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
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.
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.
Examine the social, political and ethical aspects of modern biology research and practice.
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 policies
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).
We openly share valuable knowledge.
Sign up for more insights, discoveries and solutions.