Welcoming all Transfer Students to RPI! We are happy to have you join our community.
HASS Core for Transfer Students
Many Humanities, Arts, and Social Science (HASS) courses transferred to RPI can be applied toward the HASS Core. Here you will learn more about those specific requirements. We encourage you to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your HASS Core as it applies to your major. It can vary depending on your School.
Step 1: Review the policies and guidelines outlined within the Catalog on the Core Curriculum.
Step 2: Confirm the total number of credits that you have transferred to RPI.
- Sophomore Status or Junior Status: The following requirements are for you!
- First-Year Status: As a transfer student below sophomore status, you will follow the same HASS Core requirements as students enrolled at RPI in their first year. You can learn more about those requirements on the HASS Core website & the Catalog.
If you are at sophomore or junior status...
Review each graduation requirement below for more information:
Be sure to include the following in your Curriculum Planning with your Advisor:
- A maximum of 12 credits at the 1000 level can be applied to the HASS Core.
- A maximum of 8 credits can be designated as Pass/No Credit within the HASS Core.
- As a Transfer student, there is no limit on the number of transfer credits that can be applied to the HASS Core.
Always review the Catalog for full requirements, policies, and restrictions.
The total Number of Courses/Credits required for the HASS Core is dependent on your school:
- Schools of Architecture and Engineering: 20 credits *
- Schools of HASS, Management, and Science: 24 credits
* Engineering majors must complete 20 credits of HASS courses in addition to the credits earned associated with the three-course sequence of professional development (PD) courses entitled PD1 (either ENGR 1010 or as part of ENGR 2050 ), PD2, and PD3 (ENGR 4010 ).
* 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 Soph/Junior status, there are two additional Pathway options:
Notes:
- To complete either Pathway, you must complete 12 credits.
- You cannot Pass/No Credit any course used toward your Pathway.
Find these and all other Integrative Pathway Options 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 H & SS: 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.
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:
- One HASS CI course
This usually fits right into your HASS Core requirements. - 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.
- In most cases, CI courses must be taken at RPI. Transfer CI credit is only considered in rare situations, typically for transfer students who have already completed a communication or writing course that meets RPI’s CI standards.
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).
- Oral presentations may count toward this total at a rate of 130 words per minute
- 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.)
Choosing Your First Communication Intensive (CI) Course at RPI
Most transfer students are encouraged to take a 4000‑level Communication Intensive (CI) course during their first semester at RPI. This is because, once your transferred HASS courses are applied, these CI courses are often the remaining graduation requirements you’ll still need to complete.
To get ready for your first registration period, start exploring course options in the Class Hour Schedule and the Catalog. This will help you understand what’s available and what courses might fit your interests and background.
How to Choose the Right 4000‑Level Course
Look for courses that build on the kinds of HASS classes you’ve already taken - whether that’s in the humanities, arts, or social sciences. If a course lists a prerequisite that you haven’t taken at RPI, don’t worry. If your previous coursework or experience covers that material, the instructor may be willing to grant a prerequisite override.
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! They can guide you through the process and, if needed, advocate on your behalf
Download the HASS Requirements Checklist for Additional Support!
Where can you find support for the HASS Core?
We always recommend starting with your assigned advisor or Advising Hub, as each school has different curriculum requirements. You want to ensure that the answers to your questions accurately encompass your Plan of Study and align with graduation requirements outside of the HASS Core.
Your Academic Advisor is in the position to provide guidance and advocate on your behalf based on your unique plan.
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!
You are welcome to email us! Please allow 2 to 3 business days for a response. We may recommend meeting with your Academic Advisor, or a HASS Advisor in a drop-in or meeting depending on the context of your question. HASSinfo@rpi.edu