Objectives & Outcomes
As part of the HASS Core, all undergraduate students explore an area of personal interest by completing an approved 12-credit sequence of courses called an Integrative Pathway. This opportunity allows students to build deeper knowledge in a Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences topic while connecting learning across disciplines.
- An Integrative Pathway provides consistency to what could otherwise be an unfocused array of courses in the HASS Core.
- An Integrative Pathway augments intellectual coherence to course selection in the form of disciplinary or interdisciplinary themes.
- An Integrative Pathway can enhance or enrich a major. For example, a Computer Science major following the Artificial Intelligence pathway or a Biomedical Engineering major following the Public Health pathway.
- Integrative Pathways guide students toward a specific selection of courses, aiding students in deciding between wide ranges of course options.
- Integrative Pathways can be selected to meet several HASS requirements concurrently. For example, a course that is required in the selected pathway may be both a HASS Inquiry course and Communication Intensive, thus satisfying multiple requirements simultaneously.
- If courses are chosen wisely, many Integrative Pathways can be transformed into minors with just one additional course.
- Integrative Pathways may lead students to discover an area of interest and courses for the Integrative Pathways can be a significant part of a major.
- The first course in your Pathway may be a HASS Inquiry course, but it does not have to be.
- You will declare your HASS Pathway in SIS, and the requirements will populate in DegreeWorks.
- No course within the Pathway sequence may be taken as Pass/No Credit.
- Some Pathways have the option of becoming a HASS Minor with one additional course.
- Students may switch pathways if it is feasible to complete the new pathway's requirements before graduation.
Integrative Pathway Options
The requirements for each Integrative Pathway can be found in the Catalog. Since Pathway options may vary by Catalog year, be sure to follow the requirements associated with your assigned Catalog.
If a particular Pathway is of interest, it is important to plan ahead. Declaring a Pathway does not guarantee that all required courses will be available when needed. Course offerings, seat availability, prerequisites, and enrollment restrictions can affect course selection and degree planning. Academic Advisors can help review options and ensure progress toward both Pathway and graduation requirements.
Discover Pathways through Department-Specific Videos!
Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences |
Commonly Asked Questions
As part of this graduation requirement, you must declare your Pathway in SIS.
By the end of the fifth semester.
- The target completion date will vary across programs.
- Students should work with their advisors to ensure timely completion of the pathway requirement.
No. Independent Studies and Undergraduate Research (URP) cannot be used to fulfill Pathways.
No. Students may not create their own Pathway.
- Students must fulfill their selected Pathway by following the requirements outlined in their Catalog Year.
- Students should not deviate from the listed courses.
- Some Topics Courses (non-Catalog courses) may apply to Pathways.
Students wishing to add breadth beyond an existing Pathway or Minor are advised to use additional HASS Core courses or Free Electives.
UPDATE: Students in the 2026-27 Catalog year, have a new Flex Pathway that offers additional options in completing the PW requirement. If interested, upperclass students may connect with their Advisor about switching to the 26-27 Catalog to pursue the Flex PW. (Note: Changing Catalog years changes all degree requirements and may affect the expected graduation timeline).
No. The first course in your Pathway may be a HASS Inquiry (HI) course, but it does not have to be.
- First-year students must take a HASS Inquiry (HI) course within their 1st two semesters as part of the HASS Core.
- These requirements can be satisfied within or outside of the Pathway.
- Most Pathways contain one or more HI courses.
- If a Pathway does not contain an HI course, students must take an HI course outside of their Pathway.
Transfer students should consult with their Academic Advisor for questions regarding the HI requirement.
No. Courses within your Pathway may be Communication Intensive (CI) or at the 4000-level, but they do not have to be.
- Students must follow the requirements outlined in the Catalog for each unique Pathway.
- Students must take a CI course and a 4000-level HASS course as part of the HASS Core.
- These requirements can be satisfied within or outside of the Pathway.
- Most Pathways contain one or more of these requirements.
Transfer students should consult with their Academic Advisor for questions regarding the CI requirement.
Yes. Most Integrative Pathways can be paired with a corresponding HASS minor by completing just one additional course. For more information, explore the Pathways listed in the Catalog, where you can find details about compatible minors and their requirements.
No. Pass/No Credit cannot be used on any Pathway courses.
Yes.
Please note...
- The new Pathway must be listed in your Catalog Year.
- Ensure new requirements can be completed before graduation by updating your Plan of Study.
- You may only switch your PW once a semester in SIS. Submit a ticket to the Registrar, if needed sooner.
Yes. Courses that transfer in as named courses that are part of a Pathway will be counted toward the Pathway requirement. Courses that transfer in as HASS General Electives may be eligible to count toward a Pathway depending on the curriculum requirements. The Associate Dean of HASS will review requests for approval.
- First-Year Students, a maximum of 8 credits from AP courses and transfer courses combined can be applied toward a Pathway/HASS Core.
- Transfer Students, please review your HASS Core requirements here.
Important Note:
- Pathway requirements are based on credits (12 total credits), not the number of courses.
- Transfer courses may be applied toward a Pathway when applicable.
- If a 3-credit transfer course is used toward a Pathway, the remaining 1 credit must still be completed to satisfy the 12-credit requirement. It cannot be an independent study.
- In some cases, completing the remaining credit may require enrolling in an additional 4-credit course at RPI.
Still have questions about the HASS Core?
HASS Pathways Resource developed by students!
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
Can’t Make Our Weekly Drop-Ins?
No problem! You’re welcome to email us at HASSHub@rpi.edu
- Please allow 2–3 business days for a response.
- Depending on your question, we may still recommend meeting with one of our advisors during a drop-in or scheduling an appointment for more personalized support.
