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:

Africana Studies - B.A.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
120
Major Credits:
36
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
  • The Africana Studies Department also offers a concentration in Community Involvement Studies.
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
AFST 100 Intro to the Black Experience (AH GEP) § 3
ENGL GEP 3
MATH GEP 3
SS GEP 3
Elective 4
Total 16
Spring Semester Credits
AFST 211 or 212 or 213 (C GEP) § 3
S w/ lab GEP 3
AH GEP 3
SS GEP 3
Elective 4
Total 16
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
AFST 271 Introduction to Community Involvement § 3
AFST 261 Black Lit.: Twent. Century (AH GEP) § 3
African Hist. & Poli. Category Course (Upper-Level) 3
Foreign Language 201 4
SS GEP 3
Total 16
Spring Semester Credits
AFST 201 Introduction to Methodology & Research in Africana Studies § 3
African-American Culture & Experience Category Course (Upper-Level) 3
AFST Upper-Level Elective (either category) 3
C GEP 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
African-American Culture & Experience Category Course (Upper-Level) 3
S non-lab GEP 3
Writing Intensive Course § 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
African Hist. & Poli. Category Course (Upper-Level) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 12
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
AFST 490/495/498 Internship or Individual Study or Directed Research 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
AFST 490/495/498 Internship or Individual Study or Directed Research 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Advising Coordinator:
Dr. Gloria Chuku chuku@umbc.edu Fine Arts 537