustments, and all other rights and privileges available to other students at Cornell University.

If you would like to request accommodations or services, please register with Student Disability Services (SDS) as early as possible.

SDS works in partnership with Cornell faculty, staff, and students to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

Once you submit an accommodation request to SDS, it can take up to three weeks for the office to follow up, so do not delay in reaching out. The sooner SDS can start working with you on an accommodation plan, the more likely it is that support will be in place by the time you need it.

d) Orientation Events

All new and incoming M.Eng. students who have activated their Cornell Net IDs will be sent information about upcoming orientation events and instructions to register for them. Please take advantage of these important onboarding sessions as you begin your M.Eng. journey:

  • Program Orientation: Every individual M.Eng. program hosts an orientation event for new students. Please plan to attend. This is easily the best way for you to learn about the expectations, protocols, and academic requirements specific to your field of study, as well as to meet new classmates.
  • College Orientation: The M.Eng. Programs Support Team hosts a College-wide M.Eng. Orientation at the start of each semester to welcome new M.Eng. students and to ensure that everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities as M.Eng. students, as well as the resources available to support their M.Eng. experience.
  • International Student Orientation: The Office of Global Learning hosts an orientation event each semester for international professional and graduate students that covers many topics of interest, including maintaining status, U.S. income tax basics, health and safety, guidelines for traveling, and applying for CPT/OPT.

2. Student Registration

Registration is the official recognition of a student’s relationship with the University and is the basic authorization for a student’s access to campus resources each semester.

Because Cornell University assumes certain legal responsibilities for students who participate in the university environment, every student is required to register with the University every semester, until they complete their degree program, withdraw from the program, or are granted a leave of absence. (Students are not required to register while they are on leave, but they must register upon rejoining their program.). 

To register at Cornell University for a given semester, a student must:

  • Settle all financial accounts, including current semester tuition;
  • Satisfy New York State and University health requirements;
  • Clear any holds from the College of Engineering, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Cornell Health, or the University Bursar; and
  • Enroll in courses.

Please note that enrollment in courses, by itself, does not imply that a student is registered.

3. Course Enrollment

Enrolling in courses is part of the student registration process each semester. Prior to the start of every academic term, M.Eng. students can enroll in courses and make changes to their schedule by logging into Student Center during designated pre-enrollment and Add/Drop periods.

While most courses meet for the entire semester, many Cornell units offer seven-week courses that are scheduled to meet during the first half or second half of the semester only. Because of their shorter duration, the Add and Drop deadlines for seven-week courses are different from the deadlines for full-semester courses.

The University Registrar Academic Calendar and the Cornell Engineering Dates and Deadlines webpages list the Add/Drop periods and pre-enrollment dates for the current and upcoming academic terms. The Class Roster lists the most up-to-date information on course offerings, including meeting times and syllabi. 

With a little planning and preparation, most M.Eng. students are able to enroll in the courses they want or need to take well before the end of the Add period. However, please note that enrollment in specific courses is not guaranteed. Many courses have capacity limitations, prerequisite requirements, or other status restrictions that may impact your ability to enroll. When creating your course schedule, it is wise to have at least one backup plan.

a) Enrollment for Full-time Students

i. Minimum Credit Hours
  • M.Eng. students must enroll in twelve (12) or more credit-bearing hours to be considered in full-time status for a semester. (Audited courses are not credit bearing and will not count towards full-time status.)
  • International F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment to comply with U.S. immigration rules. In extraordinary circumstances, international F-1 students may apply to the International Services Office for a reduced course load.
ii. Maximum Credit Hours
  • M.Eng. students may not enroll in more than twenty (20) credit-bearing hours per semester.
  • In extraordinary circumstances, a student may request permission to exceed this limit by submitting a Current Semester Petition form to the Engineering Registrar’s Office for consideration. This and other online forms are available on the Engineering Registrar’s Forms page.
    • Please consult with your GFA and M.Eng. Director before submitting a credit overload petition. Unless your circumstances are truly extraordinary, it is unlikely that your petition will be approved.

b) Enrollment for Part-time Students

Part-time enrollment in the M.Eng. degree program is generally limited to students who are enrolled in one of Cornell Engineering’s Distance Learning M.Eng. programs, the Employee Degree Program, or the Industrial Partnership Program. These programs are specifically designed for working professionals and are meant to be completed over a period of two or more years.

i. Enrollment for Distance Learning M.Eng. Students

In a typical semester, most distance learning (DL) students enroll in between three (3) and nine (9) credit hours. Many programs also offer courses for DL students during the summer term. 

