• Join an upcoming information session or watch a recording of a past session.  

• Review the application process and eligibility requirements on this page.  

• Explore the MS-ESP curriculum here. 

• Request more information about the MS-ESP here.  

Yes, the MS-ESP is STEM-designated, enabling OPT extension in the U.S.

No, work experience is not required.

Passion for sustainability and impact, analytical curiosity, and a drive to lead in private industry, government, or nonprofit contexts.

No. Students from varied disciplines are welcome. What matters is demonstrated interest in sustainability and readiness to gain a policy and communication toolkit to apply across sectors.

Course Load: 

Summer Session: 6 credits
Fall Semester: 15 credits
Winter Session: 3 credits
Spring Semester: 16 credits
Total: 40 Credits 

Topical Areas: 

• Environmental law, regulation, and ethics 

• Policy communication for sustainability 

• Statistics and data analysis for public policy 

• Environmental economics and international policy 

• Environmental justice and equity 

• Political analysis and governance 

• Managing and leading organizations 

No, the MS-ESP is a fully residential program at Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, NY.

The MS-ESP is a 12-month degree program. Students start in June and graduate the following May.

You can learn more about the MS-ESP cost of attendance here.

Yes, merit scholarships are available. Each application is considered for merit-based scholarships, which generally are awarded at the time of admission and noted in the admission letter. There is no separate application to complete to be considered for funding.

Students finance their degree using student loans, veterans education benefits, external fellowships, and more. The MS program offers merit-based scholarships that generally are awarded at the time of admission in the admission letter.

Financial aid in the form of loans can be applied for using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available exclusively to domestic/U.S. citizens. Find more information about graduate financial aid. Private education Loans may be available to international students not eligible for the FAFSA. 

Yes, Cornell University’s International Services Office of Global Learning can assist international students with visa applications.

No, the GRE/GMAT is not required, nor considered.

Official transcripts are required after admission, but unofficial transcripts are used during application review.

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. There are 3 ways this may be done: 

1. Submit Scores – Provide official IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT test scores that meet the Graduate School’s minimums. 

1. Request a Standing Exemption within your application for admission. On the first page of the Application for Graduate Admission, you will attest that you meet one of the standing exemptions and provide documentation if required. 

1. Request a Special Exemption – In exceptional cases, applicants may ask for a special exemption. Guidelines and the request process are outlined below. 

For more information about proof of English-language proficiency, visit the Graduate School’s Admissions website. 

You may submit an application with only self-reported scores, but applications will not be considered complete until official scores are received directly from ETS/IELTS. Incomplete applications are not reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. 

For more information about proof of English-language proficiency, visit the Graduate School’s Admissions website.

We accept both academic and professional references. 

We strive to release decisions for complete applications as soon as a decision is ready—typically within several weeks of an application being marked complete in the application portal.

For questions or assistance needed with the application, please contact Brooks School Graduate Admissions at BrooksGradAdmissions@cornell.edu.