Distance Learning Admissions Requirements
The prospective student for this distance learning degree program is a recent college graduate or
working professional who satisfies the admission criteria for the Cornell Graduate School in
addition to the criteria for the M.Eng. in Systems Engineering. For the working professional, this
program will allow you to earn an advanced degree while not interrupting your career.
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Applying
An online application for admission and financial aid for the Master of Engineering program
must be completed through the Cornell University Graduate School.
Graduate Admissions
The Graduate School provides an extensive application and admissions Web page with general
application guidelines and requirements for each graduate field where you will find the
requirements of the specific field to which you are applying. Applications can be downloaded or
completed online.
Cornell Graduate School Admissions Requirements
 Application form available at apply.gradschool.cornell.edu
 Statement of purpose: A one- or two-page statement stating your reasons for
undertaking graduate work, as well as an explanation of your academic interests,
including their relation to your undergraduate study and professional goals.
 Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended.
 Application fee: $80. In cases of extreme financial need, the Graduate School will
consider a request for a fee waiver.
 Application for financial support: Application for merit-based aid - fellowships,
assistantships, and tuition awards - is part of the application for admission.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
 Minimum of baccalaureate degree in engineering, mathematics, or science conferred by
an accredited college or university. For students with foreign credentials, the equivalent
from a college or university of recognized standing.
 The SE program expects at least differential calculus, integral calculus, linear algebra and
differential equations as math undergrad requirements. For Cornell undergrads MATH
191, 192, 293 or 294, and a mathematics course chosen by the major would be required.
 Undergraduate course work in probability and statistics.
 TOEFL minimum iBT TOEFL scores of 20 in Writing, 15 in Listening, 20 in Reading,
and 22 in Speaking. Internet Based (iBT) minimum is 97 and Paper Based minimum is
600.
 GRE, however the GRE has been waived if you are a part of the Lockheed Martin ELDP
program.
 Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation.
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Applicants must document at least one year of work experience in a relevant field to be
eligible to enroll in the distance learning degree program.
Enrollment to the distance learning program may be restricted due to one or more of the
following:
o Program Capacity
o Geographic location of the prospective student
o Technical or administrative capability of the program to provide adequate service
to the student
Statistics Requirements
An undergraduate course in Probability and Statistics is required to matriculate into the Systems
Engineering program, for the Distance Learning M.Eng. degree. The requirement may be
satisfied through taking this course at any college or university.
Cornell does offer a summer session Distance Learning course in Statistics. You may check their
website for this information. The course is listed as STSC 1-2100, Introductory Statistics. You
may also take CEE 3040 or ORIE 2700 also available at Cornell.
You will be required to show a transcript as verification that this course has been completed. If
you have not taken the course, you will not be able to enroll in your degree program courses,
until this requirement is fulfilled.
Deadline for Applications
For Fall Applicants
February 1: On-campus, financial aid consideration
May 31: International student deadline
May 31: Non-aid applicants and all other students
For Spring Applicants
November 15