First-Year Human Ecology Applicants

Applying to the College of Human Ecology

At the Cornell University College of Human Ecology (CHE), we examine the interactions between people and their environments from scientific, social, and design perspectives. Collaborating across academic disciplines, we teach our students to understand the world through broader themes—human nutrition and health; design and technology; development and the life course; and behavioral sciences and social well-being—and how they impact human life and thriving. Human ecologists explore the complex and layered relationship between humans and our world with a focus on problem-solving current and emerging societal challenges. Our students enjoy the resources of an Ivy League research university and the advantages of a smaller school, building close relationships with classmates and faculty.

Choosing a Major

Cornell Human Ecology's applied curriculum focuses on the human experience. Our majors emphasize interdisciplinary thinking, applying knowledge to develop evidence-based solutions, and working in partnership with communities. As a CHE student, you’ll be able to explore varied academic interests and prepare for careers in areas including design, law, psychology, health, medicine, nutrition, and business. If you have questions, please contact our admissions team at humec_admissions@cornell.edu.

When choosing a major, consider how you:

  • Can play a critical role in the challenges that impact our everyday lives.
  • Want to impact the environments in which we live, build community, learn, heal, play, and work.
  • Are energized by combining disciplines to problem-solve contemporary and emerging societal issues.
  • Want to use your education and experience to improve people's lives.

Explore CHE Majors 

High School Coursework

Required Coursework

CHE seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum that includes depth in core math and science courses. Applicants must have a minimum of 16 total units of high school coursework, including:

  • 4 units of English
  • 4 units of mathematics
    • Calculus is strongly recommended.
  • 4 units of science
    • 1 unit of biology
    • 1 unit of chemistry* and/or physics
    • Advanced coursework, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate, if available in biology, chemistry, or physics

*Chemistry is required for those applying to Human Biology, Health, and Society; Global and Public Health Sciences; Nutritional Sciences; and/or if you have pre-health interests.

Special Application Requirements

Design Supplements

Design + Environmental Analysis, Fashion Design, and Fashion Design Management applicants are required to submit a design supplement via SlideRoom.

Portfolio submission deadlines:

Early Decision applicants: November 1

Regular Decision applicants: January 2

We will not accept a design supplement submitted after these deadlines. All design supplement requirements must be met for your application to be considered. Review requirements for each major’s design supplement:

Design + Environmental Analysis
Fashion Design
Fashion Design Management

CHE Application Writing Prompt

Common Application Writing Supplement (600-word limit):

The College of Human Ecology prepares students to respond to human needs through an education organized around the interconnected issues that profoundly affect individuals, communities, and the institutions that shape our lives.  

Think about an extracurricular/community engagement/work experience that most closely connects you to the CHE mission and your intended choice of major. Tell us what that experience taught you about your broader community and its needs, and the impact you can make. How will your intended CHE major help you make that impact? (Refer to our essay application tips as you write your essay.)

Preparing Your Application

Competitive and compelling candidates demonstrate:

  • An outstanding record of academic achievement in a rigorous curriculum that includes depth in core math and science courses throughout the high school career regardless of your choice of major. 
  • A strong, clearly articulated connection to the college mission and an understanding of how the academic programs will support your interests in addressing contemporary human challenges, demonstrated through a thoughtful essay response and engaged participation in school and greater community. 
  • Active engagement in school and greater communities and testing of your academic/career interests through a variety of opportunities including extracurricular activities, meaningful service work, paid work positions, internships, shadowing, etc. 
  • Volunteer and/or work experience. 
  • An outwardly focused and observant perspective.

What do we look for when reviewing your application? Here are a few important factors:

  • We consider your academic rigor, preparation, persistence and growth when reviewing your transcript.
  • Your writing prompt response should illustrate how your interests and aspirations align with Cornell Human Ecology and your choice of major. 
  • We want to know how you use your time outside school — what engages, informs and tests your academic interests, and how do those pursuits connect to the college? 

  • Letters of recommendation help us understand your maturity, self-motivation, initiative, character and role in the classroom and community. 

     

    We encourage you to review our detailed application tips before you begin working on your Common Application:

     Read CHE Application Tips 

Top Enrollment Resources

Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.