ABOUT ECORNELL

Is eCornell connected to Cornell University?

eCornell is Cornell University’s online learning and executive education unit. Programs are offered in collaboration with each of Cornell’s schools and colleges. Cornell faculty design and develop all programs, and certificates are issued electronically by the appropriate school or unit at Cornell.

What makes eCornell a pioneer in online executive education?

eCornell established itself as a pioneer in online professional education by launching our first certificate program in 2001, well before most institutions recognized the potential of digital learning. Over the past 25 years, this early vision has enabled us to support more than 500,000 learners in 180+ countries and develop partnerships with more than 500 organizations worldwide.

Today, eCornell offers one of the most extensive catalogs of premium professional certificate programs available online, with over 250 programs drawn from Cornell’s world-renowned schools and colleges—including the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell Law School, Cornell Engineering, Cornell Bowers Computing and Information Science, Cornell Tech, ILR School, and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This comprehensive portfolio combines unmatched breadth with distinctive quality, spanning every major professional discipline while maintaining the rigorous academic standards and impactful learning outcomes that define Cornell’s educational excellence.

Our reputation as the premier online professional education provider stems from this pioneering experience, which has allowed us to perfect our research-backed instructional methodologies and create the intimate, expert-facilitated learning model that sets the premium standard in online education. This combination of extensive offerings and exceptional quality demonstrates consistent success in delivering measurable career advancement for ambitious professionals across diverse industries and global markets, all backed by the prestigious credentials and academic authority of Cornell University.

What makes eCornell certificate programs different from other online learning options?

eCornell certificate programs are uniquely designed to deliver results-oriented Ivy League-quality education through an intimate, interactive learning model that contrasts sharply with typical online course aggregators and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) providers. Here’s what sets us apart:

Key Differentiator	eCornell	Typical Online Courses	Your Advantage
Learning Environment	Maximum 35 students per program with expert facilitation	Unlimited enrollment with minimal individual interaction	Meaningful peer networking with global professionals and personalized expert guidance
Instruction Model	Industry expert facilitators guide discussions and provide personalized project feedback	Purely self-directed with automated responses or minimal instructor interaction	Real-time expert guidance, personalized feedback on your work, and structured peer collaboration
Project Application	Apply new skills immediately through guided workplace projects with expert feedback	Generic assignments with limited practical application	Solve actual challenges in your organization while learning, creating immediate career impact
Academic Quality	Curriculum developed by world-renowned Cornell faculty who are pioneering research in their fields	Generic assignments with limited practical application	Access to cutting-edge research, prestigious university credentials, and faculty expertise
Learning Format	Pre-recorded videos, interactive activities, on-the-job projects, interactive live sessions with Cornell facilitators, and live symposiums with Cornell facilitators and faculty	Pre-recorded videos with limited live interaction	Direct engagement with leading experts and dynamic learning experiences

This comparison demonstrates why eCornell represents a premium investment in your professional development, delivering proven outcomes and transformational experiences.

What is the cost for an eCornell certificate and is it worth the investment?

Certificate programs typically cost around $3600, though there is a range of prices for specific programs—an investment that consistently delivers exceptional returns for ambitious professionals.

Why the investment is worth it: This premium pricing reflects what makes eCornell fundamentally different from typical online education. Your investment provides access to small cohorts of 35 global professionals, expert facilitators offering personalized guidance, real workplace projects with expert feedback, live Cornell faculty symposiums, and prestigious Ivy League credentials that employers recognize and value.

Graduates consistently report measurable returns that far exceed the program cost: promotions to senior leadership roles, significant salary increases, successful career transitions, and access to Cornell’s influential global network. Unlike lower-cost alternatives that offer minimal support and limited recognition, eCornell transforms your investment into long-term career advancement and enhanced professional credibility.

What are my payment options?

eCornell students can choose from two convenient ways to pay for their certificate programs:

OPTION 1: Prepay in full using a credit card or PayPal. This is the lowest cost option available and allows you to schedule all your courses during enrollment.

OPTION 2: eCornell’s Pay As You Go program. Pay in monthly installments and enroll in one course every 1-2 months. eCornell requires no credit checks.

Pay As You Go

With Pay As You Go, eCornell offers flexible pay as you go plans* that allow payment to be made over a period of months rather than paying in full at the time of registration. Payments are made via credit card only.

For complete details contact an eCornell Enrollment Counselor toll-free at (866) 326-7635 or (607) 330-3200, or email us or chat with us now.

