"I chose to study game design because I was so completely fascinated with the art of game design. So much goes into making any kind of game, from card games to triple-A studio developed ones. There's a reason we all are so invested in these stories and these games, and I want to make an unforgettable experience as well." - Jasmin Chen (Games, Simulation Arts and Sciences)
You are Welcome Here!
On this page, you’ll find information about our students, faculty, and programs within the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Over the coming year, we’ll continue to update this space to help you explore what makes RPI special and guide you through your journey, from learning about our community to preparing for orientation this summer. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
At Rensselaer, you will have access to the HASS Advising Hub. We are here to guide and support you through important academic decisions, and to ensure that you have the resources and information you need to be successful. Don't hesitate to reach out!
RPI on Season 11 of The College Tour, Amazon Prime!
Learn more about the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
At RPI, undergraduate students have exciting opportunities to dive into research and make an impact! Explore the links above to see what’s happening across our HASS departments and discover how faculty are shaping ideas beyond the classroom. Research opportunities span the entire campus, and collaboration across departments is encouraged. It’s a chance to build skills, connect with mentors, and gain experiences that will set you apart.
Research can also spark new academic passions. Many students find that their projects inspire curiosity across disciplines, making a dual major a natural next step. At RPI, you can graduate with a dual major in just four years — thanks to advising teams (the Hubs) who help design Plans of Study that blend two majors while meeting all graduation requirements.
Start exploring today and discover how research and academics at RPI can shape your future!
Recordings of Webinars and Info Sessions
Arts Department
Majors: Electronic Arts BS, and Music BS
- Learn About Music at Rensselaer | Dr. Kate Galloway, Dr. Ross Rice, Dr. Rob Hamilton, and Dr. Matthew Goodheart
- Learn More About Electronic Arts | Dr. Kate Galloway, Kenneth Ragsdale, Nathan Scott, and Phil Vanderhyden
- Arts and Design at Rensselaer | Dr. Ben Chang, Dr. Abby Kinchy, Dr. Tamar Gordon, Dr. Kate Galloway
- From Painting to Computer Graphics and VFX | Phil Vanderhyden
Cognitive Science Department
Majors: Cognitive Science BS, Philosophy BS, and Psychological Science BS
Communication, Media and Design Department
Major: Communication, Media, and Design BS
Economics Department
Majors: Biotechnology and Health Economics BS, and Economics BS
Games and Experiential Media Department
Majors: Games, Simulation Arts and Sciences BS
- Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Overview | Dr. Ben Chang
- Character Sculpting Demo | Rush Swope
- Game Throwback | Dr. Eric Ameres
- From Painting to Computer Graphics and VFX | Phil Vanderhyden
- Arts and Design at Rensselaer | Dr. Ben Chang, Dr. Abby Kinchy, Dr. Tamar Gordon, Dr. Kate Galloway
Science, Technology, and Society Department
Majors: Design, Innovation and Society BS, Science, Technology and Society BS, and Sustainability BS
Your RPI Story Begins! What to Do Now...
Choosing RPI is the first step toward an incredible academic and personal adventure. Now that you’ve made your decision, what’s next? At RPI, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore your passions, connect with a vibrant community, and prepare for a future of innovation and impact.
From discovering campus resources and planning your academic path, this section will guide you through everything you can do to make the most of your onboarding experience. There will be many updates as we get closer to the start of Orientation! We will reach out to ensure that you are always aware of what you need to know.
In the meantime, feel free to connect with your Hub Advisor with questions!
Transfer Credit Process
Transfer Credit Process BEFORE matriculating at RPI
All transfer credit requests must be completed by the end your first year at RPI.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INCOMING FRESHMEN TRANSFER CREDIT INFORMATION SHEET.
For a more fluid transition, we highly recommend completing these steps BEFORE arriving to RPI.
- AP, IB, and other Transfer Credits: Official Transfer Credit Policy
- We recommend requesting all College Board scores prior to June 20, 2025.
- Transfer Dual Enrollment Credits to Rensselaer for Incoming Students. In order to save this document, you must create a BOX account with your RCSID credentials. For assistance, visit the IT Services and Support Center.
- How to request AP Credits
For ANY registrar-related questions (transfer credit, dual enrollment) please submit a Registrar Help Desk Ticket.
Transfer Credit Process AFTER matriculating at RPI
- Transfer Course Guide: Find course equivalencies at other colleges
- Transfer Credit Approval form (example Form)
I finished my summer course. How do I send my credits to RPI?
- Once your grade is posted on your official transcript at the external institution, then request the official transcript to be sent directly to RPI.
- Note: You must earn a C- or higher in order for the approved course to transfer to RPI.
- For more information, click here.
Additional resources and support services
- IT Services and Support Center for NEW Students (How to access SIS, BOX, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc), DUO muti-factor authentication and access your RPI e-mail).
- Learn more about the Mobile Computing Program
- Bringing your own laptop
The following will be updated as we get closer to Orientation this summer!
Summer Orientation: Start Strong at RPI
The information below will be updated & refreshed as we get closer to the Summer!
First-Year Experience & Orientation
Advising and Registration
Registration will open during the summer months. CLICK HERE for step-by-step visual instructions (log in to Box with your RPI credentials to view).
You will be assigned a Time Ticket from the Registrar's Office prior to spring registration. This Time Ticket will include the day and time your registration window begins for the next semester. Please note: the time tickets may vary.
Go to SIS > Check Registration Status or Register Add/Drop.
You are only registering for the FALL term.
- Go to our Microsoft Bookings page
- Look for your Major acronym
- ARTS - Electronic Arts; Music
- COGS - Cognitive Science; Philosophy; Psychological Science
- C&M - Communication, Media, and Design
- ECON - Economics; Biotechnology and Health Economics
- GEM - Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
- STS - Design, Innovation, and Society; Science, Technology, and Society; Sustainability
- Select the in-person or remote meeting option
- Select from available dates and times (weekdays 9 am - 2 pm)
- Log into your Webex account.
- Sign up for remote drop-ins here
- Meetings will be prioritized in the order of the request received.
- Sign-ups are reviewed between 2 and 4 pm EST on weekdays.
- Your advisor will contact you via Webex when you are next in line. You have a 5-minute window to respond.
- Go to https://rensselaer.webex.com.
- Click the "Sign In" button.
- Enter your RPI email address in the space provided.
- Then, click "DOWNLOADS" on the bottom left
- Finally, under WEBEX APP > click DOWNLOAD. See image below:
Plan of Study Documents and Resources:
- Class of 2030 Major Checklists: Published May 2026
- Blank Plan of Study Templates (Excel Spreadsheet)
Scheduling Resources:
- Class Hour Schedule
- QuACS (Student Course Planner).
- Not RPI sponsored, used as an additional resource.
- Please refer to SIS for official class times/days and the RPI Catalog for course information.
Registration Resources:
- How to Register Video
- Student Information System (SIS)
- Holds on your account? Let's resolve!
Please visit Access and Neurodiverse Student Success