Cornell Dyson Major Requirements: The Applied Economics and Management Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum and the wide selection of AEM courses prepare you to make a difference in an ever-evolving global society.

At the Charles H. Dyson School for Applied Economics and Management, our business is a better world—and we designed our rigorous, immersive curriculum with that vision in mind. That’s why Cornell Dyson requirements go beyond a robust core; you’ll also have opportunities to engage with the community and hone your skills in professional settings of all kinds.


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Applied Economics and Management Curriculum: AEM Requirements

The best business leaders have the fundamentals covered: they understand how markets work, how businesses keep score, and what makes people act productively. They are clear on their responsibilities to the organization and society. Dyson’s core AEM curriculum includes coursework in management and economics, quantitative methods, and applied economics to prepare students to be those impactful business leaders.

Note: Actual required courses will depend on your starting semester. All courses listed are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.


Cornell Dyson Courses: Management and Economics

From the macro to the micro, your management and economics coursework provides a strong foundation in business principles and economic theory.


Cornell Dyson Requirements: Quantitative Courses

Data is all around us, but it’s what you do with it that gives you a competitive edge. Good data drives decisions at every level of an organization. At Dyson, you’ll gain a solid understanding of statistics and other quantitative methods and develop the technical know-how to collect, model, analyze, and share data—to make data work for you.


Cornell Dyson Requirements: Applied Economics Courses

Applied economics is in our name for a reason: we believe applied economics is a key to understanding—and thus improving—our world. Because it helps us weigh outcomes and predict behavior. It helps us make hard choices around scarce resources. It helps us do more with less, and invest wisely in the future. As part of Dyson’s AEM requirements, Dyson undergraduates select from a variety of applied economics classes in at least two of the following categories: Environmental, Energy, and Resource Economics (EERE); Economic Analysis; International Trade and Development; and Food and Agricultural Economics.


Grand Challenges Curriculum

At Dyson, we believe you learn by doing. And that you don’t need to wait until you graduate to start making an impact on the world. Our innovative Grand Challenges program gives you the tools to work with real clients on meaningful, real-world issues. During this three-part required program, you will collaborate with your peers, professors, and industry partners to tackle issues in our region and around the globe. All this work culminates in the Dyson Grand Challenges capstone projects, completed in year 4, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Your Dyson degree lets you turn learning into action, and Grand Challenges means you’ll graduate with the confidence you can make a difference.


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Business and Beyond: Building the Rest of Your Dyson Experience

As an AEM major, you’ll spend a lot of time in and around Cornell’s Ag Quad. But as you dive into your concentration(s), minor, and wider degree requirements, you’ll also meet students, staff, and faculty members across our sprawling Ithaca campus. Explore the incredible selection of classes available at Cornell’s Courses of Study.


At-a-Glance: Your First-Year Schedule at Dyson

To ensure you’re set up for success for your entire academic experience, we suggest structuring your first-year schedule like the example shown here.

Before the July pre-enrollment period, the Dyson Office of Student Services and Advising will host a Discover Dyson virtual session which will help in your transition to Dyson. After that, you’ll also work one-on-one with your Student Services academic advisor to assist you in mapping out your first semester courses. You will continue to work closely with your Student Services academic advisor throughout your time at Dyson to plan your future semesters.

Have questions about Discover Dyson or academic advising? Send an email to Dyson_OSS@cornell.edu.

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Example First-Year Course Schedule


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World-class Business Class: Learn from Leading Teachers and Practitioners

Whether in front of the classroom or the boardroom, our faculty members exemplify Dyson’s “our business is a better world” vision. They are widely published scholars, award-winning teachers, and industry-leading practitioners—and they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with you.

Meet Your Faculty

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The Big Picture: Overall Cornell Dyson Requirements for the AEM Degree

The AEM requirements are just the beginning. As you fulfill your Cornell Dyson major and overall college requirements, you’ll also choose a concentration (or two), explore your interests with free electives, and broaden your perspective with classes from across the university.

View Full AEM Degree Requirements

How to Apply to Dyson

From transcripts to teacher recommendations, your Dyson application gives you a chance to tell your story and share your future goals. Explore our degree requirements page to find out what you need—and when—to complete the admissions process.

GET APPLICATION DETAILS

Join the Cornell Dyson Community

With their drive, innovation, and intellect, our alumni make a difference in organizations around the world every day. Ready to see where Dyson’s applied economics and management curriculum will take you? Start your application for admission today.