"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
Previous Recordings:
- Expanding Opportunities: Dual Majors and Minors in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (Spring 2026)
- Virtual Welcome Event (Spring 2025)
- Lead, Design, Innovate: a HASS Student Panel
- Adding a Dual Major or Minor in the Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences
- Dual Majors, Minors, and Integrative Pathways in the School of HASS
- Student Panel: Dual Majoring or Minoring in the School of Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences
Arts Department
Majors: Electronic Arts BS, and Music BS
Previous Recordings:
Cognitive Science Department
Majors: Cognitive Science BS, Philosophy BS, and Psychological Science BS
Previous Recordings:
Communication, Media, and Design Department
Major: Communication, Media, and Design BS
Previous Recordings:
Economics Department
Majors: Biotechnology and Health Economics BS, Economics BS
Previous Recordings:
Economics Department
Majors: Biotechnology and Health Economics BS, and Economics BS
Games and Experiential Media Department
Major: Games, Simulation Arts and Sciences BS
Previous Recordings:
- (Dual) Majoring in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences @ RPI - Webinar Recording
- Game Design Webinar
Science, Technology, and Society Department
Majors: Design, Innovation and Society BS, Science, Technology and Society BS, and Sustainability BS
Previous Recordings:
Previous Recordings:
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
What is a dual? A dual program merges two degrees into one curriculum plan that meets the requirements for both majors. You can dual within or outside the same department or school; for example, COGS+CSCI, or GSAS+EART.
- COGS | Cognitive Science BS
- COMD | Communication, Media, and Design BS
- DSIS | Design, Innovation, and Society BS
- ECON | Economics BS
- EART | Electronic Arts BS
- GSAS | Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences BS
- MUSC | Music BS
- PHIL | Philosophy BS
- PSYS | Psychological Science BS
- STSO | Science, Technology, and Society BS
- SUST | Sustainability Studies BS
The following will be updated as we get closer to Orientation this summer!
- 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
Laptop Recommendations
- BTHE: No preference on laptop choice
- DSIS: "Performance"
- EARTS: Dependent on specialization
- ECON: No preference on laptop choice
- GSAS: "Performance"
- MUSC: Macs are used in Classrooms
- STSO: No preference on laptop choice
- SUST: No preference on laptop choice
Summer Orientation: Start Strong at RPI >>>
The SO webpage will be updated & refreshed as we get closer to the summer!
