Physical Education Requirements

Cornell Requirements

Cornell University requires that undergraduates register for and complete two courses in physical education, one in each semester of the first year, unless illness or injury warrants postponement.

Physical Education credit does not count toward the 120 credits required for graduation.

ILR Regulations

ILR regulations on eligibility for good standing and Dean's List require that you complete the physical education courses for which you register.

Swim Test

Cornell students are also required to complete a swim test before they can graduate.

Requirement Waivers

Those requirements can be waived only by action of a University Committee. Contact the staff in the Physical Education Department (607) 255-4286 to arrange for registration, postponements and waiver petitions.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who matriculate Fall 2025 and forward, will be required to take two physical education classes for credit and meet the swim requirement. The PE department will accept one PE transfer credit. Students will submit their transcript to their college for PE department approval.

Failure to Complete Requirement

If you do not register for or complete Physical Education courses, you do not lose your academic standing (i.e. you are not on Warning or "probation"), but you could be prevented from graduating if you have not completed the requirement.