Aside from time to degree requirements, the sequence and timing of M.Eng. coursework, as well as the minimum and maximum credit hour limits for DL students to make satisfactory academic progress, are at the discretion of the student’s M.Eng. program.

Important: International students who reside outside of the United States and are enrolled in a DL M.Eng. program may be limited in their ability to participate in credit-bearing on-campus program activities (or any required program activities that occur within the U.S.) unless they obtain an appropriate educational visa. Students in this situation should consult with their M.Eng. program about alternatives to required residential components.

ii. Enrollment for Employee Degree Program Students

Cornell University staff members pursuing the M.Eng. degree through the University’s Employee Degree Program (EDP) may enroll in up to eight (8) credit hours per semester, with the approval of their supervisor, and in consultation with their academic advisor and their program’s M.Eng. Director. EDP students may enroll in more than 8 credit hours up to two times during their program. 

For more information, see the Employee Degree Program section of the Education Benefits at Cornell page.

iii. Enrollment for Industrial Partnership Program Students

Employees of regional companies pursuing the M.Eng. degree through the Industrial Partnership Program (IPP) must enroll in at least six (6) credit hours and no more than nine (9) credit hours each semester.

For more information on the IPP program, visit the On-Campus M.Eng. Programs for Working Professionals page.

c) Enrolling in Non-Engineering Courses

Most M.Eng. programs allow their students to enroll in a selected number of courses outside of the College of Engineering as part of, or to complement, their area of interest within their degree program. Many courses offered by Cornell Bowers and the Johnson School are popular among M.Eng. students.

As noted earlier, however, enrollment in courses is not guaranteed, and many non-Engineering units (including Cornell Bowers and the Johnson School) restrict enrollment to their own students until the Add/Drop period opens. This means that M.Eng. students:

  • May have limited enrollment access to non-Engineering courses during pre-enrollment;
  • Should be prepared to add themselves to course Waitlists as soon as the Add/Drop period opens; and
  • Are strongly advised to enroll in backup courses in case they cannot enroll from the Waitlist during Add/Drop.

d) Enrolling in Courses with Multiple Instruction Modes

While most Cornell Engineering courses are offered in person, some courses have online sections that are specifically intended to accommodate M.Eng. students enrolled in distance learning programs. 

When enrolling in courses that offer multiple instruction modes, M.Eng. students are expected to enroll in a section and instruction mode that is appropriate for their program type. M.Eng. students enrolled in on-campus programs may not enroll in course sections intended for distance learning students without the written permission of the course instructor.

Important: Per U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations, online learning is restricted for international students studying full time on an F-1 visa. For F-1 students, only one class or three (3) credits taken online or through distance learning each semester may count toward a full course of study.

E. Academic Progress

1. Grading Systems and GPA Calculation

At Cornell, individual course instructors have the sole authority to determine course grades and (in most cases) the grading system options available for their courses.

The official Cornell University grading system is composed of letter grades with pluses and minuses, ranging from A+ to F. Letter grade values are combined with course credit hours to produce an average based on a 4.3 scale (where A+ = 4.3 and F = 0). Grade point average is calculated by multiplying the credit hour and quality point equivalent for each course and then dividing by the total number of credits taken. The cumulative average is the sum of the products of all the grades at Cornell divided by the total number of credits taken.

Alongside the letter grade system is a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) system, in which the grade S denotes performance that would be graded C- or higher, and U denotes performance that would be graded below C-. Grades of S and U are not given grade point values or taken into account in computing grade point averages.

For more information about Cornell’s grading system and policies, see the University Registrar’s Exams and Grading page. 

2. Good Standing

All M.Eng. students are expected to maintain good academic standing throughout their time at Cornell. To achieve good standing for a given semester, M.Eng. students must:

  • Make sufficient progress towards the degree by successfully completing the minimum number of credit hours required for the student’s program and mode.
    • All full-time M.Eng. students are required to complete at least twelve (12) credit hours each term.
    • Distance learning and other part-time M.Eng. students must meet the minimum credit-hour levels designated for their part-time mode of study and in accordance with the rules of their individual programs.
  • Achieve a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above for the semester.
  • Meet any additional criteria for good standing that are required by the student’s M.Eng. program. These may include, but are not limited to, other curricular requirements.

At the conclusion of each semester, your M.Eng. program will assess whether or not you are in good standing. 

What Happens if I Am Not in Good Standing?

