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Cornell University

Undergraduate Education

College of Engineering

Cornell Engineering is the largest and most prestigious engineering program in the Ivy League. The college is widely recognized for its rigor, commitment to excellence in education and research, and its longstanding legacy of educating students who go on to become leaders. Cornell Engineering envisions a future in which its student body and faculty reflect the gender, socioeconomic, and racial diversity of society. We endeavor to be a collaborative community of scholars and innovators who leverage the intellectual diversity of Cornell University to push the frontiers of knowledge and to address humanity’s grand challenges. Our graduates will be recognized and valued for their commitment to excellence, enthusiasm for learning, integrity, ethical behavior, and ability to work and thrive in diverse teams. 

College FAQs

Who advises students in your school/college?

Professional Staff Academic Advisors in Engineering Advising: 

The professional staff academic advisors in Engineering Advising provide a variety of professional advising services to help first-and second-year students with academic and personal matters, as well as continued access for upper-class affiliated students. The professional staff academic advisors in Engineering Advising follow an alphabetical cohort model of advising based on the last name of each student. 

Faculty Advisors: 

Students are assigned a faculty advisors when they begin their course of study in the College of Engineering. Faculty advisors help students translate their interests into an appropriate course of study, evaluate their curriculum and workload, monitor their progress toward a degree, and take advantage of the diverse opportunities available at Cornell. 

Peer Advisors: 

Peer Advisors are senior, junior, and sophomore engineering students who assist new students with the academic transition from high school to college. As part of their participation in the Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050), all first-year students will interact with their Peer Advisors. 

Directors of Undergraduate Studies:

In each engineering major, a faculty member serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies who works with students' faculty advisors and with the major's Undergraduate Program Coordinator to assist current and prospective major students. 

Undergraduate Program Coordinators:

Each engineering major has an Undergraduate Program Coordinator who works with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to help support students and faculty with any questions about the major. Undergraduate Program Coordinators help advise students who have affiliated with their engineering major. 

How do I know who's my assigned advisor or advising team?

All engineering students can utilize the services of Engineering Advising. Engineering Advising professional staff academic advisors advise students by alphabetical cohort, based on students' last names. 

Students can view their assigned faculty advisors in Student Center

How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

Students can make a 30-minute (in-person or virtual) appointment with their Engineering Advising professional staff academic advisors online through Chatter. When scheduling an appointment, students should find the Engineering Advising tab listed at the top or in the "More" tab drop-down. Note that other offices also use Chatter and have their own appointment booking pages. 

When should I meet with my advisor?

Students can meet with their advisors at any time and are encouraged to be in touch regularly.  We recommend that students touch base with their advisors at least once a semester, and more regularly if they are experiencing academic or personal difficulty.  All first-year engineering students are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least once in the fall semester and at least once in the spring semester to be cleared for pre-enroll. 

Four Advising Areas

Academic Focus

With 14 different majors and 21 minors, Cornell Engineering offers one of the broadest engineering curricula in the world.  First-year students begin general engineering studies focused on the common curriculum.  They will learn about all the different majors offered at Cornell Engineering, which will allow them to explore their options before applying for affiliation with a major in their second year.  Students can learn more at https://www.engineering.cornell.edu/students/undergraduate-students/curriculum/majors-and-minors.  

Experiential Learning

Office of Inclusive Excellence - Research Engagement: 

Engaging in research allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations, as well as practice and develop skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Research helps students to build a mentoring network and close relationships with world-renowned professors and researchers, learn the scientific process to become a competitive applicant for graduate school and/or gain technical skills that prepare them for careers in industry. 

Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) - Teaching and Learning: 

OIE offers evidence-supported practices in teaching and learning that empower students by facilitating student-centered, inclusive, collaborative, and experiential learning opportunities within supportive and accessible communities. OIE offers Tutors-on-Call for Engineers, Academic Excellence Workshops, and the Teaching Assistant Development Program. 

Selander Center for Engineering Leadership: 

Launched in 2024, the Leadership for All initiative ensures that all Cornell Engineering undergraduates – beginning with the class of 2028 – receive training in leadership skills. In their first semester, students receive one-on-one coaching and work to define their core values and the impact they want to have as engineers. Over the rest of their undergraduate experience, the program weaves training in fundamental leadership skills, such as effective listening and seeking feedback, into the curriculum. 

Student Project Teams: 

Project Teams offer students a unique, multifaceted learning opportunity. Led and run by undergraduates, project teams collaboratively solve complex problems while gaining real-world engineering experience. Project team participation complements work-class classroom and laboratory learning, providing students with opportunities to hone leadership and professional skills alongside teammates from across the college and university. Innovation and teamwork drive the success of this unparalleled program.  

Study Abroad: 

In today's globalized world, engineers often collaborate internationally, work for multinational companies, or teach overseas. Cultural competence is vital for building global relationships, solving international problems, and thriving in the global job market. Cornell Engineering offers exchange programs specifically for engineers. In addition, the Education Abroad (Office of Global Learning) manages hundreds of programs for Cornell students and can assist engineering students in finding an experience that meets their needs and interests. Engineering Advising will help students think through the process, answer questions about policies and procedures, and along with their faculty advisor, assist students in planning their curriculum.

Community and Belonging

Office of Inclusive Excellence: 

OIE empowers Cornell Engineering students to grow and thrive in their academic and professional lives. OIE's evidence-based, collaborative approach creates inclusive community, learning, and research spaces that drive cultural change, remove barriers, and propel the personal growth of Cornell Engineers as learners, innovators, leaders, and changemakers. 

Career Exploration

Engineering Career Resources:

Cornell Engineering prepares students for success in any path they ultimately choose to pursue, and our staff are positioned to leverage the full breadth and power of the university's career network and expertise. Students are encouraged to build their career skills with the Career Development Toolkit and to connect with our Engineering career advising staff.