Historically, CPEP students typically take three courses per semester for the associate of arts (AA) degree program with SUNY-Cayuga Community College. Once they have received their AA diploma, many alumni continue to take courses offered by Cornell and participate in our extracurricular activities, as well. Classes meet once a week for a little under three hours, giving students an intensive seminar experience with their peers and the instructor.
During 2025-26, CPEP students took courses in nineteenth-century poetry, astronomy of our solar system, creative writing, social psychology, world civilization, employment law, the literature of New York State, microeconomics, infectious diseases, introductory math, paralegal studies, civil procedure, medical ethics, and meditation.
Starting in 2027, Cornell’s new Bachelor of Professional Studies program will focus on business-related classes, such as economics, statistics, data analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship, and policy analysis. This program will only be offered at Cayuga Correctional Facility during its first year.
Since our inception, nearly 200 students have completed their AA degree. Many of them have gone on to pursue addition higher education after release from prison, or while awaiting parole.
Our graduates send a powerful message of transformation, achievement, and hope for the future.