HASS Core Requirements (for Science Students who started in Fall 2019 or later)

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:

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://info.rpi.edu/2020-2021-hass-pathways/2020-2021-pathways-topics/). 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.