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:

Biological Sciences - B.A.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
120
Major Credits:
55-59
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 155
  • All students must complete a credit-bearing English and Mathematics course in the first year of study
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
CHEM 101 Princ. of Chemistry I (S non-lab GEP) § 4
MATH 155 Applied Calculus (MATH GEP) § 4
ENGL GEP 3
Elective 4
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL 141 Found. of Biology: Cells, Energy & Org. § 4
CHEM 102 Princ. of Chemistry II (S non-lab GEP) § 4
CHEM 102L Princ. of Chemistry Lab I (Lab GEP) § 2
GEP 3
Elective 3
Total 16
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
BIOL 142 Found. of Biology: Ecology & Evolution § 4
CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
Foreign Language 201 4
GEP 3
GEP 3
Total 17
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL 302 Molecular & General Genetics § 4
GEP 3
GEP 3
Upper-Level Electve 3
Total 13
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
BIOL 303 Cell Biology § 4
BIOL 300L Experimental Biology Laboratory § 2
PHYS 111 Basic Physics I 4
GEP 3
Total 13
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL Elective 3
STAT 350 Statistics with Applications in the Biological Sciences 4
PHYS 112 Basic Physics II 4
GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 17
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
BIOL Upper-Level Lab Elective 2
Writing Intensive Course or Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective or Research 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 14
Spring Semester Credits
BIOL Elective 3
GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective or Research 3
Upper-Level Elective or Elective 3
Total 15
Advising Coordinator:
cnmsadvising@umbc.edu University Center, Room 205