Applying as a Transfer Student
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3.0 (B) overall; 3.5 for Biological Sciences
Major prerequisites: Completed or in progress with "B" or better
Letter grades required; Pass/Fail not accepted
Standardized test scores not required
TOEFL (score of 100 or better) or IELTS (score of 7) recommended (for international students)
Transfer Student Status
Students must complete (or be currently enrolled in) at least two full-time semesters at an accredited college or university after high school graduation to be eligible for transfer admission.
Academic standing will be determined based on completed and in-progress semesters:
Two semesters – Sophomore status
Four or more semesters – Junior status
Your CALS Major
Transfer students apply directly to a major in CALS. Students are responsible for completing the course requirements for the major, and will have the opportunity to demonstrate interest and academic readiness for the major in their application.
Please note: Admitted transfer students must remain in the major for the first semester in CALS and are not permitted to change majors until after this initial semester.
Course Requirements by Major
Please note: Global Public Health Sciences (GPHS) does not accept transfers students. Students interested in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) must apply for transfer admission through the Dyson School.
Get a broad interdisciplinary foundation in agriculture, as well as more intense study with flexibility and hands-on experience in one of several concentrations.
Prepare for study in veterinary medicine or careers in animal production, biotechnology and conservation in a nationally recognized program.
Examine the behavior of weather and climate and gain experience in the analysis, interpretation and forecasting of meteorological events.
Integrate engineering and biology to solve challenges facing our world, such as ensuring an adequate and safe food supply and protecting natural resources.
Study the fundamentals of biology while zeroing in on one of more than a dozen concentrations.
Apply statistics, mathematics, computing and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.
Study communication processes and put theory to use in understanding audiences, shaping messages and interacting with individuals and technologies.
Build the foundation for the future management of our planet by studying the Earth’s system, with a focus on understanding and managing the resources of the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
Study environmental sciences, with a special emphasis on insects—the most diverse group of organisms on Earth.
Gain a comprehensive and integrated view of the biological, physical-chemical, ecological and social dimensions of environmental and natural resource issues.
Prepare for a career in the technical management of natural resources, including work in water, soil and air quality, in a program that incorporates engineering and the study of the natural environment.
Explore food systems--from processing and packaging to distribution, evaluation and safety--and solve real-world problems by combining chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and engineering.
Examine the cultural, economic, historical, legal and political contexts in which information systems are employed and understand their impact on individuals and institutions.
Engage in active learning that connects students with field experiences committed to justice, to science, to people and making direct social impact all around the globe.
Design a diverse array of outdoor areas and work in urban development, land use planning, conservation, historic preservation and ecological designs.
Understand relationships among human health and well-being, food and lifestyle patterns, food quality and agricultural systems and social and institutional environments.
Study the biology, growth and development of plants as well as the use of plants for food, fiber, landscapes, environmental remediation and enhancing human health.
Grow your knowledge base in viticulture and enology and prepare to become a leader in the wine industry.
Transfer Credit
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Up to 60 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions toward your CALS degree. 15 of these credits may be AP/IB credit or eligible college credit earned in high school.
Transfer credits will be officially evaluated after students have matriculated. Students are notified via email when their evaluation is complete. Only completed courses are evaluated. Updated official transcripts must be sent after any courses in progress are completed and graded. Accepted transfer credit will be counted toward required prerequisite coursework, college distribution, or general credit.
Online coursework
Online coursework is acceptable when it meets all of the following criteria:
- Taken for a letter grade (not pass/fail)
- Earned for academic credit
- Completed through an accredited college or university
- Results in an official transcript from the issuing institution
Note: Cornell does not accept MOOCs or certificate courses for academic credit.
AP/IB Credits
In some cases, AP or IB credit may be used to fulfill required course requirements. Please visit Cornell Courses of Study for policies on Advanced Placement & Advanced Standing credit.
Note: Placing out of a course at your first institution may not fulfill a course requirement for your major – you must meet Cornell's minimum score to receive credit.
Quarter System Schools
CALS semester system awards quarter system credits by calculating .67 credits per credit of study at an institution on the quarter system.
4 credits - 2.68
5 credits - 3.35
College Credit Earned in High School
Cornell University does not accept Dual Enrollment, or college credit for courses taught in the high school setting to high school students. Visit our website for eligibility criteria.
Contact Us!
- Join the Cornell Undergraduate Admissions Mailing List
- Send inquiries to the CALS Admissions team
- Email us: cals_admissions [at] cornell.edu (cals_admissions[at]cornell[dot]edu)
- Phone: 607-255-2036
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