HASS Core Overview

School of Science undergraduates must successfully complete 24 credits of HASS courses. 

Humanities and Social Sciences course areas include the following:

Humanities: 

  • Arts (ARTS)
  • Communication (COMM)
  • Languages (LANG)
  • Literature (LITR)
  • Games and Simulation Arts & Sciences (GSAS)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies (IHSS)
  • Philosophy (PHIL)
  • Science, Technology, and Society (STSO)
  • Writing (WRIT)

Social Sciences: 

  • Cognitive Science (COGS)
  • Economics (ECON)
  • Games and Simulation Arts & Sciences (GSAS)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies (IHSS)
  • Psychology (PSYC)
  • Science, Technology, and Society (STSO)

 

 

 

HASS Core for Incoming Freshmen:  Fall 2023 Onwards:

The following guide may be of use to you as you plan out your HASS Core: The HASS Core Requirements for the School of Science - Fall 23 Onwards.

  • Integrative Pathway – 12 credit HASS integrative pathway
    • An Integrative Pathway (IP) is a themed set of courses that allows students to explore a designated topic area in greater breadth & depth. Students may choose from the list of over 20 topic areas to explore. . Many of the IPs can also lead to minors.
    • Courses counting toward the integrative pathway may not be designated as P/NC.
  • 1 4000-level course*
    • This must be a 4 credit course.
  • 1 communication intensive course in first 3 semesters*
    • P/NC designation may not be used.
  • 1 HASS inquiry (INQR) course in first 2 semesters*
  • 24 credits total
    • A maximum of 12 credits at the 1000-level can be counted toward the HASS core.
    • A maximum of 8 AP or transfer credits can be counted toward the HASS core.
    • A maximum of 8 credits can be designated as P/NC.

*these courses may be included in the Integrative Pathway

 

 

 

HASS Core Requirements: Fall 2019 - Fall 2022

The following guide may be of use to you as you plan out your HASS Core: The HASS Core Requirements for the School of Science.

  • Integrative Pathway – 12 credit HASS integrative pathway
    • An Integrative Pathway (IP) is a themed set of courses that allows students to explore a designated topic area in greater breadth & depth. Students may choose from the list of over 40 topic areas to explore. Please visit this site for approved pathways: https://hass.rpi.edu/advising/hass-integrative-pathways. This list also includes required courses for each pathway and other FAQs regarding the IP requirement. Many of the IPs can also lead to minors.
    • Courses counting toward the integrative pathway may not be designated as P/NC.
  • 1 4000-level course*
    • This must be a 4 credit course.
  • 1 communication intensive course in first 3 semesters*
    • P/NC designation may not be used.
  • 1 HASS inquiry (IHSS) course in first 2 semesters*
  • 24 credits total
    • A maximum of 12 credits at the 1000-level can be counted toward the HASS core.
    • A maximum of 8 AP or transfer credits can be counted toward the HASS core.
    • A maximum of 8 credits can be designated as P/NC.

*these courses may be included in the Integrative Pathway

 

 

HASS Core for Transfer Students:

  • 24 credits
    • A maximum of 12 credits at the 1000-level can be counted toward the HASS core.
    • A maximum of 8 credits can be designated as P/NC.
  • Integrative Pathway – 12 credit HASS integrative pathway
    • Please visit this site for approved pathways (https://info.rpi.edu/pathways)
    • Courses counting toward the integrative pathway may not be designated as P/NC.
  • 1 4000-level course
    • This may be a 3 credit course.
  • 1 communication intensive course
    • P/NC designation may not be used.
  • At least 1 Humanities/Arts course, at least 1 Social Science course
    • Humanities/Arts prefixes: ARTS, COMM, LANG, LITR, PHIL, STSH, WRIT, GSAS, IHSS
    • Social Science prefixes: COGS, ECON, PSYS, STSS, GSAS, IHSS

 

Students with dual majors in the School of Engineering and the School of Architecture have slightly different requirements. They should consult their advisor in that school.