Academic Overview

We support our students in their learning, from educational philosophy to thoughtful advising.

The H&S Pathways Program invites students like you to explore. You may take up to 60 credits, including those you bring with you from high school or another college, to sample courses that spark your interest and discover the major that’s right for you.

All Ithaca College students participate in the Integrative Core Curriculum (ICC), which encourages you to study a topic from multiple perspectives by taking theme-related courses across the college. All the schools at Ithaca College share this common academic foundation which helps to ensure that you stay on track for graduation. Pathways students may also take advantage of extra advising support.

Advising Support: Choose as much or as little structure as you need.

As an Explorer, each semester you will formally meet with your faculty advisor before registering for the upcoming semester. Such meetings help ensure you make progress towards your goals. You will also have many opportunities throughout the ac

During the summer before you arrive at IC, you can expect to receive informational e-mails. These will contain downloadable, step-by-step guides to summer registration as well as links to helpful campus resources.

Worried about making a mistake? Never fear! When you arrive on campus for Fall Orientation you will have the opportunity to meet with a Pathways Program representative. These preliminary meetings will give you the chance to review your initial fall course schedule and talk with a Pathways Program community member--a faculty member, staff person, or Peer Ambassador & Leader to review your course options. During these sessions, we will help you finalize your weekly plan to make sure you are ready for the first day of classes. 

Everyone knows a journey is more enjoyable with knowledgeable guides, and the Pathways Program supports you with various kinds of advisors who understand and appreciate where you are and where you hope to go.

  • Your faculty advisor—a professor in an area of interest to you—will get to know you as a student and a person so s/he can help you choose courses in the future.
  • Current and former Pathways students serve as peer mentors and host weekly conversation hours. Some of these will be in person, and some may be virtual, depending on needs and availability of individuals.
  • Prof. Jessye Cohen-Filipic and Katie Marks, Directors of the H&S Pathways Program, organize weekly office hours and events just for Pathways students.
  • Dean Amy O'Dowd, Associate Dean for Student Services, helps exploratory students navigate transfers between majors, departments and schools.

Once you select a major (whether that is during your first semester or your fourth semester), you will transfer to a faculty advisor who is an expert in your chosen field. Until then, welcome home! We are proud to have you as a member of our community!