Graduate Field
Biological and Environmental Engineering
Program Description
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Biological and Environmental Engineering is a one-year, course-based master’s degree program ideal for career-focused students interested in the thorough study of issues and advancements in the fields of life, social and environmental sciences, and agriculture.
A hallmark of the MPS program is the balanced portfolio of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional development built into the curriculum, designed to equip students with the skill set and knowledge necessary for careers in industry, government, or non-profit agencies.
Concentrations
- Bioenergy and integrated energy systems
- Bioenvironmental engineering
- Biological engineering
- Bioprocess engineering
- Ecohydrology
- Environmental engineering
- Environmental management
- Food engineering
- Industrial biotechnology
- Nanobiotechnology
- Sustainable systems
- Synthetic biology
Program Information
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 30
Program Requirements
Coursework
- 30 credits in graduate-level courses at least 20 of which must be taken in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
- Capstone project: 2 to 6 credits of the required 30 credits.
- Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credits each semester. It is advised that students enroll in 15 credits each semester to stay on track for this one-year program.
- Additional requirements:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
- A minimum of 18 letter-graded credits
- Completion of the degree within 1 year from admission date
Field-specific requirements
- Check with the field director for details.
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Learning Outcomes
The MPS degree prepares students for the unique challenges of the 21st-century workplace through in-depth exploration of relevant knowledge and skill set refinement. Each MPS program is characterized by specialized course-based instruction led by our world-class faculty. This master’s degree broadens expertise and expands professional versatility to produce the next generation of innovative leaders.