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:

Computer Engineering - Communications - B.S.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
128
Major Credits:
97
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
  • Gateway Course Information: advising.coeit.umbc.edu/gateway-information/cmpe-gateway
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
CMSC 201 Computer Science I (see gateway for grade requirements) § ‡ 4
MATH 151 Calc. & Analytic Geom. I (MATH GEP; see gateway for grade requirements) § ‡ 4
PHYS 121 Introductory Physics I (S non-lab GEP; see gateway for grade requirements) § ‡ 4
ENGL GEP 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
CMSC 202 Computer Science II 4
MATH 152 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II § 4
CMPE 212 Principles of Digital Design (see gateway for grade requirements) § ‡ 4
ENES 101 Introduction to Engineering (see gateway for grade requirements) § ‡ 3
Total 15
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
MATH 251 Multivariable Calculus 4
PHYS 122 Intro. Physics II (S non-lab GEP) § ‡ 4
CMSC 203 Discrete Structures 3
AH GEP 3
SS GEP 3
Total 17
Spring Semester Credits
CMPE 306 Basic Circuit Theory (Lab GEP) 4
MATH 225 Introduction to Differential Equations 3
CMPE 310 Systems Design & Programming 4
CMSC 341 Data Structures 3
Total 14
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
CMPE 314 Electronic Circuits 4
CMPE 311 C Programming & Embedded Systems 3
CMPE 323 Signals & Systems 4
MATH 221 Linear Algebra 3
Science Elective (Major Requirement) 4
Total 18
Spring Semester Credits
CMPE 320 Prob., Stat. & Random Processes 3
CMPE 330 Wave & Signal Transmission 3
CMPE 349 Intro. to Professional Practice (WI) 3
AH GEP 3
C GEP 3
Total 15
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
CMSC 411 Computer Architecture 3
CMPE 450 Capstone I § 3
CMPE Elective List A 3
CMPE Elective List A 3
AH GEP 3
SS GEP 3
Total 18
Spring Semester Credits
CMSC 421 Principles of Operating Systems 3
CMPE 451 Capstone II 3
CMPE Elective List A/B 3
Foreign Language 201 4
SS GEP 3
Total 16
Advising Coordinator:
COEIT Advising coeitadvising@umbc.edu ITE Building, Room 202-206