Transfer Requirements

The two most important components of your transfer application to Cornell Engineering are the content and rigor of your college-level classes and your performance in those classes. These are critical to ensure a smooth transition into our programs at the sophomore or junior level.

Transfer Credit Guidelines

  • To be eligible for Cornell credit, a course must meet degree requirements for the undergraduate engineering program and be substantially equivalent to a comparable Cornell course in content and rigor. This will be determined using criteria such as content hours, assessments and textbooks.

  • Credit is awarded on the basis of full-time semesters spent elsewhere, up to a maximum of 36 credits per academic year. No more than 72 total transfer credits (combination of those taken both before and after matriculation) may be used to meet graduation requirements.

  • A “C” or better is required for a course to transfer.

  • Academic departments will determine how transfer courses may be used toward the major.

  • Transfer credits from institutions on the quarter system or trimester system are not directly comparable to semester credits. In general, the number of trimester credits or quarter credits will be reduced when converted to semester credits, and credit will not be given for more than 10 courses per year.

Determining Your Course Equivalencies

We, unfortunately, are not able to pre-evaluate your coursework for transfer credit but encourage you to use the information on this page, as well as the transfer course description form for your major, the Cornell Course Catalog, and the help of your current college advisor as a guide when considering course selection at your current institution.

Determining Your Entering Standing

We admit transfer students at first- or second-semester sophomore and first-semester junior entering standing. Your application will tell us what we need to know about your coursework and preparation. If we make you an offer of admission, we will determine your entering standing based on this and the amount of time we estimate you will need to complete your degree at Cornell.

See also:

Are you ready to tell us about your coursework?

You can find the required form for your major on the Course Description form page. You will need access to the online course catalogue for your current (and any past) institution. We will also ask you where and when you took each course, how many credits you earned, whether each course had a lab component, the grade you received (or if the class is in progress or planned), and textbook information if you know it.

Transfer Course Requirements

You can explore the engineering majors and coursework in the expandable sections below. You will find the first and second year Cornell Engineering coursework required for each major, which corresponds to sophomore and junior standing respectively. Missing coursework is handled on a case-by-case basis.

For your reference, a PDF version of the guidelines and course requirements can also be downloaded here: Guidelines for Prospective Transfer Students (PDF).

Biological Engineering Coursework

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Note: Biology and Chemistry sequence can be taken in either order for this major.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

  • Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), 4 credits

  • Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1920), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB (CS 1112), 4 credits (preferred)
    or Introduction to Computing Using Python (CS 1110), 4 credits
    or Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB and Robotics (CS 1114), 4 credits

  • Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits
    or an introductory biology class with lab

  • Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 1112), 4 credits

  • Two (2) First-Year Writing Seminars, 3 credits each

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Statics & Mechanics of Solids (ENGRD 2020), 4 credits

  • Principles of Biological Engineering (ENGRD 2600) or Thermodynamics (ENGRD 2210), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214)*, 4 credits
    *Students may substitute General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits, or Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits for PHYS 2214 in this major.

  • Two (2) courses of College Biology for Majors (with Lab)**, 3-5 credits each
    **Students pursuing the College Biology prerequisite have a variety of choices and should select a course at their current campus that is similar to one of the following:

    • Introductory Biology: Ecology & the Environment (BIOEE 1610)

    • An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology & Diversity (BIOEE 1780)

    • Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology (BIOG 1440)

    • Introduction to Comparative Anatomy & Physiology, Individualized Instruction (BIOG 1445)

    • Introductory Biology: Cell & Developmental Biology (BIOMG 1350)

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Biomedical Engineering

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Biomedical Engineering does not currently accept external or internal transfer students.

Chemical Engineering Coursework

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Note: Students are encouraged to apply to enter as sophomores because some required sophomore courses are not available at most two-year colleges.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Mass & Energy Balances (ENGRD 2190)

  • Introductory Physical Chemistry Lab (CHEM 2900) 2 credits

  • Honors Physical Chemistry I & II (CHEM 3890 & CHEM 3900), 4 credits each

  • Fluid Mechanics (CHEME 3230), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213) 4 credits

  • Biology Elective (recommended), can be fulfilled by the following:

    • Advanced Placement—a score of 5 on the CEEB AP exam, a score of A or B on the GCE A-Level exam, or a score of 7 on the IB Higher Level exam.

    • Biomolecular Engineering: Fundamentals and Applications (CHEME 2880), 3 credits

    • Bioprocess Engineering (CHEME 5430), 3 credits

    • Eight (8) credits of a pre-med biology sequence:
      Investigative Biology Laboratory (BIOG 1500), 2 credits
      Introductory Biology: Cell & Developmental Biology (BIOMG 1350), 3 credits
      Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology (BIOG 1440), 3 credits
      Introduction to Comparative Anatomy & Physiology, Individualized Instruction (BIOG 1445), 4 credits

    • General Microbiology Lectures (BIOMI 2900), 3-4 credits

    • Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction (BIOMG 3300), 4 credits
      or Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins, Metabolism, and Molecular Biology (BIOMG 3350), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Civil Engineering Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Statics & Mechanics of Solids (ENGRD 2020), 4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214)*, 4 credits
    *Students may substitute General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits, or Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits, for PHYS 2214 in this major.

