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:

Education - Physics Education - B.A.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
121 - 122
Major Credits:
73-74
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, foreign language proficiency up to the 201 level and a math placement level of MATH 151
  • All students must complete a credit-bearing English and Mathematics course in the first year of study
  • Minimum of C required for content courses
  • Minimum of B in 400 level required education courses
  • Minimum of 2.75 GPA is required for admission to the Phase 1 internship
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 105 or 106 3
MATH 151 Calc. & Analytic Geom. I (MATH GEP) 3
CMSC 104 or 201 3-4
ENGL GEP 3
AH GEP 3
Total 15 - 16
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 121 Introductory Physics I (S non-lab GEP) 4
MATH 152 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II 4
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (SS GEP) 4
AH GEP 3
Total 15
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 122 Introductory Physics II (S non-lab GEP) 4
PHYS 122L Intro. Physics Laboratory (Lab GEP) 2
BIOL 141 Found. of Biology: Cells, Energy & Org. 4
MATH 251 Multivariable Calculus 4
Foreign Language 201 4
Total 18
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 224 Vibrations & Waves 3
PHYS 324 Modern Physics 3
MATH 221 or 225 3
EDUC 310 Inquiry into Education (SS GEP) 3
AH GEP 3
Total 15
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 330L Optics Laboratory (WI) 3
CHEM 101 Principles of Chemistry I 4
MATH 221 or 225 3
EDUC 311 Psychological Foundations of Education (SS GEP) 3
EDUC 412 Analysis of Teaching & Learning 3
Total 16
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 220 Introduction to Computational Physics 3
PHYS 321 Intermediate Mechanics 3
EDUC 410 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas: Part I 3
HIST 445 or 446 3
C GEP 3
Total 15
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 303 Thermal & Statistical Physics 3
EDUC 427 Science in the Secondary School 3
EDUC 388 Inclusion & Instruction 3
EDUC 411 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas: Part II 3
C GEP 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
EDUC 456 Student Teaching in Secondary Schools 10
EDUC 457 Secondary Internship Seminar 2
Total 12
Advising Coordinator:
CNMS Advising cnmsadvising@umbc.edu University Center, Room 205