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See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

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Transfer Applicants

Transfer students are integral to the CALS student body; each year, we welcome them from across the country and around the world.

Transfer Applicant Eligibility 

Students who have earned 12 or more credits at another accredited institution since graduating high school are eligible to apply as transfer applicants. All applicants must apply for the Fall Semester. 

General requirements

Academic Record

  • Strong academic record at the college level. At least a 3.0 (B) cumulative GPA required (3.5 cumulative GPA required for Biological Sciences)
  • The required coursework for your intended CALS major should be completed or in progress at the time of application with a grade of “B” or better. 
  • All required courses must be completed for a grade and credit. Cornell does not accept Pass/Fail coursework. 

SAT & TOEFL

  • CALS transfer applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores.
  • TOEFL (score of 100 or better) or IELTS (score of 7) recommended. 

Special Information

  • Applied Economics and Management applicants must apply for transfer admissions through the Dyson School.
  • Global and Public Health Sciences does not accept transfer students.
  • Global Development does not accept Junior transfer students.
  • Landscape Architecture requires the submission of a portfolio. 

Major requirements

Each CALS major has required courses that transfer students need to complete or have in progress at the time of their application. Select your desired major to view the required coursework.

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Agricultural Sciences Major

Get a broad interdisciplinary foundation in agriculture, as well as more intense study with flexibility and hands-on experience in one of several concentrations.

Cows
Animal Science Major & Minor

Prepare for study in veterinary medicine or careers in animal production, biotechnology and conservation in a nationally recognized program.

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Atmospheric Science Major & Minor

Examine the behavior of weather and climate and gain experience in the analysis, interpretation and forecasting of meteorological events.

An electrical system
Biological Engineering Major & Minor

Integrate engineering and biology to solve challenges facing our world, such as ensuring an adequate and safe food supply and protecting natural resources.

a student looks into a microscope
Biological Sciences Major

Study the fundamentals of biology while zeroing in on one of more than a dozen concentrations.

Colorful helix model.
Biology & Society Major

Examine the social, political and ethical aspects of modern biology research and practice.

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Biometry & Statistics Major and Minor

Apply statistics, mathematics, computing and other methods to solve problems in diverse fields, from the life and social sciences to business and finance.

Students conduct a meeting
Communication Major & Minor

Study communication processes and put theory to use in understanding audiences, shaping messages and interacting with individuals and technologies.

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Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Major and Minor

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.

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Entomology Major & Minor

Study environmental sciences, with a special emphasis on insects—the most diverse group of organisms on Earth.

Student in yellow rain jacket walking along a shore at the Shoals Marine Laboratory.
Environment & Sustainability Major and Minor

Gain a comprehensive and integrated view of the biological, physical-chemical, ecological and social dimensions of environmental and natural resource issues.

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Environmental Engineering Major & Minor

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.

A food science student.
Food Science Major & Minor

Explore food systems--from processing and packaging to distribution, evaluation and safety--and solve real-world problems by combining chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and engineering.

Winfield Mac sitting at a desk with computers
Information Science Major & Minor

Examine the cultural, economic, historical, legal and political contexts in which information systems are employed and understand their impact on individuals and institutions.

A woman in a hat looks at a strawberry in her hand. She stands in a line of crops.
Global Development Major

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.

Landscape architecture graduate students and researchers collaborate on designs.
Landscape Architecture Major & Minor

Design a diverse array of outdoor areas and work in urban development, land use planning, conservation, historic preservation and ecological designs.

Students prepare a recipe in the Discovery Kitchen
Nutritional Sciences Major

Understand relationships among human health and well-being, food and lifestyle patterns, food quality and agricultural systems and social and institutional environments.

Two men working in a greenhouse
Plant Sciences Major & Minor

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.

A Viticulture and Enology student in a winemaking laboratory
Viticulture & Enology Major and Minor

Grow your knowledge base in viticulture and enology and prepare to become a leader in the wine industry.

Transfer credit policies

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Transfer Credit Evaluation

Up to 60 credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions toward your CALS degree. Admitted transfer students will receive an initial transfer credit evaluation of all completed coursework after an offer of admission is extended. 

Online coursework

Online coursework is generally accepted if it is taken for a letter grade and for academic credit through an accredited 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 use the CALS Transfer Credit Policy to see which scores will count for 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. A 5-credit quarter system course is equivalent to a 3-credit semester course.  

College credit earned in High School

Cornell University does not accept credit for courses sponsored by colleges or universities but taught in the high school setting to high school students (Dual Enrollment). 

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