Cornell Launches First Part-Time Online Bachelor's Degree

The new Bachelor of Professional Studies program aims to expand access to a Cornell education for working adults.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Cornell University is launching a part-time, fully online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree program in August 2027. The first BPS major will be in organizations, markets and society, integrating business, economics, policy and social sciences. The program is designed for working professionals and adults with some college experience but no undergraduate degree, providing a flexible, career-focused pathway to earn a Cornell degree.

Why it matters

By offering an online, part-time bachelor's degree program, Cornell is expanding access to its prestigious education beyond traditional student populations. The BPS program reflects a growing demand for flexible, career-focused learning opportunities that allow working adults to complete their undergraduate degrees.

The details

The BPS degree program will be offered through Cornell's School of Continuing Education (SCE). Most courses will be asynchronous, with optional live sessions. Students may begin in either the fall or spring semester and are expected to complete the degree within five years. Faculty from across Cornell's schools and colleges will teach in the program, collaborating with Cornell SCE and eCornell to develop high-quality, engaging online learning experiences. Students will have access to academic advising, career services, technical support, and networking opportunities.

  • Cornell will launch the part-time, fully online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree program in August 2027.
  • Applications for the inaugural BPS cohort will open in January 2027, with the first students beginning coursework in fall 2027.

The players

Michael I. Kotlikoff

President of Cornell University.

Mary Loeffelholz

Dean of the Cornell School of Continuing Education (SCE).

Maria Fitzpatrick

Professor and senior associate dean of academic affairs at Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, who co-developed one of the new degree's foundational courses.

Donna Haeger

BPS academic director and professor of practice in business analytics, who will teach Spreadsheet Modeling.

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What they’re saying

“Cornell was founded to be an institution for 'any person,' and accessibility is a central commitment that is key to our mission. The online Bachelor of Professional Studies program will expand access to a Cornell education in entirely new ways, bringing a Cornell undergraduate degree within reach for working adults in many different life circumstances.”

— Michael I. Kotlikoff, President of Cornell University (Mirage News)

“Adult learners bring deep professional experience, perspective and motivation to the classroom. This program is designed to honor that experience while providing the academic rigor, support and community that define a Cornell education.”

— Mary Loeffelholz, Dean of the Cornell School of Continuing Education (SCE) (Mirage News)

“In my teaching, I help students develop strong analytical and data-driven thinking skills they can apply to complex, real-world challenges across many professional settings. I'm excited about the Bachelor of Professional Studies because it will bring those skills to adult learners in a flexible format.”

— Maria Fitzpatrick, Professor and senior associate dean of academic affairs at Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy (Mirage News)

What’s next

Cornell plans to expand the BPS program over time by adding additional majors aligned with workforce needs and emerging fields. Future majors will draw on Cornell's academic strengths and aim to include disciplines that support career advancement, community impact and lifelong learning.

The takeaway

By offering a part-time, online bachelor's degree program, Cornell is making its prestigious education more accessible to working adults and nontraditional students, expanding the university's impact and fostering lifelong learning opportunities.