College of Human Ecology

Overview

The College of Human Ecology offers multidisciplinary programs that focus on how humans interact with their various environments, from biological and social to economic and physical. With a mission to advance and improve the human experience, Human Ecology integrates academics, research and outreach in the areas of nutrition and health, design and technology, human development, and public policy. All programs combine theory with application to foster creative problem solving skills and develop leaders who can anticipate, analyze, and address contemporary societal issues. Graduates become employed or pursue advanced study in a wide variety of fields including health, business, policy, law, interior and fashion design, public service, and research. The College provides a distinct research and learning environment; one that fosters collaboration across Cornell's academic units, contributes to its disciplinary strengths and addresses the critical human challenges of the 21st century.

Human Ecology majors include: Design and Environmental Analysis, Human Biology Health and Society, Human Development, Nutritional Sciences, and Fiber Science & Apparel Design.

Website: www.human.cornell.edu

General Information

Administration

  • Rachel Dunifon, Dean
  • Nancy Wells, Associate Dean for Research and Outreach
  • Marianella Casasola, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs
  • Andrea Poag, Assistant Dean for Student Experience 
  • Tracey Thompson, College Registrar
  • Bernadette Parr, Director of Admission

College Focus

The College of Human Ecology anticipates and responds to human needs in the areas of nutrition and health, economic and social well-being, environmental design and technology, and human development through education, basic and applied research, and the extension of knowledge. The college is distinctively characterized by the quality of its research in the natural and social sciences and the design arts, a global perspective in academic programs, a preventive approach to contemporary societal problems, multi-disciplinary departments and programs, development of leadership in students and citizens, and a commitment to diverse populations. Faculty and students examine individuals in relation to their family, neighborhood, workplace, and community, seeking a balance between theory and practice that will improve the quality of everyday life.

Facilities

The college is housed in Human Ecology Building (HEB), Martha Van Rensselaer (MVR), Savage, and Kinzelberg Halls; as well as the Biotechnology Building and Weill Hall. The buildings include administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, auditoriums, galleries, and lecture halls; wet chemistry and biochemistry laboratories; design studios and computer-aided design laboratories; woodworking shops; human factors and infant research facilities; and classrooms for distance learning. Also included are learning resource centers for career planning, a historical costume collection, a human metabolic research unit, an animal research facility, cold rooms, and a constant temperature and humidity laboratory.

Specialized equipment for teaching and research includes biochemical and chemical instruments for spectroscopy, chromatography, radioisotope analysis, electrophoresis, microscopy, and ultracentrifugation; physical testing equipment; and cameras, videotape, and sound recording equipment.

The college requires students to fulfill requirements for a major to graduate. Students must declare a major by the end of the sophomore year. It is common for students to change interests during their undergraduate careers. Counselors in the Office of Student and Career Development (1210 MVR Hall), academic advisors, and directors of undergraduate study in each of the academic departments can help students to consider their options and engage in academic planning. All changes of major require submission of the change of major form and are processed through the college registrar's office, 1204 MVR Hall. Change of major will trigger re-evaluation of all academic credit and assignment of a new faculty advisor.

Departments

Special Academic Opportunities 

Study Abroad

Each year over 75 Human Ecology students spend a semester or more off campus in places spanning the globe, from Australia to Zaire. There they supplement their Cornell studies with a wide range of cross-cultural and academic experiences. Study-abroad opportunities are available through Cornell–sponsored programs and other U.S. college–sponsored programs as well as by direct enrollment at foreign universities.

Exchange Programs

Exchange programs offer a unique opportunity for Human Ecology Students to take classes in some of the best Universities abroad in order to gain a global outlook from their fields.  They have been hand picked by Human Ecology Faculty to offer the best curriculum matches with Human Ecology Departments. We have faculty and student connections at these institutions that provide another layer of support.  Students take classes in their majors alongside degree-seeking students from the host Universities.  In exchange students from the partner Universities study in Human Ecology and enrich the experience of Cornell students in Ithaca.  Nearly all partner institutions in non-English speaking countries offer a wide range of classes taught in English.  Students are billed their regular Human Ecology tuition with no additional fees.  For more information, see the Experience Cornell website.

Residency Requirements

All study-abroad students must meet college study-abroad requirements and remain registered at Cornell during the overseas study. Credits earned count toward the 60 Cornell credits required for graduation (in unusual circumstances some credits earned abroad may be considered as transfer credit).

Requirements for College Approval

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher, good academic standing, and well-articulated goals for students’ study abroad semester.
  • Completion of the Cornell application; applications from individual programs also must be submitted to Cornell.
  • Completion of the equivalent of 15 semester credits per semester while abroad.
  • Courses taken for a letter grade (unless course is offered with only an S–U option).
  • Submission of a petition by second-semester seniors going abroad.

Application Process

Typically, students considering study abroad begin their planning at least a year before the semester abroad. Students should carefully consider what they hope to get out of a study-abroad experience (academically and culturally) when investigating program options. Resources can be found in the Office of Global Learning (300 Caldwell Hall), through the Human Ecology study-abroad advisor (1220 MVR), or in the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center (1203 MVR).  Program information along with application deadlines are listed on the Experience Cornell website.  Some programs will fill quickly, use of early deadlines is strongly recommended.

