Skip Navigation • NU Site Map • Campus Map/Directions • Financial Aid • myNEU • NU Home
Frequently Asked Questions—Internal Transfer Program
- What is an internal transfer?
- How do I change my major?
- What is the first step in the internal transfer process?
- Why does the Internal Transfer Program (ITP) not handle registrations issues during walk-in hours?
- Who has the final decision regarding my application?
- How important is the essay for Bouvé?
- I’m not 100% sure I want to transfer. Should I submit an application to the Internal Transfer Program?
- What happens if I write “No ITP” on the Internal Transfer petition? Does this hurt my chances of being accepted to the major that I want?
- How many times can I apply to transfer?
- What happens if my application is rejected?
- What are the odds of my getting accepted to my first choice major?
- I do not like math. Should I reconsider transferring to the College of Business Administration?
What is an internal transfer?
An internal transfer refers to any currently matriculated Northeastern University full-time Undergraduate Day student who is in one college but wishes to transfer to another. If this definition fits your situation, check out the Internal Transfer Program Web site.
How do I change my major?
For information on cross-college transfers, please check the Internal Transfer Program Guidelines at a Glance. If you are interested in changing your major but staying within your current college, you should speak with your dean's office advisor.
What is the first step in the internal transfer process?
The first step is to attend an Internal Transfer Program (ITP) information session. Dates, times, and locations of ITP information sessions.
Why does the Internal Transfer Program not handle registrations issues during walk-in hours?
All current and potential Internal Transfer Program students are asked to request registration help via e-mail throughout the application process. E-mails are date- and time-stamped when sent, so requests can be processed in the order in which the request was made. To allow a student to make a request during walk-ins, and thus by-pass all students who are already in queue via e-mail, is not fair. Therefore, all registrations requests, including course suggestions and restriction overrides, will only be completed via e-mail.
Who has the final decision regarding my application?
That varies depending on the program to which you have applied.
There are admission committees for each of the Bouvé College programs. Recommendations are made by the Internal Transfer Program and the final say is based on committee vote.
The College of Business Administration (CBA) sends a representative to the Internal Transfer Program office to review applications. Any application requiring special consideration is forwarded to the Associate Dean of CBA, who makes the final decision.
All College of Engineering applications are reviewed by the Associate Dean, who makes all decisions.
How important is the essay for Bouvé?
Bouvé pays close attention to the essay and will deny an application based on the content and quality of an essay alone. Please pay careful attention to your essay, have it proofread, and make sure it is representative of your best work.
I’m not 100% sure I want to transfer. Should I submit an application to the Internal Transfer Program?
It is better to err on the side of caution and submit an application. You can contact the Internal Transfer Program at anytime to withdraw your application. Submitting an application means that you are entitled to registration help and often can enter restricted courses. If you are a first-year student, you will most likely be in the Internal Transfer Program for the Spring term, and therefore have the entire Spring to decide if you really would like to transfer. Even if you successfully transfer, you simply need to let us know that you have changed your mind and we will undo the transfer. The earlier you let us know, the better, but we would never make you transfer if you change your mind. Please be aware the if you submit an application, and do not let us know that you would like to withdraw, we will act on the application accordingly.
What happens if I write “No ITP” on the Internal Transfer petition? Does this hurt my chances of being accepted to the major that I want?
It is a reality that it may cost money to transfer. If you cannot afford a term in the ITP, you should definitely make this notation on your petition. This means that you will not be considered for the Internal Transfer Program. If you are not accepted to your first-choice major, your record and major will remain the same as it is at the time of application. This does not hurt your chances of acceptance to the major—the application and petition are for ITP use. The admissions committees and representatives review your academic record and supporting documents, not your application and petition.
How many times can I apply to transfer?
Since you cannot take classes toward your first-choice major in a term immediately following a denial, applying more than once is difficult and could prove to be very costly. It is recommended that you apply no more than one, twice only if the first application results in entry to the Internal Transfer Program.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If you are in the Internal Transfer Program, your record will be blocked for the upcoming academic term. You will need to see an internal transfer advisor with an approved change of major in order to have the block cleared. This needs to be completed by the end of the day on the first “I Am Here” day of the term.
If you are not in the Internal Transfer Program, you will remain in your current college and major.
Whether in the internal transfer program or not, all restricted classes and classes offered only for the major to which you applied will be dropped from your registration.
What are the odds of my getting accepted to my first choice major?
This is a difficult question to answer because . . . it depends. If you meet the minimum criteria to be considered for a major, that’s a great first step. Greatly exceeding the minimum criteria is even better. Admission to many of our majors depends on the number of people who have applied, the number of seats available, and where your academic record falls in comparison to the rest of the applicant pool. This information varies from term to term, and is often an unknown until the time of the admissions meeting.
I do not like math. Should I reconsider transferring to the College of Business Administration?
Generally, no. It is important to realize that, although there is only one math course required in the business curriculum, math is required in every course. It is important to find a major that contains a large amount of subject material that you do like. This is a great opportunity for you to explore your major and career options. You should consider visiting NU’s Office of Career Services for information on what options are available to you.
The Internal Transfer Program
Office: 120 Hayden Hall
E-mail: InternalTransfer@neu.edu
Phone: 617.373.2307
Internal Transfer Program home page