Pay As You Go plans are not available for the following programs: Master Beekeeping

Can I receive financial aid or tuition discounts?

eCornell programs are not eligible for financial aid or federal Pell Grants.

eCornell offers a 40% discount** to U.S. military and veterans, a 25% discount** to Cornell University alumni and eCornell students.

For complete details contact an eCornell Enrollment Counselor toll-free at (866) 326-7635 or (607) 330-3200, or email us or chat with us now.

**Tuition discounts are not available for any individual course purchases or pay as you go plans. Tuition discounts for Master Beekeeping Certificate and Veterinary Medicine Certificates may vary.

What is a professional certificate program from Cornell University?

A professional certificate program from Cornell University is an intensive, cohort-based learning experience designed to develop specialized expertise for working professionals. These programs combine Cornell’s academic rigor with practical business application through small groups of 35 global professionals who learn together while working on individual workplace projects under expert guidance.

Program Structure:

• 2-6 month intensive learning journey with 3-7 hours weekly engagement
• Expert-facilitated discussions and personalized project feedback on your individual work
• Live sessions with your course facilitator and peers
• Individual workplace projects that create immediate value in your specific organization
• Peer collaboration and knowledge sharing with senior professionals from leading companies worldwide

Learning Experience:

Each program centers on practical skill development through real-world application of your individual workplace challenges, ensuring you can immediately implement new competencies in your current role. The eCornell learning environment fosters meaningful professional relationships and peer insights while Cornell’s faculty-designed curriculum provides cutting-edge methodologies you apply to your specific situation.

Upon completion, you earn a prestigious Cornell University credential that demonstrates your advanced expertise and commitment to professional excellence. Learn more in this short video.

How long does it take to complete an eCornell certificate program?

Most eCornell certificate programs take 2-6 months to complete. Each program consists of multiple short courses, each lasting 2 to 3 weeks. Courses are designed to accommodate busy working professionals, with a time commitment of 3-7 hours per week, depending on the program.

The flexible schedule allows you to balance learning with your current responsibilities while still receiving the personalized attention and expert guidance that distinguishes Cornell programs.

Do I need to be online at specific times?

eCornell programs are designed for maximum flexibility while maintaining meaningful interaction:

Self-Paced Components: Most coursework can be completed on your schedule, including readings, assignments, videos, and project work.

Interactive Elements: Some programs include optional live sessions, symposiums, or group discussions that enhance the learning experience

Expert Facilitation: Your assigned facilitator provides ongoing guidance and feedback on your schedule.

This hybrid approach gives you flexibility while ensuring you receive the personalized attention and peer collaboration that distinguishes Cornell programs from purely self-paced alternatives.

Will I interact with Cornell instructors?

Yes, eCornell Certificate programs provide multiple opportunities to learn from Cornell faculty and engage with expert facilitators throughout your program.

Curriculum Development: All programs are designed by Cornell faculty who are leading experts in their fields and actively conducting research.

Live Sessions: Certificate programs feature live sessions to provide meaningful engagement with peers and your expert facilitator who guides discussions and answers questions in real-time.

Live Symposiums: Many programs include exclusive symposium sessions where you can interact directly with Cornell faculty through Q&A sessions and in-depth discussions on current industry topics.

Project Feedback and Grading: Courses are designed around practical, on-the-job projects that reinforce your learning. Expert facilitators review your project work to provide constructive feedback, personalized guidance, and grading.

Expert Facilitators: Your program facilitator leads your cohort of 35 professionals and serves as your primary point of contact, providing personalized feedback on projects, leading live session discussions, and offering career guidance based on their industry expertise.

Ongoing Support: Facilitators are available throughout your program to answer questions, provide clarification on concepts, and help you apply new skills to your specific workplace challenges.

Are the programs available internationally?

Yes. eCornell certificate programs are available internationally, with students from 180+ countries around the world participating in our programs. To support English as a second language learners, our course videos are translated and dubbed into 19 languages, making Cornell’s world-class content more accessible to international professionals.

Please note that while video content is available in multiple languages, all courses are primarily taught in English, and unless otherwise noted, all assignments, discussions, projects, and live sessions must be completed and submitted in English. This ensures consistent program quality and enables meaningful peer collaboration across our global cohorts.

Is there an application process or prerequisites?

Most eCornell professional certificate programs have no prerequisites or formal application process required for enrollment. However, we pride ourselves on helping guide professionals to programs that align with their background, experience level, and career goals to ensure the best learning outcomes and return on investment.

Our enrollment counselors work with you to assess your objectives and recommend certificate programs that will most effectively advance your career aspirations and professional development needs.

