10 Best Classes at Cornell

If you are wondering what the best classes at Cornell are, you are in the right place. These courses stand out for being fun, popular, and surprisingly practical, no matter what major you are considering.

This blog walks you through ten of the most exciting classes Cornell has to offer, from psychology and musical theater to oceanography and wine tasting. Whether you want to explore a new subject or just find an excellent elective, this list gives you a real feel for what learning at Cornell is like.

• What Are the Best Classes at Cornell?
• HADM 4300 – Introduction to Wines
• PSYCH 1101 – Introduction to Psychology
• BIOEE 1540 – Introduction to Oceanography
• GOVT 1817 – Making Sense of World Politics
• SPAN 2070 – Intermediate Spanish for the Medical and Health Professions
• ECON 1110 – Introductory Microeconomics
• NS 1150 – Nutrition, Health, and Society
• MUSIC 2250 – The American Musical
• COMM 1101 – Introduction to Communication
• CHEM 2070 – General Chemistry I
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Classes at Cornell?

Cornell University is currently ranked #11 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report, thanks to its academic excellence, diverse learning opportunities, and commitment to real-world impact. That commitment shines through in standout courses that combine rigorous academics with practical relevance.

For a full view of the university’s academic offerings, the official Cornell course catalog is a great place to start. In the meantime, here are the best classes at Cornell:

• HADM 4300 – Introduction to Wines
• PSYCH 1101 – Introduction to Psychology
• BIOEE 1540 – Introduction to Oceanography
• GOVT 1817 – Making Sense of World Politics
• SPAN 2070 – Intermediate Spanish for the Medical and Health Professions
• ECON 1110 – Introductory Microeconomics
• NS 1150 – Nutrition, Health, and Society
• MUSIC 2250 – The American Musical
• COMM 1101 – Introduction to Communication
• CHEM 2070 – General Chemistry I

Keep reading to dive into the details of what each course offers and why students consistently rate them among the best at Cornell.

HADM 4300 – Introduction to Wines

Introduction to Wines is widely regarded as one of the best classes at Cornell. You’ll explore the science, culture, and business of wine from soil and grape to bottle and glass. Anyone interested in geography, agriculture, hospitality, or flavor will find value here.

Lectures and guided tastings work together to deepen your understanding of topics such as:

• How to decode a wine label
• The role of fermentation, aging, and climate in flavor
• Basic etiquette for tasting and serving
• Food pairing principles based on acidity and tannins
• Tips for buying and evaluating wine in stores

A $45 tasting kit is required. Classes are held once a week, typically during the fall semester, and often fill quickly with juniors and seniors. Students come away with both practical knowledge and refined taste, an advantage in hospitality, business, or personal life.

PSYCH 1101 – Introduction to Psychology

Offered by the Department of Arts & Sciences, Introduction to Psychology ranks among the most popular at Cornell for students curious about human behavior. You’ll explore how people think, feel, and act through the lens of psychological science, touching on topics like memory, learning, decision-making, and mental health.

Expect to study how humans process information, form relationships, and interpret the world around them. Real-life examples and research-based insights help you apply psychological concepts to everyday situations.

This class builds your ability to think critically, evaluate research, and better understand the complexity of individual and social behavior.

BIOEE 1540 – Introduction to Oceanography

If you’ve ever wondered how the ocean controls the climate or why coral reefs are disappearing, Introduction to Oceanography gives you honest answers without overwhelming math. You’ll explore the ocean’s systems through biology, chemistry, geology, and physics, making complex topics feel approachable and connected to real life.

This is one of the best classes at Cornell for knocking out a science requirement in a way that feels useful. You’ll look at things like how ocean currents shape weather, what lives in the deep sea, and how humans are affecting ocean health through pollution and overfishing.

Professor Bruce Monger keeps the energy high, sometimes even blasting ocean-themed music before class starts. Lectures meet three times a week, combining major scientific questions with practical insights into climate change and sustainability.

You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of how the ocean works and why it matters, ready to talk about environmental issues with absolute confidence.

GOVT 1817 – Making Sense of World Politics

Making Sense of World Politics is one of the best classes at Cornell if you want to explore how international systems work. The class covers topics like:

• How wars start and what helps keep peace
• The role and limits of groups like the UN and NATO
• How countries react to rising nuclear states or shifting power
• The strategies behind national decisions
• Real-life examples like climate talks and the war in Ukraine

You’ll build your knowledge step-by-step, starting with basic ideas and moving toward deeper analysis. Professor Peter Katzenstein leads the lectures, and weekly discussion sections give you the chance to apply concepts to current events. 

You’ll come away from this course with a more straightforward, sharper way of looking at the world.

SPAN 2070 – Intermediate Spanish for the Medical and Health Professions

Intermediate Spanish for the Medical and Health Professions is one of the best classes at Cornell if you’re heading into healthcare and want to connect with Spanish-speaking patients. You’ll practice intake interviews, explain symptoms, and handle emergencies in Spanish, even if you’re not already fluent.

