To make the undergraduate experience even more robust and transformative, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has reimagined the traditional academic calendar by integrating a required experiential learning component (ILEA 4400) that empowers every student to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. Combined with the Career Development Course (ADMN 1030), this innovative approach ensures that every Rensselaer graduate enters the workforce prepared, confident, and career-ready.

The Arch Program Requirements

Upon completing or transferring in 30 credit hours, students become eligible to begin engaging in the Arch requirements at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). To satisfy the Arch graduation requirements, students must complete the following two components:

1. Satisfactory completion of ADMN 1030 – Career Development Course
2. Satisfactory completion of ILEA 4400 – Semester Away Course

Students have the flexibility to meet these requirements in the way that best fits their academic and professional goals. However, RPI has established a default track that ensures degree completion—including the Arch requirements—within eight semesters of instruction and financial aid eligibility. Many students use this track to accelerate degree completion or to pursue a co-terminal degree as part of their four-year RPI experience.

Recommended Default Track for the Arch Program

ADMN 1030 – Career Development Course

Taught by staff from the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), this course provides a comprehensive suite of career development resources, training, and employer engagement opportunities.

While not formally a prerequisite for the Semester Away, ADMN 1030 helps students explore and prepare for their ILEA experience in future semesters. Successful completion of the course, with a grade of Satisfactory (S), is required for graduation from RPI.

Exceptions:

• Architecture students: Successful completion of ARCH 4200 (Portfolio Course) satisfies the ADMN 1030 requirement.
• Select Lally School of Management students: Successful completion of both MGMT 1240 and MGMT 1250 fulfills the requirement.

ILEA 4400 – Semester Away Course

Known as the “Away Term,” this course represents the experiential learning component of the Arch program. All students must register for and complete ILEA 4400 with a grade of Satisfactory (S) to graduate from RPI.

Delivered through an online learning platform, the course guides students in developing key professional skills and career competencies aligned with NACE standards, including:
Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.

Students fulfill ILEA 4400 through one of the following experiential learning options (each requiring a minimum of 260 hours per term, unless otherwise noted):

• Internship: One-semester paid position (minimum 260 hours).
• Co-op: Multi-semester, full-time paid work experience (approximately 40 hours per week).
• RPI Research: One-semester research experience with RPI faculty or staff; may be for credit, paid, or volunteer (minimum 260 hours).
• Civic Engagement: One-semester experience with a nonprofit or government agency (minimum 260 hours).
• Self-Design: One-semester customized experience aligned with personal career goals; must demonstrate development in at least six of the eight NACE competencies (minimum 260 hours).
• Study Abroad: One-semester academic experience through an affiliated or non-affiliated international program, coordinated with RPI’s Office of International Programs.

Note:

• Successful completion of a COOP course may also satisfy the ILEA 4400 requirement.