If you do not achieve good standing, your M.Eng. program will notify you in writing, copying your academic advisor and a member of the M.Eng. Programs Support Team. The communication will indicate which criteria you failed to meet, as well as any steps you need to take to remediate the situation. Typically, you will be asked to meet with your academic advisor or M.Eng. Director to discuss your situation and help you get back on track. Depending on the severity of the concerns, you may be subject to additional academic conditions in order to remain in the program.

Students who fail to achieve good standing may be subject to academic action by their program or the College of Engineering. In (rare) extreme cases, a leave of absence or withdrawal from the University may be required. A student may appeal in writing to the Associate Dean for M.Eng. Programs any decision or academic action that is related to good standing.

3. Course Load Management

Cornell Engineering is known for its academic rigor. It is not uncommon for M.Eng. students to recognize partway into the semester that the time and energy they need to successfully maintain their current course load is more than they anticipated. This section outlines options for M.Eng. students to lighten their course loads.

In cases where meeting academic performance requirements or achieving good standing is at risk, it may make sense for an M.Eng. student to change the grading option they initially selected for a course (e.g., from letter-graded to S/U) or to drop a course altogether. 

Before dropping or changing the grading option for any class after the Add period has closed, M.Eng. students are encouraged to meet with their GFA, academic advisor, and/or M.Eng. Director to ensure they understand any possible impact on their academic progress or standing. 

  • Full-time students who drop below 12 credit hours or fail to complete required program courses may lose their ability to achieve good academic standing for the semester. 
  • International F-1 students who drop below 12 credit hours may place their visa status in jeopardy unless they are approved for a reduced course load by an authorized International Services officer.

a) Changing the Grading Option for a Course

Students choose grading-basis options for courses when they enroll. Not all courses offer multiple options. For instance, some courses will only allow students to enroll on a letter-grade basis, while others may make S/U and/or Audit options available. 

For courses that offer multiple grading-basis options, students have until the posted Drop deadline for the course to make changes.

  • For semester-long courses, the Drop deadline usually occurs on the 57th day of the semester. 
  • First-half and second-half seven-week courses have different schedules for their Drop/grade option change deadlines. 
  • See the Cornell Engineering Dates and Deadlines webpage for specific dates. 

After the Drop deadline for a course has passed, students may not change their grading option choice.

b) Dropping a Course

The Cornell Engineering Dates and Deadlines webpage lists specific dates of the Drop deadlines for full-semester and seven-week courses. 

Despite the name, the “Drop” deadline for a course is generally not the last day a student can withdraw. For most courses: 

  • A student can withdraw up until the course’s designated Drop deadline without needing written approval and without a “W” appearing on their transcript. 
  • Following the Drop deadline, students can still petition to withdraw from a course until the last day of the period when the course meets, as shown on the course roster. If the student’s petition is approved, a “W” will appear on their transcript. 

Students are cautioned that some classes (e.g., selected Johnson School courses) may impose earlier drop deadlines, beyond which students may not be allowed to drop at all (even with a “W”). Pay attention to the notes listed for each class on the course roster, and read each course syllabus carefully. 

c) Reduced Course Loads for F-1 Students

To comply with U.S. immigration rules, international F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment in twelve (12) or more credit-bearing hours. However, in exceptional circumstances, an F-1 student may apply to the International Services Office for a reduced course load (and maintain their visa status) if they:

  • Are experiencing initial academic difficulties (first semester only);
  • Have a medical condition; or
  • Are completing their course of study (final semester only). 

Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with an immigration advisor to discuss their situation prior to requesting a reduced course load. See the “Full-time Enrollment Exceptions: Reduced Course Load” section of OGL’s Maintaining your F/J Status page for further details.

4. Resolving Incomplete Grades

In rare instances, a course instructor may issue an Incomplete (INC) grade to a student who is unable to complete all required elements of a course within the expected timeframe. Typically, this happens only when a student has demonstrated to the instructor compelling extenuating circumstances that prevented them from completing the course requirements (usually something out of their control) and when the student has already earned passing equity in the course. 

INC grades are granted entirely at the discretion of the course instructor. If a student believes that their circumstances warrant an INC grade, they should make an appointment with the instructor to discuss their situation. 

When an INC grade is issued:

  • It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the course instructor and to establish a clear timeframe for completing the work.
  • The timeframe is up to the instructor and usually depends on the nature of the work to be completed (e.g, makeup exam, assignment, project) and the student’s circumstances.
  • The instructor may extend the timeframe at their discretion.
  • The student is encouraged to request that all correspondence with the course instructor regarding INC resolution be made (or summarized) in writing.
  • The INC must be replaced with a final grade on the student’s transcript in order for the associated course to be considered for credit toward a degree program.
  • Once the student graduates, any outstanding INC grades are frozen on their transcript and may not be later changed.

