Prospective Internal Transfers
Currently enrolled Cornell University students who are interested in internally transferring to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) from another Cornell University college/school should thoroughly review the following information and thoughtfully consider your academic interests and strengths as you explore the college and our majors.
*Current Human Ecology students who are interested in changing to another CHE major need to complete the Change of Plan (Major) Form. Students can consult with CHE academic advisors to discuss their interests and this process and can contact the Human Ecology Registrar’s office with questions about the form.
A CHE Internal Transfer Information Session is the best place for admissions and coursework advising. Prospective Internal Transfers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to attend an information session well in advance of applying. These Zoom-based sessions will be held twice each academic semester.
The Fall 2025 information session schedule will be posted in early fall.
The College of Human Ecology's Internal transfer process
The College of Human Ecology's Internal transfer process
- Students must have major and College-based coursework completed or in progress at the time of application.
- Students must be in good academic standing in your home college with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must earn at least a 3.0 in the semester during which they apply.
- Students must be in good disciplinary and integrity standing with Cornell University and their home college, and not have any pending status inquiries at the time of application.
- Students must be on track for “on-time” graduation from Cornell after internal transfer. Students for whom an internal transfer will result in needing additional time to complete their degree beyond the senior year will be denied.
Students must have major and College-based coursework completed or in progress at the time of application. Completing this coursework allows internal transfers to test their new academic interest through coursework, as well as demonstrate coursework competencies required for the College of Human Ecology.
All Internal Transfer applicants must complete the Cornell University Internal Transfer application.
In addition, applicants to Design & Environmental Analysis, Fashion Design & Management, and Fiber Science, must also complete a design supplement through SlideRoom. Global and Public Health Science will submit a GPHS application administered through the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Contact Lilian Baptist for more information.
- Current first-year students: The first opportunity to apply is at the end of your second semester. Applications submitted after a single semester will be denied.
- Current sophomores can apply once they have completed the required preparatory coursework for CHE and their intended major.
- Current juniors are rarely considered for an Internal Transfer to CHE.
- Qualified premed/prehealth candidates should apply for the first semester of their sophomore year. High performing premed/prehealth current sophomores might be considered for an internal transfer as second semester sophomores/first semester juniors.
- An online application is required for all applicants. Within that application, applicants will submit a statement which should convey the following (600 words max):
- Your interest in a Human Ecology major, how it developed, and how you have tested it.
- Possible professional goals/interests you are considering, and how Human Ecology will help you attain those goals.
- Your extracurricular, work and volunteer/service experiences, research, and other involvement at Cornell and in the greater communities. This can be submitted as a résumé, but you are also welcome to more deeply describe involvements that are CHE-related.
- Any other pertinent factors regarding your candidacy.
- Required supplements in addition to the internal transfer application:
- Global and Public Health Science applicants are required to submit a GPHS application administered through the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Contact Lilian Baptist for more information.
- Design + Environmental Analysis, Fashion Design and Management, and Fiber Science applicants are required to submit a design supplement and must be submitted by the internal transfer application deadline.
The internal transfer process is selective and competitive. Admission to the Human Biology, Health, and Society (HBHS) major is extremely competitive, and only students who meet the coursework and GPA requirements should apply.
Internal transfer applicants should:
- have a minimum Cornell University cumulative GPA of 3.0, with "B" or better grades in courses for your target major;
- have taken/in progress major and College-based required coursework; and
- provide evidence of a strong, well-considered connection between your academic/career interests, extracurricular engagements, and your target major via the application essay.
Internal transfer application decisions are made after final grades for the semester during which an application was submitted have been received. Decisions are posted on the application portal. There is no appeal process.
Attended a session and have additional questions? Email us.