MPS in Agriculture and Life Sciences

1 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Cornell University

Program Overview

Cornell University's Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Agriculture and Life Sciences, within Biological and Environmental Engineering, is a one-year, course-based graduate degree designed for career-focused students interested in engineering solutions to agricultural, biological and environmental challenges. The program combines technical coursework, analytical skills and professional development, with areas of specialisation including environmental engineering, biological engineering, food engineering, bioenergy, biotechnology and sustainable systems.

Curriculum Structure

First Semester

Students build advanced technical knowledge through graduate-level courses selected around their chosen specialisation, such as environmental engineering, biological engineering, bioprocess engineering or sustainable systems. They also begin developing a professional capstone project, applying relevant engineering concepts and analytical methods to a defined problem.

Second Semester

Students continue specialised graduate coursework and complete their capstone project, integrating technical knowledge with practical problem-solving and professional development. Students can tailor their studies to areas such as ecohydrology, food engineering, industrial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology or environmental management.

Note: Cornell requires at least 30 graduate-level credits, including a capstone project. The university does not prescribe one universal course sequence for all specialisations; students should confirm the field-specific study plan with the program director.

Focus Areas

Bioenergy and integrated energy systems, bioenvironmental engineering, biological engineering, bioprocess engineering, ecohydrology, environmental engineering, environmental management, food engineering, industrial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, sustainable systems and synthetic biology.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced technical knowledge, apply engineering and analytical methods to biological and environmental problems, evaluate sustainable solutions, complete a professional capstone project, strengthen problem-solving abilities and prepare for technical careers in industry, government and nonprofit organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The M.P.S. is a professionally oriented, course-based graduate degree. The official program description does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the M.P.S. itself.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers interdisciplinary graduate study through the Biological and Environmental Engineering field. The program is designed to prepare graduates for professional opportunities in industry, government and nonprofit organisations; a specific M.P.S. graduate employment rate or program-level employability ranking is not stated in the published program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cornell University's M.P.S. program combines specialised engineering coursework with a professional capstone project, allowing students to apply technical knowledge to practical challenges in agriculture, biological systems and environmental sustainability. Its interdisciplinary focus encourages students to connect engineering principles with real-world problems in industry, government and nonprofit organisations.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Professional Capstone Project: Complete 2–6 credits of capstone work as part of the 30-credit degree, applying technical knowledge and analytical skills to a defined professional problem.
Environmental Engineering: Explore engineering approaches to environmental protection, resource management and sustainable systems.
Biological and Bioprocess Engineering: Develop specialised knowledge relevant to biological processes and engineering applications in biotechnology and related industries.
Food Engineering: Explore engineering principles applicable to food processing and related production systems.
Bioenergy and Integrated Energy Systems: Study approaches to energy production and the integration of biological resources into energy systems.
Ecohydrology and Soil and Water Management: Explore interdisciplinary approaches to water systems, environmental processes and resource management.
Professional Development: Strengthen technical problem-solving and professional skills through graduate-level instruction and the capstone experience.
Internships, Software and Facilities: The general program catalog does not specify a compulsory internship, mandatory software package or a universal list of dedicated facilities for all specialisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.P.S. in Agriculture and Life Sciences prepares graduates for technical and applied professional roles involving biological systems, environmental management, biotechnology and sustainable engineering. Its flexible specialisation structure allows students to align their studies with career interests across engineering, environmental services, food systems and industrial biotechnology.

Potential career roles include:

Environmental Engineer: Support environmental assessment, pollution prevention and sustainable resource management, subject to applicable professional requirements.
Bioprocess Engineer: Contribute to the design and improvement of processes involving biological materials and industrial biotechnology.
Sustainability Specialist: Evaluate environmental impacts and help organisations develop sustainable practices.
Food Process Engineer: Apply engineering principles to food production, processing and operational improvement.

Key career development opportunities include:

Applied technical skills: Specialised coursework and the capstone project help students develop analytical and problem-solving abilities relevant to professional engineering environments.
Interdisciplinary preparation: The program's focus areas allow students to develop expertise across biological, environmental and agricultural applications.
Career sectors: Graduates can explore opportunities in engineering firms, biotechnology, environmental services, food-related industries, government agencies and nonprofit organisations.
Employment statistics and salaries: Cornell's published program information does not specify a program-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure.
Industry partnerships: Specific employer partnerships, guaranteed internships and placement arrangements are not identified in the general program description.
Professional accreditation: The M.P.S. is a professional graduate degree, but a separate professional accreditation for the degree is not stated.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may consider doctoral study in Biological and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biotechnology or related disciplines, subject to each program's admission requirements. Those interested in research-intensive careers should review the specific research and thesis requirements of potential doctoral programs.