What solutions and discounts do you offer for organizations?

eCornell partners with hundreds of organizations to support their human capital development priorities through customized learning solutions and flexible pricing structures. Whether you need specialized learning portals, blended programs with in-person executive education, or enterprise-wide certificate deployments, we design solutions that achieve your specific workforce development outcomes.

Organizational Solutions:

• A dedicated Learning Consultant assigned to support you and your account
• Custom learning portals and dedicated organizational platforms
• Blended learning combining online certificates with in-person executive education
• Cohort-based programs for leadership development and skills advancement
• Specialized curriculum alignment with your industry and organizational goals

Flexible Pricing and Discounts:

Our discount structures are tailored based on program selection, number of participants, audience size, and learner populations (executives, managers, or frontline employees). We also provide dedicated pricing for government and military organizations, including eligibility for various public-sector funding options.

Social Impact Programs:

We collaborate with organizations that share our mission to improve lives through education, extending high-quality learning opportunities to underserved or underrepresented audiences who might not otherwise have access to Cornell’s world-class education.
To determine the most appropriate solution and pricing structure for your organization, contact our team for a personalized needs assessment and consultation.

What support does eCornell offer for military personnel and veterans?

eCornell is proud to support military personnel, veterans, and their families through comprehensive organizational partnerships, specialized career transition programs, and dedicated individual benefits designed to advance professional development at both the institutional and personal levels.

Organizational Partnerships:

We partner with military organizations, government agencies, and veteran service organizations to provide comprehensive workforce development solutions that support both individual advancement and organizational mission success.

• Group enrollment programs specifically designed for federal government agencies and departments
• Customized cohort-based learning solutions for military branches and defense organizations

Career Transition Support:

Our certificate programs are particularly valuable for military professionals transitioning to civilian careers, offering credentials in high-demand fields like leadership, technology, project management, business and finance, and healthcare administration. These programs provide both the practical skills and prestigious Cornell credentials that enhance competitiveness in the civilian job market.

Military and Veteran Benefits:

• Dedicated pricing and discount structures for active duty military, veterans, and military families
• Specialized support for military-to-civilian career transitions through targeted certificate programs
• Eligibility for various military education funding options and public-sector benefits where applicable
• Flexible program scheduling to accommodate military deployment and service commitments

Getting Started:

Military personnel and veterans interested in our programs should contact our enrollment team to discuss specific needs, available funding options, and the most appropriate certificate programs for their career objectives and transition goals.

Is earning a certificate the same as earning a degree?

No. A Cornell certificate is a professional credential designed for career advancement that does not carry academic credit or confer a degree. These certificates focus on practical, immediately applicable skills and industry expertise rather than academic coursework.

Key Differences:

• Certificate Programs: Professional development credentials with no prerequisites, 2-6 month duration, and immediate workplace application
• Degree Programs: Academic credentials requiring formal admissions, undergraduate prerequisites, entrance exams, and multi-year commitment

Important Note: Professional certificates should not be represented to employers as academic degrees. They are valuable professional credentials that demonstrate specialized expertise and commitment to continued learning.

Pathways to Degrees: Some certificate programs can serve as a pathway to Cornell’s degree programs. Students who successfully complete designated Cornell certificate programs are eligible to offset credit requirements for certain professional Master’s degrees at Cornell and showcase their Certificate completion when applying to a professional masters program.

These programs have been designated by the degree program as eligible to offset specific credit requirements under the prior learning assessment framework. For complete details contact an eCornell Enrollment Counselor toll-free at (866) 326-7635 or (607) 330-3200, or email us or chat with us now.

What kind of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a professional certificate from Cornell University that includes:

Digital Credential: Secure, shareable digital certificate with verification capabilities for LinkedIn and professional profiles.
Cornell University Branding: Official Cornell University certificate with the prestigious Ivy League recognition that employers value.

Detailed Curriculum Record: Documentation of specific competencies and skills mastered during your program.

These certificates carry significant professional weight and are recognized by employers as indicators of advanced expertise and commitment to professional development.

What technical requirements do I need?

eCornell programs are delivered through a user-friendly online platform that works on most computers and mobile devices. You’ll need:

• Reliable internet connection
• Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Basic computer skills for online navigation
• Mobile access supported by the Canvas App

Specific programs may have additional requirements, which will be clearly communicated before enrollment.

How do I know which certificate program is right for me?

Choosing the right eCornell certificate depends on your career goals, current experience level, and the specific skills you need to advance in your field. Our enrollment counselors are experts at matching professionals with the most suitable programs from our 250+ certificate options across industries like marketing, leadership, technology, healthcare, and more. Contact an enrollment counselor for a personalized consultation where we’ll assess your objectives, discuss your target roles, and recommend the certificate programs most likely to accelerate your career advancement.

