Basic Information
M.Eng./Ph.D Information
Application Information
Admissions Information
Information for Incoming Students
What is TAM?
TAM or T&AM stands for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. TAM is a graduate field of about 14 faculty in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Can I get a Masters Degree?
MS (Masters of Science) applications are not encouraged. PhD students may choose to get an MS degree on the way to their Ph.D.
How much does it cost to get a PhD in TAM?
PhD students have their tuition paid, are provided a stipend to cover living expenses, and receive student health insurance. In trade for this most students serve as teaching assistants (TA) or work on specific research projects (GRA). That is, for you to get a PhD, about $54,000 per year for your tuition, stipend, and health insurance will be paid on your behalf.
How long does the program take?
An ambitious student can get a PhD in 4 years. A few students take more than 5 years.
When does the PhD program start?
Students usually arrive mid-August for classes which start on about August 20. New TA's (Teaching Assistants) must arrive in time for TA Training.
May I start in the Spring?
This is generally difficult as funds for tuition and stipend are commited for the entire academic year in the Fall.
Must I have a specific undergraduate degree to apply for the M.S./ Ph.D. program?
No. Students come to TAM from Engineering, Mathematics and Physics.
Should I ask about my chances for admission and/or financial before sending in an application?
No. Please do not send emails, resumes, etc., requesting an assessment of your chances.
When should I apply?
Applications for a coming fall are best completed by about the previous December.
Can I apply online?
Can I have the application fee waived?
In cases of financial need, request a waiver before submitting your application by sending email to Anne Haessner at Cornell's graduate school, see http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/index.php?p=5.
What should I list as ''Major subject or concentration''?
List one of the four options:
These options are described in the TAM website at http://www.tam.cornell.edu/. Listing an option does not commit you to pursue that option once admitted.
What should I list as "Proposed degree program"?
Students interested in academic or research careers should apply to the Ph.D. program. Students interested in more professional engineering education should apply to the Master of Engineering program (M-Eng).
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
The best recommender knows you, knows TAM, and knows other students who have been to graduate school in TAM. Short of that, the person should be competent, know you well, and know about graduate students in top US graduate schools.
When will I learn whether or not I have been admitted?
Applications are not reviewed until all the components (transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, application form) have been received. If you apply by the deadline you will hear within one month of the deadline.
Can I transfer credit from another institution?
We do not formally accept transfer credits. However, things you come in knowing may ease or speed your path through graduate school.
What is the minimum grade point average required for admission?
Admission is based on the entire application, not on some fixed grade point cut off. However, most people who seek a PhD are good students who have done exceptionally well in some courses.
What are the minimum required GRE scores?
Most admitted students have scores over 700 on the quantitative GRE test. There is more flexibility for the non-quantitative GRE scores.
Can I use GMAT scores instead of GRE scores?
No.
Who should take the TOEFL?
International students from countries in which the native language is not English must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
What is the minimum TOEFL score for non-native English speakers?
The minimum TOEFL score is 600 (paper based) or 250 computer-based is required.
Should I contact Cornell faculty that I am interested in working with?
Before you write to a faculty member please spend some time studying thier web site. If you have specific questions for a specific faculty member that you cannot find answers to on the Web, then ask. Don't ask about your chances of admission, don't write to advertise yourself. Most faculty are deluged with email and it is disrespectful to ask them questions whose answers you can find on the Web.
Does Cornell arrange for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training as defined by the F-1 visa?
After getting a PhD students sometimes obtain jobs that Cornell can certify as appropriate for Optional Practical Training.
Where do students live?
Students can leave in Cornell-maintained graduate dormitories or in rental apartments near to campus. A housing packet with information about Cornell and private housing opportunities is sent to applicants who accept admission. The cost of housing tends to vary inversely with distance from campus and from the bus routes.
How can I get a description of the courses (classes) included in the program?
(Like most U.S. universities, Cornell uses the term "course'' to apply to an individual class that meets two or three times per week to cover a defined topic, such as NONLINEAR DYNAMICS AND CHAOS, SOLID MECHANICS, NONLINEAR ELASTICITY, etc. A "program'' consists of a collection of courses that are completed in pursuit of a degree.) Cornell's course catalog is available online, linked from www.cuinfo.cornell.edu.
What if circumstances change after I accept admission and decide not be registering in the semester for which I applied?
Please contact us immediately, so that your place can be allocated to another applicant. The rules of the Council of Graduate Schools to which Cornell belongs require that you cannot accept an offer from another institution without obtaining a written release from us. If you would like to defer admission to a later time, let us know.
Does Cornell place graduates in jobs?
Cornell and the College of Engineering have Career Services organizations that arrange on-campus interviews, assist in career planning, and provide guidance in the preparation of resumes and interviews.
What salaries are earned by new PhD graduates?
Starting annual salaries range from about $45,000 for a post-doctoral research position to about $70,000 for starting academic positions and more than that for top industrial research positions. But, frankly, you shouldn't be applying for a PhD in TAM for the money.
