Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

MBA Program Stats

Academics And Programs

The business school at the Ivy League Cornell University offers 2 cutting-edge and highly regarded residential MBA programs that operate across two campuses. Ithaca hosts the two-year MBA, with options to take New York City classes.

NYC is home to the majority of the Tech MBA, although the first third (one semester) of the program takes place on the Ithaca campus. The other two thirds (two semesters) of the program are delivered at Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City. The Tech MBA kicks off in the summer.

Johnson also offers MBAs as part of dual degrees, with law; medicine; real estate; health administration; or industrial and labor relations.

The B-School has an intense immersion program they call “Performance Learning,” described as a hands-on semester of integrated course and field work in a specific industry or career interest. They also build in a mandatory internship between the first and second year.
The curriculum at Johnson can be described as a blend of intensive coursework with real-world experience, with the intent for graduates to make an immediate impact in today’s dynamic and fast-paced economy.

Students have the opportunity to give feedback on curriculum and therefore co-create their experiences at Cornell. “Students have a big say in what we offer. For example, they asked for grade non-disclosure, and we have implemented that. We treat our courses as a partnership with students,” says Gaur.

As could be expected, Cornell also offers many co-curricular opportunities for students such as competitions, and international treks over winter and summer breaks. Cross-pollination is a key feature of Johnson’s MBAs, with some of the 120 electives shared between all the different MBA classes, giving students huge flexibility in their choices and meaning that unlike at some schools where candidates remain stuck in streams, they can indulge their curiosity and choose a focus area for their second-year electives.

Why Students Chose

“The pay-it-forward culture is very prevalent at Johnson. Everyone I interacted with — current students, alumni, the admissions committee — was extremely supportive and helpful throughout the application process. Attending Destination Johnson in Ithaca and experiencing first-hand how invested Cornell is in its community was phenomenal. I was accepted to other business schools, but I made up my mind after attending Destination Johnson. I thrive in environments where I feel included and supported, and Cornell was the perfect fit.” Sanjana Belani (‘24)

“My hunt for higher education prompted me to seek a program that encourages leaders within family businesses. The Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell, which provides education and support for family business owners and successors, motivated me to apply to Johnson. I was looking for a program that will allow me to expand my professional network with like-minded problem solvers and decision-making entrepreneurial individuals. While attending some of the Connected Conversations hosted by the Smith Family Business Initiative, I immediately knew I wanted to join, engage, and connect with this tight-knit community of continuous innovative investors.” Maria Claudia Rengifo Cabanillas (’24)

“Immersions were one of the most appealing aspects of the program that drew me to Johnson. They are unique to Johnson and integrate what you learn in class with hands-on experience in an industry of your choosing. Before starting my MBA, I had only worked in one industry, so I wanted a program that would expose me to another business field as part of the practicum. When speaking with current students, they emphasized how insightful the immersions were for them. As a result, I thought one of Johnson’s immersions would greatly enrich my MBA experience.” Mateusz Lakomski (‘24)

Career Stats

Cornell Graduate MBA Salary

From Cornell Johnson

The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, a school within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, delivers business education that empowers students to turn ambition into impact. Johnson’s defining attributes—its tight-knit community, emphasis on leadership, and focus on immersive, experiential learning—are reflected across its programs, which include full-time and executive MBA programs, MPS and dual-degrees options, and a PhD.

Johnson’s powerful network spans the globe and includes diverse students, world-renowned faculty, and 19,000+ alumni who consistently push traditional boundaries to shape the business landscape and make a positive impact.

Johnson’s Two-Year program is offered at Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca is known for its beautiful natural landscape, family-friendly community, and downtown area. Classes are held primarily in Sage Hall and the new Breazzano Family Center for Business Education.

Students can choose to participate in and lead any of 80+ student organizations ranging from the Women’s Management Council to the Black Graduate Student Association, and from the Old Ezra Finance Club to the Johnson Pets Society. They also participate in international treks, leadership expeditions, and case competitions. Johnson offers a unique, “two campus, one community” approach, which allows Ithaca-based residential students to take weekend courses or half-semester intensives at Cornell Tech in NYC. Opportunities for networking are endless.

Two-Year program

For career enhancers and switchers, Johnson’s flexible Two-Year MBA curriculum gives students the practical skills they need and the freedom to dive into an area they’re passionate about. Far from a lock-step sequence, students can customize their studies and focus on specific industries during their first year. They also develop leadership skills, work with second-year MBA mentors, and participate in domestic and international treks.

• First semester: Required courses in the MBA Core—topics such as financial accounting, microeconomics, strategy, leading teams, data analytics, and more
• Second semester: Hands-on learning and industry immersion—corporate finance, digital technology, investment banking, investment research and asset management, strategic operations, strategic marketing, or sustainable global enterprise
• Summer internship
• Third semester: Electives, co-curricular activities, and NYC weekend courses at Cornell Tech
• Fourth semester: More electives, NYC intensives at Cornell Tech, and course selections across Cornell University

Essay Questions For Cornell Johnson

Applicants complete a Goals Statement, Impact Essay, and an optional essay prompt:

Goals Statement prompt:

A statement of your goals will begin a conversation that will last throughout the admissions process and guide your steps during the MBA program and experience. To the best of your understanding today, please share your short- and long-term goals by completing the following sentences and answering the enclosed short answer question (350 words maximum):

Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].

Targeted Job Role:
Target Job Company:
Industry:

In 5–10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].

Targeted Job Role:
Target Job Company:
Industry:

How has your experience prepared and encouraged you to pursue these goals?

Impact Essay prompt:

At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. Taking into consideration your background, how do you intend to make a meaningful impact on an elite MBA community? (350 words maximum)

Optional Essay prompt:

You may use this essay to call attention to items needing clarification and to add additional details to any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson. (350 words maximum)

If you are reapplying for admission, please use this essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application and candidacy since the last time you applied for admission. Please also review our Application Guide for additional information about reapplying (350 words maximum).

Rankings Data For Cornell Johnson

Cornell MBA Rankings