Incoming Students FAQs

What's the purpose of the ICC?

The Integrative Core Curriculum (ICC) is the set of liberal arts requirements that comprise the common academic experience for all Ithaca College students. The program is designed to help students develop skills in integrative thinking, critical and analytical problem solving, and reflective learning. All three of these skills have been identified by both employers and professional societies as essential for success in 21st century personal and professional life.

What writing requirements must I complete for the ICC?

All students must complete two writing requirements for the ICC: Academic Writing and Writing Intensive.

Academic Writing focuses on developing the broad academic writing skills needed to succeed at the college level. This requirement can be fulfilled by successfully completing WRTG 10600 or ICSM 10800. Students may also satisfy this requirement through Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams (see the academic catalog for details), or by transferring credit for an equivalent college-level course (see the Department of Writing for details). NOTE: Students who enter Ithaca College with credit for Academic Writing should NOT enroll in an ICSM10800, as you will earn credit for only one course.

Academic Writing Flowchart

Writing Intensive courses focus on developing writing within the context of a single discipline. This requirement can be met by successfully completing an Ithaca College course designated WI. Approved courses appear on this website and in the Ithaca College Catalog. Students wishing to transfer credit for the WI requirement should complete the Petition for ICC Designation form for review. Transfer courses taken after enrolling at Ithaca College must be approved before taking the course by completing the Petition for Transfer Credit form available in IC Workflow.

I am planning on taking a course this summer at another institution that will transfer in as course specific credit for an ICC perspective course. Do I get ICC credit?

Please contact the ICC directly to discuss your plans for transfer credit. Additionally, students wishing to transfer credit for any ICC requirement after enrolling at Ithaca College should complete the Petition for ICC Designation form for review.If you are a transfer student, please consult the resources for transfer students elsewhere on this website. If you have questions about ICC course equivalencies, please contact the Director of the ICC at icc@ithaca.edu.

I am a double major. Can the courses from one of my majors be applied to the ICC perspectives requirements?

Yes. ICC perspective courses need to be completed outside of one major. Courses from a second major can be used to meet perspective requirements. Please contact your faculty advisor or the Director of the ICC at icc@ithaca.edu if you have specific questions on how to meet ICC requirements with a double major or dual degree.

Is there a convenient way to view ICC course offerings for next semester or during the winter session or summer session?

The ICC designated courses can be found on our ICC Grid located on our Student Resources page https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/integrative-core-curriculum/resources-students. While this grid is periodically updated during the registration period, please note that HomerConnect is the final authority regarding ICC course designations. Feel free to schedule an appointment for help with searching HomerConnect or DegreeWorks for ICC designated courses. 

Can ICC designated courses be taken S/D/F?

Students need to pass ICC designated courses for them to count towards the ICC requirements. A passing grade can be met with a letter grade above a D- or with an S. Students can request the S/D/F option for ICC perspective courses and attribute courses outside the major. Please refer to the catalog for additional information about the S/D/F options.

Learn more about the S/D/F option from the Undergraduate Catalog.

I am planning to study abroad next semester. Can courses apply toward ICC requirements?

Study abroad courses may be applied to ICC requirements, including perspective requirements. Before traveling, complete the Petition for ICC Designation form available through Workflow. Please work with your academic advisor or the Director of the ICC for help with the study abroad form. Courses taken at the London Center and Los Angeles programs are not considered study abroad courses and must have ICC designation in order to apply them to ICC requirements. Specific information for study abroad can be found on the ICC webpage, under the tab “Resources for Students” and section titled “Are you planning to study abroad?”

How do I go about having a transfer course evaluated for possible ICC credit?

Transfer courses are initially evaluated by the Office of the Registrar when you enter the institution and a transcript is received. If you believe a course might meet ICC learning outcomes but it is not so designated during the initial evaluation, please complete this form to have your course reviewed.

If you are planning to take a course at another institution in the future (e.g., during the summer) and wish to use the credit to fulfill ICC requirements, you must also complete the Petition for Transfer Credit form from the Office of the Registrar. You are strongly encouraged to complete this form before taking the course so that you know in advance how the credits will come into the institution.

Can I use AP or other exams or courses taken outside of Ithaca College to fulfill ICC requirements?

Students may request to apply credits earned at other institutions or granted on the basis of AP/IB/CLEP scores to fulfillment of ICC components. Please note that expectations for each of these components vary. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a member of the Office of the ICC to discuss potential ICC fulfillment options. 

Students may not apply credits granted on the basis of AP/IB/CLEP score toward fulfillment of the ICSM or Capstone components of the ICC.