Carefully consider your interests and academic strengths as you begin to explore the College of Human Ecology and our majors as a prospective internal transfer. Also, review the following as you prepare for the internal transfer process.

(Current Human Ecology students who are interested in changing their major to another Human Ecology major need to complete the Change of Plan (Major) Form. Students can consult with academic advisors to discuss their interests and this process and can contact the Human Ecology Registrar’s office with questions about the form.)

Attending a College of Human Ecology Internal Transfer Information Session is the best place for admissions and coursework advising. Prospective Internal Transfers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to attend a College of Human Ecology Internal Transfer Information Session. Plan to attend well in advance of applying. Information sessions are scheduled for:

Fall 2020 Information Sessions:

Sep 9, 2020 04:30 PM EST. via Zoom. This information session will be roughly a half an hour, with time afterwards for Q&A. 

Should additional information sessions become available they will be posted here. 

Internal transfer eligibility for the College of Human Ecology

  • Currently enrolled/matriculated Cornell University freshmen and sophomores who are interested in transferring to the College of Human Ecology can apply for an internal transfer. Juniors are rarely considered for internal transfer.
  • Students must be in good academic, character, and disciplinary standing with Cornell University and their home college, and not have any pending status inquiries at the time of application.
  • Qualified premed/prehealth candidates should apply by the end of their freshmen year. High performing premed/prehealth sophomores might be considered. The Chemistry 2070-2080 sequence must be completed or in progress at the time of application.
  • The Global and Public Health Sciences major is not accepting internal transfers.

Internal transfer selection criteria for the College of Human Ecology

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:

  1. a minimum Cornell University cumulative GPA of 3.0;
  2. taken/in progress at least one Human Ecology course in your intended major plus appropriate liberal arts foundation courses (Freshman Writing Seminars, math, and core lab science; carefully review our coursework requirements for more information); and
  3. provided evidence of a strong, well-considered connection between your interests and your target major in the application.

Coursework planning for an internal transfer

Those interested in applying for an internal transfer need to enroll in classes that are consistent with their College of Human Ecology interests (see coursework requirements). Course schedules also must be appropriate for their current college, major, and any pre-professional preparation. Coursework recommendations will be addressed during the information sessions.

Internal transfer application process

  • An online application is required for all applicants to the College of Human Ecology.
  • A design supplement is required for those applying to the Design and Environmental Analysis major or the Fashion Design & Management (Fashion Design and Fashion Design Management options) program. Follow the instructions for your target program as linked.
  • In addition to attending a College of Human Ecology Internal Transfer Information Session, you can make an appointment with the Office of Internal Transfer and Concurrent Degrees in 222 Computing & Communications Center (CCC) for more information about the application process.
  • Application deadlines (online application and design supplements as indicated above): the last day of classes of the semester prior to your target enrollment semester.

Admissions decisions

Internal transfer application decisions are made after final grades for the current semester have been received. Decision letters will be mailed to the address noted on your application. There is no appeal process.

Conditional transfer requirements

See below for the requirements of the Conditional Transfer semester. Your potential admission to the college for the following semester is contingent upon successful completion of the listed requirements:

  1. Your Conditional Transfer semester course schedule must be approved by a College of Human Ecology Admissions Counselor by the end of the first week of classes. Any changes to your academic schedule throughout the semester must also be pre-approved.
    • All courses should be consistent with the requirements in your proposed major.
    • At least half of your academic credits must be College of Human Ecology courses and must be taken for a letter grade.
  2. Complete 12 -- 15 academic credits and earn a minimum semester grade point average of 3.0 with B+ or better grades in courses related to your College of Human Ecology major.
  3. Remain in good academic and character standing.

Contact us

Attended a session and have additional questions? Email us.