What instructional design elements does eCornell use to drive real career results and impact?

eCornell’s certificate programs are built on proven instructional design principles that create measurable professional outcomes and immediate workplace impact:

Cohort-Based Learning Model: Small groups of 35 professionals create accountability, peer learning, and professional networking that extends beyond program completion.

Applied Learning Through Real Projects: Every program centers on actual workplace challenges in your organization, creating immediate value and demonstrating new capabilities to your employer.

Expert Facilitator Guidance: Industry professionals provide personalized feedback on your specific work situations and connect learning to your career goals.

Competency-Based Assessment: Graded projects demonstrate mastery of specific skills through practical application rather than theoretical memorization.

Live Interactive Sessions: Real-time discussions deepen understanding and address your specific implementation questions.

Workplace Integration Design: Learning activities are immediately applicable in your current role with concurrent work application built into the program structure.

These elements work together to deliver measurable career advancement, immediate workplace value, and long-term professional development.

Why is eCornell considered the most premium online learning option for professionals?

eCornell represents the pinnacle of premium online professional education, delivering an unparalleled learning experience that combines Ivy League prestige with exclusive access, personalized attention, and transformational career outcomes available nowhere else in online education.

Exclusive Ivy League Access: The only online education platform offering access to Cornell University’s world-class faculty and curriculum from one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Ultra-Premium Learning Environment: Intimate cohorts limited to just 35 professionals worldwide create an exclusive, high-caliber peer network with personalized expert facilitation.

White-Glove Educational Experience: Dedicated expert facilitators provide personalized feedback, career guidance, and ongoing mentorship with comprehensive support ensuring optimal learning outcomes.

Transformational Career Investment: Programs specifically designed for executives targeting C-suite advancement with immediate workplace application that creates visible impact.

Prestigious Professional Credential: Cornell University certificate carries unmatched recognition and respect, enhancing personal brand and providing lifetime access to Cornell’s influential global network.

Investment-Grade Returns: Demonstrable career advancement through promotions, salary increases, and leadership opportunities with long-term career value through prestigious credentials and elite network access.

eCornell’s premium positioning reflects its unique combination of Ivy League prestige, exclusive access, personalized attention, and transformational outcomes—creating the most valuable online learning investment for ambitious professionals seeking to reach the highest levels of their careers.

How does eCornell leverage AI?

eCornell’s Approach to AI in Education

At eCornell, we believe AI should enhance, not replace, the human elements that make our programs distinctive. Our thoughtful integration of AI technology supports personalized learning while maintaining the expert facilitation and peer collaboration that define the Cornell experience.

AI-Enhanced Learning Features:

Intelligent Learner Engagement: AI supports learner engagement through personalized reinforcement activities that check for understanding and reinforce key concepts.

Interactive Skill Simulations: AI-powered simulations provide safe opportunities to practice complex interpersonal skills such as negotiation, providing feedback, and building professional relationships—allowing you to refine these critical competencies in risk-free environments before applying them in real workplace situations.

Global Accessibility: AI enables localization into 19 languages, including sophisticated video dubbing technology that makes Cornell’s world-class content accessible to international professionals while maintaining the quality and nuance of faculty instruction.

Administrative Efficiency: AI streamlines routine tasks, allowing facilitators to focus more time on meaningful instruction, personalized feedback, and career guidance.

Human-Centered Design Principles:

• Expert Facilitation Remains Central: AI supports but never replaces our industry expert facilitators who provide personalized guidance and mentorship
• Authentic Peer Collaboration: Technology enhances rather than substitutes the meaningful connections formed in our small cohorts of 35 professionals
• Real Project Focus: AI tools support but don’t replace hands-on workplace projects and expert feedback that drive immediate career impact

Ethical AI Guidelines:

eCornell adheres to several key principles in our application of AI.

Transparency: You will always know when and how AI is being used in your learning experience. We believe in clear communication about AI’s role in your education.

Privacy & Security: Your personal information and learning data are protected through rigorous security standards and responsible AI practices.

Educational Integrity: AI enhances learning outcomes while maintaining the academic rigor and standards expected from Cornell University programs.

Continuous Improvement: We regularly evaluate AI implementations to ensure they genuinely improve learning experiences and career outcomes.

Our AI integration reflects eCornell’s commitment to innovation while preserving the premium, human-centered educational experience that distinguishes Cornell certificates from typical online learning platforms.