Keep Graduation in Mind!

As you settle on to campus and into your fall classes,it can be challenging to think beyond this semester. But in the spirit of Extra Credit’s mindset of “do more to gain more,” we are here to encourage you that it is never too early to start thinking about progressing toward graduation and how some simple long-term planning can help ensure that you graduate on time!

What exactly is a long-term academic plan? It’s a map of how you will complete ALL your degree requirements- not just those needed for your major. Ideally, you will create a plan that is broken down by semester (including any summer or winter sessions) and include credit totals.

You may think this sounds like a daunting process, but students who carve out time to do this exercise can reap several benefits, including seeing the big picture, ensuring timely graduation, and allowing for greater flexibility...Not to mention, it's a great confidence booster! 

This is all about creating a unique plan for YOU and your needs instead of feeling constrained by what’s required. When you don’t have a long-term plan, you risk boxing yourself into a course schedule that doesn’t serve your goals and needs.

So, how do you get started on long-term planning? It’s easy.

• Find the Academic Pathway associated with your major (you can also download a blank planning document from this website) in conjunction with the Undergraduate Course Catalog (including requirements for minors and certificates). Use these resources to help determine what classes are needed for your program(s) of study.Note – Academic Pathways are guides intended to show you the order in which to take certain major classes. Each student’s plan will be unique, especially if you entered UMBC with transfer or AP/IB credits.

• While creating the plan, utilize your Degree Audit to confirm what degree requirements (including General Education and University requirements) you’ve already completed. You can print off your Degree Audit and “check off” the requirements as you put them into your plan.

• Meet with your academic advisor to review the plan and ensure that you did not miss any important requirements.

• Bonus - Enter your plan into the Degree Planner on myUMBC to update your Degree Donut 

*Want to get ahead, catch up, or lighten your load during the regular academic year? Consider the winter session at UMBC! Course offerings are mostly online for 2024.

Just because you create a long-term plan doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Ideally, you will bring this plan with you, in whatever format you choose, to each advising appointment so you can make adjustments with your academic advisor as necessary.