Credits Abroad and Transfer of Credit

Most study abroad courses are transferred to the Cornell degree program as electives or liberal arts distribution credit. Study abroad credit awarded toward one’s major is much less common and must be approved via signature of the student’s department advising coordinator on the Cornell application. Credit for study abroad will be awarded only after successful completion of the semester abroad (marks equivalent to a Cornell grade of C or higher) and receipt of the official transcript by the college. Official transcripts should be sent to the Cornell Abroad office, which will process and forward them to the Human Ecology registrar.

Courses must be pre-approved before the student’s departure. Any variances must be cleared with Human Ecology. Students must include a foreign language course in the country’s native language if studying in a country where English is not the native language. All courses taken abroad and grades received will appear on the Cornell transcript. Grades earned do not, however, become part of the Cornell GPA. Students should save all written work from all classes until courses are officially transferred.

Independent Research

Research opportunities for undergraduates are extensive and valued as an important part of the learning experience. The opportunity to engage in substantive research with some of the leading scientists in their fields is so compelling that approximately half of the college’s undergraduates conduct research projects. Students may become involved in research with the guidance of faculty members by conducting research assigned in a class, joining a faculty member’s research group, completing an independent study research project, or carrying out an honors program project.

For further information, students should contact individual faculty members or the director of undergraduate studies in their department.

Honors Programs

Students interested in college honors programs that lead to the degree “bachelor of science with honors” usually apply to the appropriate honors committee no later than the end of the first semester of their junior year. A minimum GPA of 3.3 and demonstrated potential for honors-level research is required. Students take approved courses in research methodology and evaluation, attend honors seminars, complete a written thesis, and defend it in an oral examination. Students who are interested in the honors program should contact the director of undergraduate studies in their department or division for information and guidelines.

Field Study and Internships

Field study and internships provide experiential learning opportunities in real-life circumstances where classroom knowledge is tested and applied. Students are able to master new skills, develop and implement plans of action, solve problems, interact in multicultural situations, and build networks for future job opportunities. By applying techniques of research methods, critical thinking, and self-directed learning, students learn to think conceptually while becoming agents of change.

Check with the director of undergraduate studies for major-specific information. The Career Exploration Center (1203 MVR) and career counselors in 1210 MVR also can provide resources and assistance in finding internships and other experiential opportunities.

Concentrations

The College of Human Ecology formally recognizes as concentrations computer information sciences and international relations (both administered by the College of Arts and Sciences). Students interested in pursuing these concentrations should inquire with the college department offering them. If successfully completed before graduation, these concentrations will be posted as part of the student’s official transcript.

Students may develop an unofficial concentration in additional fields taught at Cornell by taking 12 credits in an approved area. Africana studies, communications, and business are just a few examples of concentrations that are possible. While these unofficial concentrations are not part of a student’s transcript, students may choose to publicize these concentrations on their personal résumés.

Off-Campus Programs

Capital Semester

Combine a full semester of 12 Cornell credits with a paid internship and a reduction in tuition. Students intern directly for a New York State legislator (Senate or Assembly) in Albany to explore their policy interests in greater depth. Interns attend hearings and legislative sessions, meet with lobbyists and constituents, write reports for legislation and possible publication, and generally help conduct the work of their legislator. All Cornell students, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply. The program is available during the spring semester only, and it is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Interns benefit greatly when subsequently applying for future employment, law school, graduate school, or business school. Information is available from the Career Exploration Center (1203 MVR Hall).

Brooks School Cornell in Washington DC Connect Program

Cornell in Washington DC Connect is a spring semester or summer program in the heart of Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital. This unique experience offers students in all colleges an opportunity to earn full academic credit for the spring semester or summer. Students take part in small courses led by Cornell faculty, and gain work experience through an internship of their choosing, while living in the Brooks School's residence hall near Dupont Circle. Learn more about the Cornell in Washington DC Connect.

Courses at Ithaca College

Full-time undergraduate students at Cornell may petition to enroll in courses at Ithaca College. Students pay regular full tuition to Cornell and only special fees to Ithaca College where applicable. Students are allowed to register for one course per semester and a maximum of 12 credits in four years. Exceptions will be granted to Cornell students enrolled in methods and practice teaching courses at Ithaca College, and those students pursuing a concentration in exercise science through a specially arranged program with Ithaca College.

Cornell students are eligible to register only for Ithaca College courses that are relevant to their program and that do not duplicate Cornell courses. Ithaca College credit counts as Cornell credit but not as Human Ecology credit. Students are accepted on a space-available basis. Participation in this program is not guaranteed, and Ithaca College has the right to accept or reject students for any reason deemed appropriate. The program is available only during the fall and spring semesters. For further information, contact the college registrar (1204 MVR Hall, (607) 255-2235).

Double-Registration Program for Law

A small number of highly qualified applicants may be admitted to the Cornell Law School after only three years of undergraduate education. The requirements for admission under these circumstances are more stringent than for acceptance after four years of undergraduate study. Applicants must present outstanding qualifications and strong professional motivation. The junior year applicant follows the ordinary application procedures for Cornell Law School admission.

Interested students should contact the Law School director of admissions (Myron Taylor Hall, 607-255-5141) to discuss the admissions criteria. Because students accepted to this program will be spending their senior year away from Human Ecology/Brooks School, they need to plan ahead to ensure that distribution and major requirements for the B.S. degree will be met. Successful applicants need the approval of the College Registrar for Human Ecology and Brooks School of Public Policy.