As a student in the Milstein Program, you understand that you’ll need a diverse set of skills to tackle today’s most challenging issues. You might love studying philosophy, capital markets or Chinese, but you’re also fascinated with technology and data and can see the intersections between all of your interests. You are curious about the world, willing to take risks in your academic exploration and show leadership and a breadth of activities.
How it Works
Twenty-five students in each class in the College of Arts & Sciences will be accepted into the Milstein Program: the majority at the time of application to the freshman class and balance at the end of the freshman year. Students in the Milstein Program meet regularly for talks, workshops, and performances.
Milstein students choose amongst 40 majors in the College and pursue a broad and rigorous course of study in the liberal arts and sciences. Milstein Program students participate in workshops, project meetings and other special events during the academic year in Ithaca. They also have priority enrollment for other Milstein Program courses. New Milstein Program seminars are developed each year.
Program Structure
Students in the Milstein Program take three tailor-made courses described below; design their own collaborative, civic-minded project that unfolds over their junior year; select two elective courses; attend the summer program at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City; and present at the annual Milstein Expo. Students who fulfill these program requirements receive a certificate that recognizes them as College of Arts & Sciences Milstein Program Scholars.
1. Milstein Core Courses: Milstein Advising Seminar, Sophomore Seminar, and Milstein Studio
Milstein Advising Seminar is offered each fall and is an advising seminar especially designed for first-year Milstein Program scholars.
Sophomore Seminar is offered each spring and is designed for sophomores. This applied “methods” course focuses on iterative design, problem-seeking/problem finding, and innovation.
Milstein Studio is offered each fall and focuses on interdisciplinary practice and career development.
2. Milstein Elective Courses: Choose two courses from among this approved list, including two Milstein Faculty Fellow seminars. These courses study the social, cultural, economic, environmental, physical and psychological impact of technology.
Electives may be taken at any time during the Milstein Program.
Students may petition to include other courses outside the approved list.
3. Summer Program at Cornell Tech: Attend an 8-week summer program in-residence at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
4. The Junior Year Project: Students undertake an original, collaborative research project focusing on the theme of innovation and change; partner with a local non-profit, institution, student or community group; work closely with another Milstein Program scholar; present their research at the end of their junior year (or senior fall).
5. Milstein Studio: A pre-professional, cross-disciplinary seminar designed exclusively for Milstein students.
The Milstein Program offers regular speakers and professional development workshops. See our “Events” page for recent programs. Additionally, occasional Independent Study courses offer students the opportunity to build their technological skills (e.g. AR/VR Unity development).
Milstien Program Class of '22 & '23
How to Apply
There are two points of entry into the Milstein Program – as high school seniors when applying to Cornell and current students in the spring of your first year. We welcome students from all A&S majors. Approximately one half of the Milstein cohort are from Computer Science and Information Science; the other half come broadly from the Humanities.
Access to ground-breaking speakers and ideas through a campus speaker series
Special activities and events for Milstein students, including a student-run mentorship program
Engaged learning opportunities in Ithaca and NYC based upon student-created projects
Opportunities for research, internships and study abroad
Access to special equipment and software for project work including audio, video, podcasting and Virtual Reality equipment and software
Special events and activities for Milstein Program students, from BBQs and a ropes course to sessions on intergroup collaboration and public speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out what current Milstein students are doing?
There are plenty of places where you can see Milstein students and what they're doing on and off campus. You can visit any of our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), check out our events, or take a look at our student projects!
What kind of students are you looking for?
We are looking for dedicated students who have excelled in a variety of subjects, have a passion for cross-disciplinary education, and who show leadership and a breadth of activities.
What are the benefits of the program?
Students will choose from among the 40 majors offered in the College of Arts & Sciences but they will also receive access to a special computer science and technology curriculum while in Ithaca. One summer will be spent at the Cornell Tech campus in New York City, learning from leaders in the technology, industry and design spaces. A second summer is optional.
Will I take special classes only for Milstein students?
Yes, Milstein Program scholars participate in the "Milstein Workshop", the "design thinking" seminar their sophomore year, and can take advantage of the Milstein Studio course, all connecting them to emerging fields and new university projects.
Where will I live during the summer at Cornell Tech?
Milstein students will live together in The House at Cornell Tech, a dormitory on Roosevelt Island and the tallest and largest Passive House residential building in the world.
Can I do another job or internship while participating in the summer program?
The summer program is a residential program in NYC and is designed to be an immersive, full-time program. As such, you will not have time to take on an additional job or internship while the summer program is in session.
Do I have to participate in the summer program? Are there any alternatives to participation?
As a Milstein student you are required to participate in one summer program. There is the opportunity to attend a second residential summer which is optional.
