Academic Requirements + Policies

Important Notice

This page applies only to students who matriculated in the College of Human Ecology in Fall 2024, or earlier.

• Students admitted in Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 should follow the policies and degree requirements published in the 2025-2026 Cornell Catalog.
• Students admitted in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or later should follow the current Human Ecology Policies and Procedures published in the 2026-2027 Cornell Catalog.

Students must follow the requirements associated with their matriculation term unless otherwise approved by the college.

Viewing Your Academic Progress 

Students should use the appropriate degree audit tool based on their matriculation term and academic program:

• Students who matriculated in the College of Human Ecology prior to Fall 2025 should use the Student Center Advising Report to review degree progress and graduation requirements.
• Students who matriculated in Fall 2025 or later should use Stellic to review degree progress and graduation requirements.
• Exception: Students in the Fashion Design and Fashion Design Management subplans should continue to use the Student Center Advising Report, regardless of matriculation term.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Human Ecology, students must:

• Earn a minimum of 120 academic credits.
• Earn at least 60 credits at Cornell University.
• Complete all major and College of Human Ecology degree requirements applicable to their matriculation term.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.

The following do not count toward the 120 credits required for graduation:

• Physical Education (PE) courses
• Courses numbered 10XX

Special Studies

Students may apply a maximum of 12 credits of Special Studies coursework toward the 120-credit graduation requirement (additional credits can be taken but will not be applied). Special Studies courses are identified by a course component of IND (Independent Study) or RSC (Research) and include the following course types:

• 4000 Independent Study 
• 4010 Research 
• 4020 Supervised Fieldwork 
• 4030 Teaching Apprenticeship 

Students may not:

• Receive 4030 credit for the same course more than once.
• Take and TA the same course simultaneously

Enrollment requires approval through Experience Cornell.

Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students are expected to maintain both Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress throughout their enrollment.

To remain in good standing, students must:

• Maintain a semester GPA of at least 2.0.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Successfully complete at least 12 academic credits each fall and spring semester.
• Successfully complete two First-Year Writing Seminars (FWS) during the first two semesters in Cornell Human Ecology. Approved test credit may be used to satisfy one First-Year Writing Seminar requirement.
• Students entering Cornell Human Ecology in Fall 2022 and later must enroll in at least one 3-credit Human Ecology course (DEA, FSAD, HD, HE, NS, or PUBPOL) during each of their first four semesters at Cornell, excluding winter and summer sessions. First-Year Writing Seminars do not satisfy this requirement.

For purposes of this policy:

• Physical Education courses do not count toward the 12-credit requirement.
• Academic support courses (10XX) do not count toward the requirement.
• Courses resulting in failing or incomplete grades that reduce completed credits below 12 may result in a policy violation.
• First-Year Writing Seminars (FWS) will not be approved for In Absentia study.

Students who fail to meet these standards may be referred to the Committee on Academic Status (CAS).

Grade Option Policies (S/U)

The S/U grading option may not be used to fulfill the following requirements unless S/U is the only grading option available for the course:

• College distribution requirements
• Major requirements

Students may apply S/U courses toward:

• Electives
• 9 or 11 credits of Human Ecology coursework outside of one's major

A maximum of 12 S/U credits may be applied toward graduation requirements unless a required course is graded only S/U.

Transfer Credit Leaves and Absence and Withdrawls

Please refer to Cornell’s Credit Evaluation Services website for transfer credit policies, eligibility requirements, procedures, and detailed information regarding the evaluation and transfer of coursework completed at other institutions. 

Test Credit, Pre-College, and Transfer Coursework

The AP, IB, and pre-college credit guidelines outlined below apply only to students who entered Cornell Human Ecology between Fall 2019 and Fall 2025. Students entering Cornell in Fall 2026 or later should refer to the Cornell Courses of Study and University Catalog for current AP, IB, and external credit policies applicable to their matriculation term. 
 
Students entering Cornell as first-year students may apply a maximum of 15 credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), pre-college study, and external coursework. Additional restrictions may apply based on a student's major, concentration, or curriculum requirements. AP credit is processed automatically upon receipt of official scores from the testing agency. Students should review their Transfer Credit Report in Student Center to verify posted credit. 

Important Notes 

• Credit policies vary by matriculation term and academic program. 
• If you enroll in and complete the Cornell equivalent of a course for which AP credit has been awarded, the AP credit may be forfeited. 
• Students should consult their academic advisor and the Human Ecology Registrar's Office regarding the application of AP credit to degree requirements.

 

Other AP Examinations

Credit awarded for other AP examinations follows university-wide credit policies published in the Cornell Courses of Study. Students must still complete the remaining introductory biology requirement at Cornell. AP Biology may not be used to fulfill the Natural Science I requirement.

Leaves and Absence and Withdrawls

For information regarding leaves of absence, health leaves of absence, withdrawals, returning from leave, and related policies and procedures, please refer to the Changes in Status section of the Cornell University Catalog. 

The information provided on this website is intended as a guide for students entering college between 2019 and 2025. Students are responsible for following the requirements and policies applicable to their matriculation terms. Policies and procedures not specifically outlined on this website are governed by the provisions published in the Cornell University Catalog.

Questions regarding degree requirements, academic policies, or the application of these policies should be directed to hereg [at] cornell.edu.