HAVE A QUESTION? FIND AN ANSWER:
⮑ Go-to section ⓓ of Answers-FAQ
CURRENT & FUTURE STUDENTS
First create a rough draft of their grad plan (graduation plan) with a CMNS Peer Mentor, an undergraduate student worker.
Rough grad plans are expected to include
Required LEP-Benchmark Courses
Upper level coursework for a student’s specific specialization in Biological Sciences
& coursework for other enrolled programs—such as a second major, a minor, or living learning community
Academic Advisors from Biological Sciences Program
Proofread that grad plans
Have responsibly balanced course loads
Two labs or less a semester
17 credits or less a semester
The maximum credit limit in the College of CMNS is 17 credits
Appropriate number of STEM credits per semester (see the Model Grad Plans posted)
Will complete LEP-Benchmark Requirements on time
& Will confer a degree in Biological Sciences
Academic advisors document whether students’ rough grad plans are responsible or must be revised during mandatory advising.
Students can connect with their academic advisor about their grad plan by email whenever mandatory advising for the semester has already been completed. See the Biological Sciences Directory for contact information.
CMNS Peer Mentors
—map out rough grad plans for CMNS majors and discuss college transition topics such as time management, getting involved on campus, making friends, and learning campus resources.
Peer mentors are student workers. They are not academic advisors for Biological Sciences Program.
Academic advisors document whether students’ rough grad plans are responsible or must be revised during mandatory advising.
If revisions were instructed by the program for a student’s grad plan, then peer mentors shall revise the grad plan to match the revisions shared.
Students can meet a peer mentor and create a rough grad plan at:
1317 SYMONS HALL
MON—FRI » 9 AM — 4 PM
No appointment is necessary.
—illustrate coursework semester-by-semester, and are a model for responsible graduation planning.
Degree Sheets illustrate all of the advanced course options that can be completed under a specific specialization to earn the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.
Students who have earned prior learning credit in STEM (AP/IB exam or transfer credit) will receive further instruction on how to build a responsible grad plan during mandatory advising.
For responsible grad planning:
1. CONFIRM ELIGIBLE GRADUATION DATE WITH AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
» The major is a 4-year program for almost all direct-admit freshmen.
Students who have several instances of STEM prior learning credit (BSCI, CHEM, MATH and/or PHYS) may submit a 3.5 year plan to their academic advisor for review.
Other accelerated grad plans must include STEM courses during the Summer or Winter sessions to maintain a balanced course load in the Fall and Spring. Go to bsci.umd.edu/exst for more information.
2. PLAN FOR TWO LABS OR LESS PER SEMESTER
» Biological Sciences Program does not approve registration more than two labs per semester. Registration more than two labs is called a STEM overload.
BSCI222, PHYS131 and 132 are all marked as Labs. Registration with these courses shall not exceed two labs per semester.
3. PLAN FOR 17 CREDITS OR LESS PER SEMESTER
» The maximum credit limit for the College of CMNS is 17 credits. Registration shall not exceed 17 credits.
4. PASS LEP-BENCHMARKS BEFORE ATTEMPTING EXTRA STEM COURSES
» For example, attempt PHYS131 and 132 after all LEP-Benchmark courses (including chemistry) have been completed. See year three of the Model Grad Plans posted.
When the number of STEM credits per semester exceeds what is outlined in the Model Grad Plan, then that is called a STEM overload.
5. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM DOES NOT APPROVE STEM OVERLOADS
» Students can register for any courses they meet pre-requisites for; however, this autonomy does not change the academic policies or expectations of Biological Sciences Program.
Students bear the risk and responsibility of their decisions. Any registration or grad plan that is not balanced or responsible will be documented. A student’s confidence with academic risk does not change the revisions or warnings documented.
General Biology (GENB)
GENB MODEL GRAD PLAN (MGP)
GENB DEGREE SHEET
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Cell Biology & Genetics (CEBG)
CEBG MODEL GRAD PLAN (MGP)
CEBG DEGREE SHEET
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Ecology & Evolution (ECEV)
ECEV MODEL GRAD PLAN (MGP)
ECEV DEGREE SHEET
🌎 🪴
Microbiology (MICB)
MICB MODEL GRAD PLAN (MGP)
MICB DEGREE SHEET
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Physiology & Neurobiology (PHNB)
PHNB MODEL GRAD PLAN (MGP)
PHNB DEGREE SHEET
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Individualized Studies (BIVS)
Want to change Specializations?
Current students who are looking to change their specialization can submit a request form through TerpEngage at go.umd.edu/majorchange.
The request will be reviewed and become effective in the subsequent academic semester. A major change is not complete until the CMNS Dean's Office has approved it.
Compare specializations in Biological Sciences and career paths on bsci.umd.edu/specialize
Prospective students or those enrolled in the College of Letters & Sciences who are interested in declaring Biological Sciences: go to bsci.umd.edu/declare for next steps.
