HASS Core Transfer Students

The total Number of Courses/Credits required for the HASS Core is dependent on your school:

• Lally School of Management | 24 Credits
• School of Architecture | 20 Credits *
• School of Engineering | 22 credits *
• School of HASS | 24 Credits
• School of Science | 24 Credits
   

* Engineering must complete 22 credits of HASS courses, including credits earned associated with STSO-4100; part of a sequence of professional development (PD) courses.
* Architecture majors must complete 20 credits of HASS courses. Four credits of the HASS core requirements are embedded within the Architectural Genealogy ARCH 4100 and ARCH 4120. 

As a transfer student with sophomore or junior status, you have access to two additional Integrative Pathway options:

1. Transfer Student Arts and Humanities Pathway
2. Transfer Student Social Science Pathway

Important Notes:

• Each Pathway requires 12 credits for completion.
• Courses used toward a Pathway cannot be taken Pass/No Credit.
• You must officially declare your Pathway in SIS.
• Independent Study courses may not be applied toward a Pathway.

These transfer-specific Pathways, along with all other Integrative Pathway options, can be found in the Catalog.

The Breadth Requirement is completed by completing 1 Humanities course and 1 Social Science Course. This may be completed through your transfer credits. 

Use the lists below to confirm:

• Humanities prefixes: ARTS, COMM, GSAS, IHSS, LANG, LITR, PHIL, STSO, WRIT
• Social Science prefixes: COGS, ECON, GSAS, IHSS, PSYC, STSO  

Some prefixes are considered both: GSAS, IHSS, STSO.

• It can be challenging to transfer a 4000-level course due to its advanced content.
• Community College courses cannot transfer above the 2000 level.
• This must be a 3- or 4-credit course (footnote 3).

Understanding Your Communication Intensive (CI) Requirements

Communication Intensive (CI) courses are designed to help you grow your skills in all forms of communication—writing, speaking, presenting, and more. These courses give you structured support and practice so you can feel confident communicating in academic, professional, and real‑world settings.

To graduate, you’ll complete two CI courses:

1. One HASS CI course
   This usually fits right into your HASS Core requirements.
2. One CI course in your major
   Often this is a senior project, capstone, or upper‑level course.

A Few Important Notes

• If you’re not majoring in HASS, your Major‑Specific CI course will not count toward your HASS Core.
• CI courses cannot be taken Pass/No Credit—you must take them for a letter grade.
• Transfer students have an exclusive opportunity to transfer a CI Course to RPI following the instructions below...

If You Want a CI Course Evaluated for Transfer Credit

A course may be reviewed if it meets all of the following criteria:

• It includes at least two communication-intensive assignments.
• Across all CI assignments, students complete the equivalent of at least 4000 words, in any medium.
  • Oral presentations may count toward this total at a rate of 130 words per minute
    (Example: a 5‑minute presentation = 650 words).
  • Note-taking, journals, and similar “Writing to Learn” activities can count for up to 20% of the total (max 800 words).
• At least one assignment is iterative, meaning you receive instructor feedback on a draft before the final submission.
• Group projects may count, but each student must also be assessed individually on their communication skills.
• CI assignments must make up at least 25% of the final course grade.

If you'd like a course reviewed, please complete the transfer credit request form.

You’ll Need These Documents for the Form

• A course syllabus, including assignment details and rubrics
• Any additional documentation (assignment lists, descriptions, etc.)

If you’d like help:

• drafting an override request,
• identifying which courses align with your background, or
• reaching out to an instructor,

Your Academic Advisor is here to support you throughout this process. They can help you explore your options, answer questions specific to your academic plan, and advocate on your behalf when appropriate. Because each school has unique degree requirements, policies, and priorities, it is important to ensure that any guidance you receive accurately reflects your individual Plan of Study and any graduation requirements beyond the HASS Core. 

Your Academic Advisor is best positioned to provide personalized guidance and support based on your academic goals and degree requirements.

For Transfer Student Orientation (TSO), there will be an in-person event with Hub Advisors, Scheduling Staff, and the Registrar’s Office. Be certain you are keeping an eye on your RPI email, and adding all important dates to your calendar.

Continue to find support with the Office of Student Transitions!

Drop-ins outside of these hours are accommodated when possible, but not guaranteed.

• 5-to-10-minute questions
• Perfect for questions about minors, Pathways, and/or support with forms
• Sign up for remote drop-ins (will be reviewed between 2 and 4 pm)
• Or, visit us in person! Office Hours and Location

You are welcome to email us! Please allow 2 to 3 business days for a response. We may recommend meeting with your assigned Academic Advisor or a HASS Advisor in a drop-in or meeting, depending on the context of your question. HASSHub@rpi.edu