We've created a simple worksheet you can use to map out your four year plan and share with your academic advisor.
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Use the four-year academic pathways for each UMBC major/program listed below as a resource for major exploration and development of an individualized degree plan.

Please note that these academic pathways are sample pathways. Students, in consultation with their academic advisor, will create an individualized degree plan, reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an individualized degree plan by no later than 45 credits earned and to update the plan regularly, in consultation with an academic advisor.

For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog (catalog.umbc.edu).

Select a major/program to view its pathway:

Media and Communication Studies - B.A.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
120
Major Credits:
37
Min. Upper-Level Credits:
45
Min. Cumulative GPA:
2.0
§ indicates Benchmark requirements
‡ indicates Gateway courses
Curriculum Notes
  • This sample plan assumes no AP/IB/CLEP or transfer credit and foreign language proficiency up to the 201 level
  • All students must complete a credit-bearing English and Mathematics course in the first year of study
  • Study Abroad and foreign language proficiency through at least the 202 level is strongly encouraged for MCS majors
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
MCS 101 Media Literacy (AH GEP) § 4
MCS 222 Introduction to Media & Communication Studies (AH GEP) § 3
ENGL GEP 3
SS GEP 3
S non-lab GEP 3
Total 16
Spring Semester Credits
MCS 144 Professional Communication & Development § 3
MATH GEP 3
SS GEP 3
S w/ lab GEP 3
Elective 4
Total 16
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
Foreign Language 201 4
C GEP 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 13
Spring Semester Credits
MCS Elective List Course 3
AH GEP 3
C GEP 3
SS GEP 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
MCS 333 History & Theory of Mass Communication & Media Studies § 3
MCS Elective List Course 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
MCS 334 Media & Globalization § 3
MCS 300 or 400-level Elective 3
Writing Intensive Course 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
MCS 404 Internship § 3
MCS 399 Methods in Media and Communication Studies § 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
MCS 499 Capstone Senior Seminar 3
MCS 300 or 400-level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Advising Coordinator:
Rebecca Adelman adelman@umbc.edu & Samirah Hassan shassan1@umbc.edu