This course is perfect for students who’ve taken SPAN 1230 or placed into it through the language exam. You’ll work through grammar refreshers, role-plays, and real clinical scenarios that help you build confidence fast.

You’ll also learn how culture shapes medical care, read and write health-related texts in Spanish, and get plenty of chances to speak through peer conversations and simulations. Professor Teutli keeps things clear and engaging in class, which meets three times a week on campus.

ECON 1110 – Introductory Microeconomics

Introductory Microeconomics is one of the must-take Cornell classes if you want to understand how the economy works in real life. You’ll get to explore what sets prices, how companies decide what to sell, and how government policies impact what ends up on shelves.

You don’t need any econ background. The lectures, group exercises, and case studies walk you through the basics and help you build a strong foundation.

Here’s what you’ll cover:

• How supply and demand shape what things cost
• What makes markets competitive or controlled
• Why do people make confident choices with limited resources
• How laws, taxes, and regulations change behavior
• How money and resources are split across society

You can take this course with professors like Sanders or Thomas, and there’s even a version if you’re part of Cornell in Washington. If you’re thinking about studying business, public policy, or social science, this class is a smart place to start.

NS 1150 – Nutrition, Health, and Society

Nutrition, Health, and Society breaks down how food impacts your body, your decisions, and the world around you. You’ll learn how nutrients work, why eating habits vary across cultures, and how public health guidelines get made.

You’ll also look at how genetics, income, and the environment shape what people eat and why nutrition advice keeps shifting. The class helps you spot solid science versus hype so you can make better choices and understand bigger health systems.

NS 1150 meets three times a week and is usually taught by Professors Medina-Rivera and Wang. First-year students in Nutritional Sciences or Human Biology get first dibs, but anyone can join if there’s space.

If you want a deeper look at food, health, and society, even if you have no background in nutrition, this course is a solid place to start.

MUSIC 2250 – The American Musical

The American Musical is one of the best classes at Cornell, where you get to explore how musicals like Oklahoma!, Hair, and Rent shaped American culture. You’ll learn how shows reflect history, politics, and identity, even if you’ve never performed before.

You’ll dive into how Broadway evolved from vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley, how musicals tackle race, war, and gender, and why works like Hamilton and West Side Story made such an impact.

Class meets twice a week with film clips, script reading, and lively discussion. It’s cross-listed with American Studies, English, and Performing & Media Arts, giving you a mix of perspectives. By the end, you’ll understand what makes a musical stick and how it keeps changing with the times.

COMM 1101 – Introduction to Communication

Introduction to Communication is one of the best classes at Cornell for students curious about how ideas shape people and culture. You’ll explore how messages are created and interpreted, how people influence each other, and how research backs it all up.

The class covers models of communication, core theories, and ways to think critically about what you hear and say. You’ll also pick up skills in academic research, APA writing, and self-reflection.

You’ll meet twice a week, plus a Friday discussion where you’ll dive into real-world examples. Whether you’re into media, law, or public policy, this course builds the kind of communication skills you’ll use anywhere.

CHEM 2070 – General Chemistry I

If you’re on the path to engineering, biology, or pre-med, General Chemistry I is one of the top courses at Cornell to build your STEM foundation. You’ll get into atomic structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry while learning how to break down complex problems with logic and accuracy.

The class ties chemistry concepts to real-world topics like energy systems and materials. You’ll go to lectures, attend smaller discussions, and gear up for the required CHEM 2071 lab where you’ll learn hands-on safety and reaction techniques.

Most science majors take this during their first year, and it sets them up with the lab confidence and problem-solving skills they’ll need moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cornell a fun school?

Definitely! While the classes challenge you, there’s always something fun going on: student-run events, outdoor adventures, live shows, and a club for just about everything. You’ll stay busy, but you’ll also find your crew and make memories outside the classroom.

2. What are some unique classes you can take at Cornell?

Cornell has classes you probably wouldn’t expect. You can learn about the science of wine, explore marine biology through field trips, or even study the psychology behind decision-making. Some of these courses are part of student-favorite classes at Cornell because they’re super engaging and different from your typical lecture.

3. What are the most popular classes at Cornell?

One of the most popular classes at Cornell include Intro to Psychology, where over 800 students pack Bailey Hall to learn how the mind works. Students also love Intro to Oceanography with Bruce Monger for its mix of science, music, and real-world relevance. Unique picks like Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds, and Introduction to Wines offer fun, memorable learning experiences outside the typical classroom vibe.

Takeaways

• The best classes at Cornell cover topics like wine tasting, psychology, and ocean science, and they’re designed for beginners with no prior background.
• If you are interested in real-world skills, courses like SPAN 2070 and NS 1150 show you how language or nutrition connects to patient care, public health, and daily life.
• Your major does not limit you since most of these classes are open to all students.
• Want to attend the best classes at Cornell? A college admissions expert can help you highlight your strengths, refine your application strategy, and craft a compelling story to maximize your chances of getting in.