Trivia Tuesday: Immersion Programs at Cornell’s Johnson School

Welcome to another addition of Trivia Tuesday, our weekly examination of the programs and policies that impact the student experience at the leading business schools. This week, we turn our attention to the Johnson School of Cornell University and their unusual first-year Immersion Program.

In the spring semester of their first year, students complement their final two core courses with Johnson’s signature Immersion Learning program. The Immersion programs consist of a coordinated set of electives focused on a particular career or industry; these courses invite students to engage with real world business problems across functions and disciplines, as they will later do in their careers. Many career switchers report that Immersions are an effective way to gain an in-depth understanding of their new target industry.

The Johnson School offers eight defined Immersion programs. In line with Johnson’s career orientation, these courses enable students to gain specialized industry exposure early in the MBA experience, making them well-prepared for their summer internships and full-time job searches. While the protocol for each Immersion differs, the cornerstone of the Immersion experience is a practicum in which students work on real projects with companies in the target industry. Despite Cornell’s relatively remote location, students report that executives from major cities and companies are routinely drawn to campus. Lectures and workshops with visiting experts, on-site visits and team presentations are regular components of each immersion.

Approximately 80% of the first-year class typically undertakes one of the eight defined Immersions. While students must bid for placement in their Immersion programs, they report that virtually everyone is enrolled in the Immersion program of their choice. For students whose career interests do not fit within the defined Immersions, Johnson offers a customized Immersion option. Through the customized Immersion, students can work with a faculty advisor to build their own specialized curriculum from the electives offered at Johnson or in the larger University.

For more on the Johnson School’s Immersion Programs or its other unique academic offerings, be sure to check out the school’s website or the Clear Admit School Guide to Johnson!

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