Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: A Comprehensive Overview

Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) stands as a renowned institution with a rich history and a commitment to pioneering research, education, and outreach. As one of the seven undergraduate colleges at Cornell University, CALS distinguishes itself through its focus on Life Sciences, Applied Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Agriculture and Food.

Historical Context and Establishment

The seeds of CALS were sown in 1868, when Cornell University opened its doors. Despite initial reservations from Cornell's first president, Andrew Dickson White, and the Board of Trustees regarding agricultural education, Ezra Cornell's deep commitment and the requirements of the Morrill Land Grant Act ensured its inclusion. George Chapman Caldwell was recruited as Professor of Chemistry (Agricultural Chemistry) and became the nominal leader of a group of three professors with interests touching upon agriculture. Alongside Caldwell were Albert N. Prentiss, professor of botany, and Dr. James Law, professor of veterinary medicine. The arrival of Isaac P. Roberts in 1874, as professor of agriculture, brought credibility to agriculture at Cornell.

Formally established in 1874 as the Department of Agriculture, it evolved into a college in 1888. That same year, horticulture, which had been a minor part of botany, was re-established as an independent department with the recruitment of Liberty Hyde Bailey. In 1904, Bailey, along with New York State farmers, successfully lobbied the New York Legislature for financial support. This led to the establishment of the New York State College of Agriculture at Cornell, with an initial allocation of $125,000 for a new building.

Evolution and Expansion

The college expanded its scope over the years. In 1898, a separate New York State College of Forestry was established at Cornell, but it faced political challenges and was eventually integrated into the Agriculture College in 1910 under the leadership of Liberty Hyde Bailey. In 1900, CALS initiated a reading course for farm women, and in 1907, the Department of Home Economics was created, later becoming a school within the college in 1919.

Funding and Structure

While CALS is part of Cornell, a private Ivy League university, it also receives funding through The State University of New York (SUNY) to administer New York's cooperative extension program, alongside the College of Human Ecology, as part of Cornell's land-grant mission. In 2007-08, CALS' total budget (excluding the Geneva Station) was $283 million, with $96 million from tuition and $52 million from state appropriations.

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Academic Programs and Focus Areas

CALS offers more than 20 majors, focusing on Life Sciences, Applied Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Agriculture and Food. Undergraduate programs lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 22 different majors, including:

Agricultural Sciences
Animal Science
Atmospheric Science
Biological Engineering
Biological Sciences
Biology and Society
Biometry & Statistics
Communication
Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Entomology
Environment & Sustainability
Environmental Engineering
Food Science
Global & Public Health Sciences
Global Development
Information Science
Landscape Architecture
Nutritional Sciences
Plant Sciences
Viticulture & Enology

Students also have the option to create their own interdisciplinary degree, aligning with their career goals.

Campus and Facilities

The Agriculture Quadrangle (Ag Quad) is a central grouping of buildings dedicated to CALS programs. The oldest building on the quad is Caldwell Hall (1913). The Plant Science Building (1931) and Warren Hall (1931) flank the Albert R. Mann Library (1952). Other notable buildings include Comstock Hall, Kennedy Hall, Roberts Hall and Ward Center.

The college also houses specialized facilities such as the Social Media Lab, which studies human behavior and interaction in the digital realm, and the Rich's Food Safety Lab, established through a donation from Rich Products.

CALS Inclusive Academic Advising Team

The CALS Inclusive Academic Advising Team does not have an assigned caseload of students. Academic Focus CALS inclusive academic advising focuses on forming intentional partnerships with students and stakeholders to achieve academic success, holistic wellness, and a sense of belonging.

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Experiential Learning

Students in CALS have the opportunity to conduct research and participate in study abroad opportunities.

Career Exploration

From the moment students arrive on campus the CALS career team will support them in learning more about their academic and career interests, in putting together a plan to explore those interests, and in developing strategies to reach their career goals. Our team focuses on creating high-impact career support, resources, and programming, and connecting students to experiential opportunities such as internships, research, community engagement, entrepreneurial pursuits, and international experiences.

Rankings and Reputation

Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a highly regarded institution in its field. In 2025, it is ranked 1st in the "Food and Nutrition" and "Agricultural Sciences" sectors of Niche.com.

Land-Grant Mission and Outreach

As a land-grant university, Cornell is committed to making contributions in all fields of knowledge to improve the quality of life in New York State, the nation, and the world. The state contributes to the operating expenses of the contract colleges in return. CALS is deeply involved in research, education, and outreach programs that benefit communities both locally and globally.

Core Concerns

The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

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