Economics and Business Majors and Minor
Explore how people, organizations, and economies make decisions—and discover where your interests can take you.
Our economics and business program offers multiple pathways for students who are curious about markets, organizations, finance, data, leadership, and the forces that shape our world.
Whether you're interested in understanding how economies function, analyzing data, leading organizations, assessing financial risk, or solving complex business challenges, you'll find a program that combines rigorous academic study with Cornell's distinctive liberal arts approach. Through One Course At A Time, you'll immerse yourself in questions that matter, engage directly with faculty and visiting professionals, and develop the critical thinking and communication skills that help graduates thrive in many different professions.
Economics and business majors and minor
You may envision yourself as a leader of a major corporation, or perhaps you see yourself as an entrepreneur. You may want to improve the way our local, state or national governments work, or maybe you dream of a career in international business. Whatever path you choose, Cornell will get you ready with two unique approaches to studying business and the economy.
Broad exploration
These programs are ideal for students who want a wide-ranging understanding of business, organizations, markets, and decision-making.
Students explore economics, finance, leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior while developing a strong foundation in analytical thinking.
Focused approach
For students with specific interests in quantitative analysis, finance, talent management, or risk assessment.
These majors allow students to dive deeply into specialized areas while maintaining the flexibility and breadth of a liberal arts education.
Economics and business minor
Economics and business complement nearly every academic field.
Students regularly pair departmental coursework with majors in politics, psychology, computer science, environmental studies, mathematics, sociology, and many other disciplines. The department also offers a minor in economics & business for students looking to add a business perspective to another area of study.
Pairing studies in economics and business with another major opens you up for future opportunities in entrepreneurship or management and leadership roles in your chosen field where an understanding of business processes gives you an advantage.
Graduate pathways and professional advancement
Direct access to master's degree programs
One of the department's most distinctive opportunities is its graduate-school pathway partnerships.
As today's marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, many students are looking for efficient ways to continue their education after earning a bachelor's degree. Cornell has established partnerships with highly respected graduate business programs that provide qualified students with streamlined pathways to advanced study.
Graduate partnership opportunities
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
College of William & Mary
1-year program in the Raymond A. Mason School of Business
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
Iowa State University
3-semester program in the Ivy College of Business
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
London Metropolitan University
1-year program in London, England
If you're interested in pursuing one of our graduate school pathways, start a discussion with your academic advisor about what you'll need to do to prepare.
Choose your road to success
There is no single path through business and economics.
Some students are fascinated by markets and public policy. Others want to understand financial systems, human behavior in organizations, or the power of data to influence decisions. Some arrive knowing exactly what they want to study. Others discover a passion they didn't know existed.
The flexibility of Cornell's curriculum allows you to explore different perspectives before finding the path that best matches your goals.
A liberal arts approach to business education
At Cornell, studying business means more than learning management techniques or financial formulas.
You'll learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, evaluate evidence, collaborate with diverse groups of people, and understand how economic decisions affect individuals, organizations, and societies. These skills remain valuable regardless of how industries evolve or where your career takes you.
