Cornell University: Johnson Cornell Tech MBA

The Johnson Cornell Tech MBA program is based at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City. This one-year program is designed to transform tech-focused individuals into business leaders and entrepreneurs. MBA students work on interdisciplinary teams with other graduate students in engineering, law, operations research, and computer science to produce visionary ideas and solutions grounded in significant societal challenges. Students are surrounded by a rapidly expanding tech environment and have frequent interactions with industry leaders, startup founders, and venture capitalists.

• Summer: 10 weeks of required core courses focused on business fundamentals—work on integrated teams with students in Johnson’s One-Year, Ithaca-based MBA program on Cornell University’s upstate New York campus

• Fall semester: Move to New York City and take program-based courses like entrepreneurial finance, design thinking, digital marketing, and more, and work on interdisciplinary, team-based Studio courses with hands-on tech projects

• Spring semester: The opportunity to participate in an international trek is followed by program courses like sales and business development, managerial decision making, and negotiations; continue working in teams for Studio courses and projects—create a startup idea or learn how to build, scale, and innovate in a complex environment

Who should apply?

Successful applicants to the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA program have digital expertise and/or knowledge of the tech industry that is grounded in years of full-time experience. While desirable, a background in science, engineering, technology, or coding languages is not required for admission. Prospective students who could be a good fit have a passion for technology, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a collaborative attitude.

Johnson Cornell Tech MBA application deadlines:

• Round 1: Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:59pm EST

• Round 2: Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 11:59pm EST

• Round 3: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11:59pm EST

After completing their 10-week summer core at Cornell University in Ithaca, students in the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA program take residence on Roosevelt Island in NYC. Cornell Tech officially opened in September 2017 and is home to seven master’s programs, including the MBA. Students work in interdisciplinary teams and learn from faculty and industry leaders who are well-versed in business and tech. Students generally live in The House, a residential building on Roosevelt Island, and often interact with high-level tech executives during intimate Conversations in Studio. Surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities and immersed in technology, students work with a small cohort to bring ideas to life.

Students in the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA program benefit from constant interaction with tech companies and startups. They participate in on-campus “blitz interviews” and work with Cornell Tech’s Career Management Center to navigate opportunities and offers within the tech space. Students expand their networks within the tech ecosystem by listening to prospective employers, experienced entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists who come to Cornell Tech for “tech talks” instead of traditional recruiting presentations.