Degree Requirements
Degree requirements consist of all areas of your degree that are required to graduate.
Your degree breaks down into these 4 areas:
- Major Requirements
- Science Core
- HASS Core
- Free Electives
Want to know how your transfer credits will impact your degree requirements? Find more information within the Commonly Asked Questions section, and ask your Advisor. We will help you make decisions before you register for your Fall Schedule.
1. Major Requirements
Major Requirements are a sequence of courses established by your department. These generally consist of a core set of courses between 36 to 56 credits. These requirements include several named (mandatory) courses, and a selection of other major elective options offered within the department. The Rensselaer Catalog lays out the required courses for your major and suggests the sequence of your courses.
On June 27th we will email a list of recommended courses based on your major's requirements.
2. Science Core
- 24 credits total; no more than 8 transfer credits
- Maximum 8 credits Pass/No Credit
- Math, Hard Science, or Computer Science
- Check the Rensselaer Catalog for any mandatory courses
3. HASS Core for HASS Majors
- 24 credits; maximum of 8 transfer credits
- One Communication Intensive course | This must be taken within the first 3 semesters
- One HASS Inquiry course- | This must be taken in the first 2 semesters
- Approved 12-credit Integrative Pathway
- One 4000-level course
Students may also find the HASS Core Checklist to be useful when determining how their courses/credits will count towards their HASS Core requirements.
4. Free Electives
These courses can be used to explore new ideas and content. Feel free to use them to earn a minor in a field of interest or to complete a dual major. Free Electives can be anything you want!
5. The Arch
Participation in The Arch is mandatory for all undergraduate RPI students and consists of 2 parts:
- Summer Here – Summer on campus immediately after your Second Year at RPI
- Away Semester – Fall or Spring semester away from campus during Junior year
There are two graduation requirements connect to The Arch:
- Away Semester Registration | Junor year you will register your away experience in SIS
- Arch Exploration and Planning Course | Sophomore Year you will take this course
Specific questions can be answered by The Arch website or by the HASS Hub.