5. Academic Petitions

Cornell has a long tradition of allowing M.Eng. students to request modifications or exceptions to certain rules and policies when their individual circumstances warrant special consideration. Such requests are made through the submission of written (or online) petitions, and records of any approved petitions are kept with the student’s academic file for purposes of auditing M.Eng. degree requirements.

Depending on the type of request a student is making, different processes must be followed, and different entities are authorized to review and issue decisions on M.Eng. student petitions:

  • Program-Specific Curriculum Requirements

    For requests involving changes to an M.Eng. program’s curriculum requirements (e.g., course substitutions), M.Eng. students must obtain written approval from their M.Eng. Director and/or their academic advisor using the petition form and process established by the individual program. The student must submit the approved petition to the program’s GFA.

  • Program Extensions

    For program extension requests, M.Eng. students must obtain written approval from their M.Eng. Director and/or their academic advisor using the petition form and process established by the individual program. International F-1 students must also apply for an extension via the International Services Office and receive approval before the end date on their I-20 to avoid violating their immigration status.

  • Course Enrollment Exceptions

    For requests related to course enrollment exceptions (e.g., credit hour overloads, time conflicts, late Adds or Drops), M.Eng. students must submit the appropriate petition via the Engineering Registrar’s form page. The online form will require the approval of the student’s academic advisor (listed as Student Faculty Advisor) and the program’s GFA (listed as Student Major Coordinator). Course enrollment petitions that are denied may be appealed (via the Engineering Registrar) to the College’s M.Eng. Academic Committee, who will render a final decision. The Engineering Registrar will communicate the Committee’s decision to the student.

  • General M.Eng. Degree or Early Admission Pathway Requirements

    For petitions requesting exceptions to the General M.Eng. Degree or Early Admission Pathway requirements, M.Eng. programs must petition the College’s M.Eng. Academic Committee on the student’s behalf. M.Eng. students may not petition the Committee directly. Committee decisions are final and will be communicated to the student via the M.Eng. program.

  • Appeals of Academic Actions by M.Eng. Programs

    For appeals related to academic actions by an M.Eng. program against a student (e.g., involuntary leave of absence, program withdrawal), the student subject to the action may submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean for M.Eng. Programs within two weeks of the action notification. The Associate Dean will consider and forward the case to the M.Eng. Academic Committee, who will render a final decision. The Associate Dean will communicate the decision to the student.

6. Academic Concern Notifications

The University has communication systems and resources in place to support the academic success of all students.

Faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants in Engineering are encouraged to report when they observe an M.Eng. student who is struggling academically, as evidenced by low grades, poor attendance, unresponsiveness, etc. These reports allow the M.Eng. Programs Support Team and the student’s M.Eng. program to reach out with appropriate support.

If you receive an email regarding an Academic Concern, please follow the guidance to meet with your course instructor and/or M.Eng. advisor, so you can resolve the issue together as soon as possible. This intervention is not meant to be discouraging or intrusive. It is intended to enable the faculty and staff who support you to help you get back on track before a difficult situation spirals.

If at any point during your M.Eng. program you feel that you are struggling, do not suffer in silence. Please reach out and ask for support.

F. Program Extensions and Leaves

1. Program Extensions

Most full-time M.Eng. programs are designed to be completed in two semesters. Some program options and concentrations require three semesters of full-time study by design.

M.Eng. students enrolled in two-semester programs may apply to extend their program to a third semester of study when there are compelling academic or medical reasons and with the approval of their M.Eng. program and academic advisor.

Students who want to extend for a third semester must:

  • Notify their program through an application to extend prior to the end of the Drop deadline of the student’s second semester;
  • Devise a program-approved plan of study for the third semester;
  • International Students Only – complete the necessary steps to extend the end date on your I-20, including:
    • Obtaining proof of financial support for the proposed extension period;
    • Submitting a Program Extension Request to the International Services Office; and
    • Following up with an International Services advisor to make sure your extension is processed in time.
  • Successfully complete at least 12 program-approved credit hours during their extended semester.