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Computer Science Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Discrete Structures (CS 2800), 3 credits

  • Data Structures & Functional Programming (CS 3110), 4 credits
    or Computer System Organization & Programming (CS 3410), 4 credits

  • General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

  • Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), 4 credits

  • Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1920), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Computing Using Python (CS 1110), 4 credits
    or Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB (CS 1112), 4 credits
    or Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB and Robotics (CS 1114), 4 credits
    or Intro to Computational Science & Engineering Using MATLAB Graphical User Interfaces (CS 1115), 4 credits

  • Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090), 4 credits

  • General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits
    or Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits
    or Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits

  • Any ENGRI (Intro to Engineering Course), 3 credits

  • Two (2) First-Year Writing Seminars, 3 credits each

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits

  • Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 1112), 4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Introductory College Biology course similar to one of the following, 3-5 credits:

    • Foundations of Biology (BIOG 1140), 4 credits

    • Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology (BIOG 1440), 3 credits

    • Introductory Biology: Ecology & the Environment (BIOEE 1610), 3-4 credits

    • An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology & Diversity (BIOEE 1780), 4-5 credits

    • Introductory Biology: Cell & Developmental Biology (BIOMG 1350), 3 credits

    • Ecology and the Marine Environment (BIOSM 1610), 3 credits

  • The Earth System (EAS 2250), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Electrical and Computer Engineering Coursework

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Note: Successful transfer applicants to this major will generally have completed introductory coursework in digital logic design, fundamental properties of circuits, or signal processing before applying for admission.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

  • Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), 4 credits

  • Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1920), 4 credits

  • One of the following:

    • Intro to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers (ENGRD/ECE 2100), 4 credits

    • Digital Logic & Computer Organization (ENGRD 2300), 4 credits

    • Signals and Information (ECE 2200), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Computing Using Python (CS 1110)
    or Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB (CS 1112), 4 credits

  • Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090), 4 credits

  • Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 1112), 4 credits

  • Two (2) First-Year Writing Seminars, 3 credits each

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Two of the following:

    • Intro to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers (ENGRD/ECE 2100), 4 credits

    • Digital Logic & Computer Organization (ENGRD 2300), 4 credits

    • Signals and Information (ECE 2200), 4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Engineering Physics Coursework

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Note: Students are encouraged to apply to enter this major as juniors.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Electronic Circuits (AEP 3630), 4 credits (recommended)

  • Any ENGRD Course, 3-4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Environmental Engineering Coursework

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Note: Biology and Chemistry sequence can be taken in either order for this major.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

  • Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), 4 credits

  • Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1920), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Computing Using Python (CS 1110)
    or Introduction to Computing Using MATLAB (CS 1112), 4 credits

  • Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1570), 3 credits

  • Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 1112), 4 credits

  • Two (2) First-Year Writing Seminars, 3 credits each

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Statics & Mechanics of Solids (ENGRD 2020), 4 credits

  • One of the following:

    • Thermodynamics (ENGRD 2210), 3 credits

    • Engineering Processes for Environmental Sustainability (ENGRD 2510), 3 credits

    • Engineering Computation (ENGRD 3200), 4 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Introductory College Biology course similar to one of the following, 3-5 credits:

    • Introductory Biology: Ecology & the Environment (BIOEE 1610)

    • An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology & Diversity (BIOEE 1780)

    • Introductory Biology: Comparative Physiology (BIOG 1440)

    • Introduction to Comparative Anatomy & Physiology, Individualized Instruction (BIOG 1445)

    • Introductory Biology: Cell & Developmental Biology (BIOMG 1350)

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Information Science, Systems, and Technology Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits
    or one of the following: Prove It! (MATH 3040), 4 credits, or Discrete Structures (CS 2800), 3 credits

  • Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (ENGRD 2110), 3 credits

  • Basic Engineering Probability & Statistics (ENGRD 2700), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits
    or General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits (required if MATH 2930 not taken)

  • Data-Driven Web Applications (INFO 3300), 3 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Materials Science and Engineering Coursework

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Note: Students unable to complete MS&E courses at their current institution are encouraged to demonstrate interest in MS&E through other related coursework or independent exploration.

Courses for Sophomore Standing

  • Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1910), 4 credits

  • Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (MATH 1920), 4 credits

  • Introduction to Computing Using Python (CS 1110), 4 credits

  • Engineering General Chemistry (CHEM 2090), 4 credits

  • One Introductory MSE Course:

    • Nanotechnology for Global Health and a Sustainable World (MSE 1110), 3 credits

    • Materials: The Future of Energy (MSE 1140), 3 credits

    • Biomaterials for the Skeletal System (MSE 1190), 3 credits

  • Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (PHYS 1112), 4 credits

  • Two (2) First-Year Writing Seminars, 3 credits each

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Mechanical Properties of Materials: From Nanodevices to Superstructures (ENGRD 2610), 3 credits

  • Electronic Materials for the Information Age (ENGRD 2620), 3 credits

  • Atomic & Molecular Structure of Matter (MSE 2060), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Mechanical Engineering Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Statics & Mechanics of Solids (ENGRD 2020), 4 credits
  • Thermodynamics (ENGRD 2210), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Dynamics (MAE 2030), 3 credits

  • Mechanical Synthesis (MAE 2250)*, 4 credits
    *If current institution does not offer an equivalent to MAE 2250, students should take Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, and Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits, or Intro to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers (ENGRD/ECE 2100), 4 credits, instead

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each

Operations Research and Engineering Coursework

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Courses for Sophomore Standing

Additional Courses for Junior Standing

  • Linear Algebra for Engineers (MATH 2940), 4 credits

  • Differential Equations for Engineers (MATH 2930), 4 credits
    or one of the following: Prove It! (MATH 3040), 4 credits or Discrete Structures (CS 2800), 3 credits

  • Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (ENGRD 2110), 3 credits

  • Basic Engineering Probability & Statistics (ENGRD 2700), 3 credits

  • Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 2213), 4 credits

  • Physics III: Oscillations, Waves, & Quantum Physics (PHYS 2214), 4 credits
    or General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080), 4 credits (required if MATH 2930 not taken)

  • Two (2) Liberal Studies Courses, 3-4 credits each