Objectives & Outcomes
Communication-Intensive (CI) courses are designed to help you develop essential skills in writing, speaking, and presenting ideas. These skills are integrated throughout your college experience and are critical for success in your courses, your career, and beyond. CI courses typically include assignments such as papers, projects, and presentations that help you practice and refine your communication skills. To build a strong foundation, it is highly recommended that you complete a HASS CI course within your first three semesters
Commonly Asked Questions!
Two. All students are required to take two Communication Intensive Courses at RPI:
- HASS Communication Intensive Course
Part of your HASS Core requirements.
Taken within the first three semesters.
- Major-Specific Communication Intensive Course
Not part of the HASS Core requirement.
Typically, your capstone or senior project.
Plan to take your HASS Core communication-intensive (CI) course during your first three semesters. These courses build essential skills that will carry into your intermediate and advanced coursework. By developing strong communication skills early, you set yourself up for greater success throughout your academic journey.
Your major-specific CI course is typically completed during your senior year. This experience builds on your earlier coursework, further refining your communication skills and preparing you for success in the workforce or graduate study.
You can identify Communication Intensive (CI) courses in several ways:
- Check the full list of courses below!
All Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) subject areas offer CI course options.
- Search in SIS:
Go to Class Search → Advanced Search → Attributes → Communication Intensive
- Visit the Registrar Website:
The Registrar’s website provides the current term's list of CI courses.
- First-Year Students:
Many INQR courses carry the CI designation, making them an excellent option for first-year students.
No. Your communication-intensive (CI) course must be taken at RPI.
Transfer students should work with their advisors or email hasshub@rpi.edu for additional support.
No. You cannot Pass/No Credit your communication-intensive (CI) Course.
If you are looking for support with your CI course, please connect with the Writing Lab in the Folsom Library soon! The Writing Lab at RPI supports a diverse community of undergraduate and graduate students in developing strong critical thinking and communication skills. Through a collaborative, writer-centered approach, support is provided to help students refine ideas and express them effectively. Rather than correcting texts, the Lab engages students in meaningful dialogue to build confidence, strengthen the writing process, and foster the development of capable, independent writers. Learn more and schedule an appointment!
The Writing Lab at RPI supports a diverse community of undergraduate and graduate students in developing strong critical thinking and communication skills. Through a collaborative, writer-centered approach, support is provided to help students refine ideas and express them effectively. Rather than correcting texts, the Lab engages students in meaningful dialogue to build confidence, strengthen the writing process, and foster the development of capable, independent writers. Learn more and schedule an appointment!
Communication Intensive Courses:
Registrar's List of CI Courses Being Offered >>>