International F-1 M.Eng. students, please note that:

  • U.S. immigration policy requires that program extensions be for compelling academic or medical reasons, like a change of major or concentration, unexpected academic problems, or a documented illness.
    • Program extensions cannot be granted for employment or administrative purposes and must be for in-person registration, not online classes.
    • If you are not sure whether your extension request meets the necessary requirements, please schedule an appointment to speak with one of the immigration advisors in International Services. 
  • As part of the automated workflow of the approval process, your academic advisor (or another designated representative from your M.Eng. program) must submit the reason(s) for your extension request.
    • Be sure to contact your M.Eng. Director or GFA to confirm that the named person is familiar with your situation before you submit the extension request to the International Services Office.

2. Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals

During their degree program, M.Eng. students may decide to suspend their studies for one or more semesters by requesting a Leave of Absence (LOA), or they may withdraw from the University entirely.

Leaves granted during an academic semester go into effect on the day they are requested. If a Leave is requested after the 57th day of the academic semester, the student is effectively withdrawn from each course in which they are enrolled at the time (i.e. a “W” will appear on the transcript for each course). Students are responsible for any outstanding tuition or other University charges owed through that date. On-campus housing and dining charges may accrue until the student no longer utilizes the services.

There are three types of LOAs – Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA), Health Leave of Absence (HLOA), and Required Leave of Absence (RLOA). Each is briefly described below. Further information and online links to apply for a LOA or withdrawal, are available on the Engineering Registrar’s Leave of Absence and Withdrawal page.

a) Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA)

An M.Eng. student may request a Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA) for a specified period of time through their M.Eng. program office. A VLOA may be granted for at least one (1) semester and not more than one (1) year.

b) Health Leave of Absence (HLOA)

HLOAs are granted by the College of Engineering only upon recommendation by a physician or therapist from Cornell Health. Although circumstances vary, HLOAs are generally granted for at least one (1) full academic year, with the understanding that the student may return at the beginning of any semester after their recovery from their medical condition has been confirmed. Students must satisfy the Cornell Health Leaves Office requirements before they may return. The student’s academic standing will be subject to review at the time the HLOA is granted and upon their return.

If a student is considering a HLOA, they are encouraged to contact the Health Leaves Coordinator directly at healthleaves@cornell.edu, to discuss their situation and confirm if this type of leave is the best course of action.

More information about HLOAs is available on Cornell Health’s HLOA web page.

c) Required Leave of Absence (RLOA)

A Required Leave of Absence (RLOA) may be imposed by an M.Eng. program in cases where a student has failed to meet the requirements for good academic standing. Required Leaves are given when the probability of success is increased substantially by deferring the student’s return to study by one (1) semester or one (1) year.

Required Leaves take precedence over Voluntary Leaves.

d) Rejoining the M.Eng. Program after a Leave

In order to Rejoin from a Leave status, students must (1) satisfy any conditions established at the time their leave status was granted and (2) notify in writing their M.Eng. program of their intention to rejoin by the required deadline.

Additional information about rejoining, including rejoin deadlines for the Fall and Spring semesters, is available on the Engineering Registrar’s Requesting to Rejoin From a Leave of Absence page.

e) Withdrawal from the M.Eng. Program

A withdrawal from an M.Eng. Program may be voluntary or involuntary.

i. Voluntary Withdrawal

Students who voluntarily withdraw from their M.Eng. program sever all connection with the University. M.Eng. students who wish to withdraw should do so through their program office.

A withdrawal granted during a semester goes into effect on the day it is requested.

If a withdrawal is requested prior to the term start or by the Cornell University Drop Deadline (57th day of a full academic semester), a student’s courses for the upcoming or current term will be expunged. The courses in which the student was registered at the time of the request are treated as having been dropped (i.e., a “W” will appear on the transcript for each course). Students are responsible for any outstanding tuition or other university charges owed through that date.

If a withdrawal is requested after the Cornell University Drop Deadline (57th day of a full academic semester) and by the last day of the term, courses are dropped with “W” grades on the transcript for enrolled classes, except if a course’s official end date has already passed. In that case, the grade already given will stand.

ii. Involuntary Withdrawal

A program may require a student to withdraw from the M.Eng. program only when their overall record indicates that they are either incapable of completing the program or not sufficiently motivated to do so. This action severs all connections with the program. This action withdraws them only from the M.Eng. program and does not, in and of itself, adversely affect their ability to transfer and complete a degree in another program at Cornell. Required withdrawals take precedence over voluntary withdrawals.

A student who has been involuntarily withdrawn and wishes to return must make a formal application for readmission through their M.Eng. program office. Withdrawal reflects an expectation that the student will not return to the program, and thus reapplication to the program is rarely undertaken or granted.

G. Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

M.Eng. students are expected to abide by all Cornell University policies and to comport themselves with integrity and professionalism at all times. Policies that are particularly relevant and important for M.Eng. students include the Code of Academic Integrity, the Student Code of Conduct, and selected others related to expressive activity and nondiscrimination.

1. Code of Academic Integrity

The Cornell Code of Academic Integrity is one of the most important foundations of our institution. It defines the standards of academic behavior expected of students both in and out of class, as well as established procedures for addressing alleged violations of these standards.

Please read the Code in its entirety, paying particular attention to Section I – Guidelines for Students. Because of their importance, the Code sections on General Responsibilities and Examples of Violations are repeated below, followed by additional comments on generative AI in the classroom.

General Responsibilities

  1. A student shall in no way misrepresent his or her work.
  2. A student shall in no way fraudulently or unfairly advance his or her academic position.
  3. A student shall refuse to be a party to another student’s failure to maintain academic integrity.
  4. A student shall maintain the integrity of the classroom environment and not engage in unauthorized sharing of materials beyond the course environment or record classroom lectures and discussions without the prior written permission of instructors.
  5. A student shall not in any other manner violate the principle of academic integrity.

Examples of Violations

The following are examples of activities that violate the Code of Academic Integrity and will subject you to proceedings under the Code. This is not a definitive list:

  1. Knowingly representing the work of others as one’s own.
  2. Using, obtaining, or providing unauthorized assistance on examinations, papers, or any other academic work.
  3. Fabricating data in support of laboratory or field work.
  4. Buying, selling or otherwise distributing course materials, including exams, presentations, photos, transcripts, lecture content and notes, student assignments such as problem sets, homework, discussion board posts, and student papers, without written authorization from the instructor.
  5. Forging a signature to certify completion of a course assignment or a recommendation to graduate school.
  6. Unfairly advancing one’s academic position by hoarding or damaging library materials.
  7. Misrepresenting one’s academic accomplishments.

The best ways to position yourself to uphold the Code’s general responsibilities and avoid violations are to read every course syllabus carefully and to ask your instructors if any course expectations are unclear. Rules vary from class to class, and sometimes from assignment to assignment. Instructors typically clarify their policies and expectations in writing, but if you are not sure about something — for instance, if collaborating with classmates is allowed, or if using generative AI with attribution is allowed — always ask. Ignorance is not an excuse, and it is far better to be on the right side of the Code than to risk damaging your credibility.

Generative AI in the Classroom

In creating course policies for the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (AI), most Cornell instructors follow guidance issued by Cornell’s Center for Teaching Innovation that is specifically intended to support student learning and reduce violations of academic integrity.

Most Cornell instructors will indicate in writing whether they prohibit, allow with attribution, or encourage generative AI use in their courses. These expectations may vary by assignment, so please be sure to read the course syllabi and all assignment instructions carefully. Suspected violations of the Code of Academic Integrity will result in hearings, so if at any time you are unsure of whether the use of generative AI or other technologies is permissible, please ask your instructor. 

Even if an instructor allows the use of AI on a particular assignment, remember that you remain accountable for the veracity, accuracy, and quality of your work. 

2. Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct establishes Cornell’s expectations applicable to all students and student organizations. Please read the Code in its entirety, paying particular attention to Section I (Principles and Values) and Section IV (Prohibited Conduct).

The standards contained in the Code are anchored in Cornell’s historical educational origins and mission, reflecting the founding vision and values of Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. Cornell’s educational legacy embodies personal growth through higher learning, and Ezra Cornell’s aspiration to ‘… found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study’.

This Code is intended to preserve a higher education community and residential campus where ‘any person’ in the community can pursue their education in a secure and nourishing environment.

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) educates students about behavioral expectations and enforces the Student Code through a fair and educational process that fosters campus safety, accountability, and personal/organizational development. The OSCCS ensures proper investigation and resolution of alleged Student Code violations or any other regulation as the University President and/or Board of Trustees may direct.

3. Expressive Activity and Related Policies

Cornell is committed to fostering an environment that welcomes a diversity of views and expressions.

Cornell’s Expressive Activity Policy (University Policy 4.23) establishes guidelines to allow for freedom of expression by current members of the Cornell community (students, faculty, and staff) while ensuring the general welfare and well-being of the Cornell community. This policy extends to all Cornell campuses, including the Ithaca campus, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medicine, and affiliated campuses, offices, or extensions. Key topics covered in the policy include:

Related policies that govern M.Eng. student conduct and aim to balance freedom of expression with the University’s Core Values and other guiding principles include:

All M.Eng. students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these important policies that are central to Cornell’s commitment to ensure open discussion, exploration, discovery, and growth for all community members.

