Agriculture and Life Sciences

Faculty, students, and staff of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) are leading science and education toward a resilient future through our teaching, research, and extension programs in food & energy systems, the life sciences, the environmental sciences, and the social sciences. From the university’s top-ranked accredited undergraduate business program to innovative research in communication, development sociology, landscape architecture, the biological sciences, and other fields, CALS offers a broad spectrum of programs that extend past the traditional definition of an agricultural school. And yet, with outstanding initiatives in the food, animal, and plant sciences as well as in a broad scope of biological sciences, CALS clearly illustrates the urgency and relevance of agricultural research to creating a world that can nourish and support its inhabitants. Because of this portfolio of diverse expertise and resources, CALS is regarded as the best college of its kind in the nation, if not the world.

CALS is a community dedicated to discovery, teaching and translation of knowledge with public purpose, that:

Imparts a world-class education and instills passion for life-long learning;
Demonstrates commitment to robust and responsible scientific exploration through thoughtful and thorough evaluation;
Furthers agricultural systems to ensure food and nutrition security, human health, and sustainability;
Advances knowledge in the life sciences about the unity and diversity of life;
Fosters the understanding of the economy and society for individual and community well-being;
Stewards environmental resources and sustainable energy solutions;

Challenges confronting the global community are growing in complexity for many reasons, including the increasing human population and climate change in the context of finite natural resources. Establishing resilient sustainable societies through sound policies, strategies, and technologies that improve the health and well-being of present populations without compromising the needs of future generations is among the greatest challenges facing humanity.

To achieve a sustainable future for people and the planet, resilient solutions to today’s global challenges will require novel insight into the dynamics of coupled human and natural systems. Many of these solutions will be found at the intersection of the four interdependent and interacting areas of focus that inform and support CALS’ mission and shape the college’s commitment to advancing the land grant mission. From the social sciences to the life sciences, in fundamental and applied disciplines, CALS has the broad and deep expertise needed to effect real change in the world.

Through our curriculum and experiential opportunities, CALS develops leadership ability, civic responsibility, and curiosity in its students. Through our research, CALS makes invaluable contributions to an ever-increasing knowledge base. Through Cornell Cooperative Extension and other outreach mechanisms, we serve the public directly, sharing knowledge and improving lives around the world. In all facets of our mission, CALS honors the past, is engaged in the present, and helps shape the future.