Please note that the Use of Cornell’s Name, Logos, Trademark and Insignias, as outlined in University Policy 4.10, is prohibited without proper authorization. Cornell students may mention their Cornell affiliation in message content, but they are prohibited from using Cornell brand elements on personal social media accounts, business communications, or other personal endeavors in ways that might be interpreted as representing Cornell University (for example, using the university’s insignia as a social media avatar or profile photo). All students must respect and acknowledge Cornell’s brand identity, integrity, and reputation, and avoid incurring potential legal risks to the University.

If you have questions about using Cornell’s name or marks on any products, goods, academic project deliverables, or anywhere online, please contact the M.Eng. Marketing and Recruiting Coordinator or the Engineering Marketing and Communications office at 607-255-6095.

4. Nondiscrimination and Legal Protections

Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff members.

Cornell’s University Policy 6.4, “Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct” is guided by federal, state, and local equal education and employment laws and regulations. The policy is designed to protect members of the University community from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected status, including include race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, height, weight, and any other legally protected class.

The Cornell Office of Civil Rights (COCR) promotes and ensures equal opportunity and access to enable all members of the Cornell community to succeed and thrive. COCR addresses bias incidents, sexual and related misconduct, discrimination, and protected-status harassment through incident response and resolution.

If you have experienced or witnessed bias, discrimination, or harassment at Cornell (including sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking), please consider reporting it to COCR. Cornell is a caring community, and the COCR can provide you with options and support. Any student may make an anonymous report using the University’s online reporting tool.

H. Financial Considerations

1. M.Eng. Tuition Rates

Cornell’s tuition rates are set annually by the University’s Board of Trustees and are listed, by degree type, on the University Bursar’s Tuition Rates and Fees page. The M.Eng. is classified as a Tier 1 degree.

M.Eng. tuition is charged each semester as follows:

  • Full-time M.Eng. students are charged a flat rate per semester.
  • M.Eng. students in distance learning programs are charged on a per-credit-hour basis at a rate that is equivalent to the full-time rate.
  • IPP M.Eng. students are charged one-half of the full-time M.Eng. tuition rate.
  • Tuition for EDP M.Eng. students is fully covered by Cornell University, although a portion of the tuition benefit may be taxable to the employee.

In extraordinary circumstances, if a full-time M.Eng. student is taking a reduced course load, their M.Eng. program may, at their discretion, petition the Engineering Registrar on the student’s behalf for consideration for prorated tuition. M.Eng. students may not request consideration directly. Petitions of this sort will be considered only if the request is deemed appropriate by the Engineering College, and only when the student:

  • Has already satisfied M.Eng. residency requirements;
  • Is in their final semester of the M.Eng. program;
  • Is enrolled in nine (9) or fewer credit hours;
  • Is in good academic standing; and
  • Has received approval for a reduced course load from the International Services Office (for international students).

Questions about billing and payment options should be directed to the University Bursar’s Office, located in 260 Day Hall. The office is reachable by phone at (607) 255-2336, or by email at bursar@cornell.edu. You can also use Cornell Chatter to schedule a virtual appointment with their staff.

2. Financial Aid and Student Employment

Like most professional graduate degrees, the M.Eng. is self-funded.

Each year, the College of Engineering selectively awards a small number of full-tuition and partial-tuition fellowships to incoming M.Eng. students.

In addition, individual M.Eng. programs award a limited amount of merit-based financial aid. These awards may take the form of tuition fellowships or Graduate Teaching/Research Specialist appointments. Programs may also encourage well-qualified students to apply for hourly paid positions in support of specific courses. 

For more information about these and other potential funding sources, including student loans and all paid hourly positions available on campus, see the College’s Paying for your M.Eng. Degree webpage.

3. Employment Options for International Students

While U.S. immigration law restricts paid work for F-1 students, F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment and, under certain conditions, for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with employers external to Cornell.

a) On-Campus Employment

F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. Students can work at any type of job on campus. It does not have to be in their field of study. Note that:

  • Registered F-1 students may work a maximum of twenty (20) hours each week when classes are in session.
  • Exceeding the 20-hour limit is considered a serious violation of immigration status. F-1 students who believe they may have worked more than 20 hours in a week – even only one time – should speak to an immigration advisor at International Services immediately.
  • During breaks, or at other times when classes are not in session, F-1 students may work more than 20 hours per week.

For more information, visit International Services’ On-Campus Work page.

b) Off-Campus Employment via Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students who meet certain eligibility criteria to work legally in the U.S. during their degree program for an off-campus employer. Note that:

  • CPT is not available to every F-1 student. In addition to meeting individual criteria, a student’s eligibility to apply for CPT is based on the curricular requirements of their academic program.
  • Most F-1 M.Eng. students whose degree programs are more than two (2) semesters in length are eligible to apply for CPT after being enrolled full time for two semesters of study.
  • F-1 students most commonly use CPT to participate in summer internships, but working part-time during a fall or spring semester is possible as well.

For more information about CPT, including eligibility criteria, visit International Services’ F-1 CPT webpage.

I. Resources for M.Eng. Students

1. Academic Resources

Your M.Eng. journey will be intense at times. Knowing where and when to ask for help can have a huge impact on your academic success.

The resources listed below are available to help you through any academic challenges you might face. Please use them as needed:

2. Career Resources and Tools

a) M.Eng. Career Advising

As an M.Eng. student, you have access to a range of career resources, including one-on-one career advising with an M.Eng. career professional.

The M.Eng. Career Advising Team is made up of professional staff and trained M.Eng. students (Peer Advisors) who are ready to meet with you to create a customized career development strategy. Advisors can work with you on a range of areas, including resume development, LinkedIn effectiveness, identifying target employers, preparing for upcoming career fairs, and interviewing practice.

Please visit the M.Eng. Career Resources page for additional information.

b) Cornell Career Development Toolkit

The Cornell Career Development Toolkit is an on-demand Canvas resource that takes a deep dive into all topics related to your job search. The Toolkit offers advice and examples on everything from building resumes and writing cover letters, to networking, preparing for interviews, and negotiating offers. 

There are over 20 different modules to explore. Some of the most frequently visited include:

  • Effective Networking – learn how to build meaningful and mutually beneficial connections
  • Resume Building – learn the foundations for creating a relevant and effective resume
  • Job and Internship Search – learn how to develop a job or internship search plan, find postings and opportunities of interest, and connect with employers.
  • International – designed for international students seeking job opportunities within the U.S. as well as students interested in working abroad.

c) M.Eng. Professional Development Courses

Designed specifically for M.Eng. students, Cornell Engineering offers three (3) professional development courses every academic year: 

  • ENGRC 5026: Advanced Presentation Skills – Offered in the fall semester, this course provides training and skill development to deliver successful presentations in a professional setting.
  • ENGRG 5350: Career Search & Exploration for Engineers – Offered in the fall semester, this course will guide you through essential elements of career planning and help you develop and practice job search strategies.
  • ENGRG 5351: Professional Development for Engineers – Offered in the spring semester, this course focuses on developing skills that will set you up for success in the professional workplace.

Each of these courses is offered for one (1) credit hour, on a letter-grade-only basis. They can complement (or in some cases, serve as a substitute for) discipline-specific professional development courses that many individual M.Eng. programs offer. Before enrolling, check with your GFA or M.Eng. Director to determine which of these courses are appropriate for you and can be counted for credit towards your degree program.

3. Health, Wellness, and Safety Resources

Maintaining good physical and mental health is key to ensuring your well-being. Cornell can be an intense place, and it is completely normal to experience stress from time to time. The resources listed below are available to you throughout your M.Eng. journey. Please use them as needed:

Cornell Health (607-255-5155). Go to CornellHealth Portal to learn more about:

Recreation and Physical Education

Student Disability Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Additional Trusted Resources

4. Community and Belonging Resources

A sense of belonging is a basic human need that helps us to thrive. The following resources at Cornell focus on developing community and helping students find services, activities, and environments that enable them to be at their best:

  • Engineering Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE)

    The OIE empowers all Engineering students to grow and thrive in their academic, professional, and personal lives. This office fosters community-wide recognition and celebration of the invaluable capacity of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to enable and accelerate success for all.

  • Office of the Dean of Students (DOS)

    The DOS cultivates the holistic growth and development of students through advocacy, empowerment, and education. This office offers comprehensive support and resources, provides co-curricular opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging.

  • Student Support and Advocacy Services (SSAS)

    SSAS assists students in navigating difficult life events and crisis situations that impact their ability to be successful. The office serves as the central point of contact for students, families, and community members, and collaborates with campus partners to holistically support students.

  • Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging 

    These centers house identity-based programs, resources, and community spaces.

5. International Student Resources

Two key resources that support international students at Cornell are the Office of Global Learning (OGL), and the English Language Support Office (ELSO).