Biology Advising Center (BPB 101)
Biology Advising Center (BPB 101)
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Graduation Plan Handout
A graduation plan will help you map out classes to ensure that you graduate in a timely manner. A graduation plan also helps you understand all your graduation requirements. Consult with your advisor on a regular basis to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for graduation.
Graduation Plan Instructions:
1)Become familiar with the following graduation requirements:
Complete at least 120 total credits
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all courses
No pass/fail classes counting towards major, related, or general education requirements
At least 45 credits at 2000 level or higher
Complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciencesgeneral education requirements for the B.S. or B.A. degree
Complete University Requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog
2)Use your Academic Requirements report to keep track of all graduation requirements. In Student Admin, go to Student Center, select “Academic Requirements” from the drop-down menu. For instructions, go to:
3)Use the CLAS General Education Audit Sheet to view which classes fulfill general education requirements. The sheet is found online at: You can also use the Academic Requirements report to view classes that fulfill general education requirements.
4)View your major’s Plan of Study to keep track of major requirements. Plan of Study forms are found on the Biology Advising Center website ( or the Biology Advising Center office (BPB 101). Major requirements can also be viewed on your Academic Requirements report.
5)Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for information on graduation requirements and course information. The Undergraduate Catalog is found online at:
6)Create a 4 year graduation plan by mapping out 8 semesters.
7)Use the Sample Sequence of Courses handout to assist you in planning 8 semesters. This handout should only be used as a guide as each student’s academic plan may vary. This handout is found on the Biology Advising Center website(
8)When mapping out future semesters, include additional requirements for double majors/additional degrees, minors, pre-med requirements, honors courses, study abroad courses, etc.
9)Consult with your advisor on a regular basis to ensure that you are meeting all requirements.
Recommendations:
Visit the Biology Advising Center website to get information about major requirements, biology forms, biology courses, and advising information.
It is a student’s responsibility to create a graduation plan and to become familiar with all graduation requirements. However, consult with your advisor on a regular basis.
Be patient as it may take a few hours to map out classes each semester but most students find this activity very rewarding and helpful!
Students need to enroll in at least 12 credits to be full-time status. However, it’s recommended that students take an average of 15 credits per semester to graduate in 8 semesters.
Students can make up credits or get ahead by taking summer and/or winter session classes.
Students should create a balanced schedule which includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. For instance, it might be overwhelming to take 3-4 science classes at the same time.
Certain major classes require prerequisites. View the Course Catalog toread course descriptions and to check what prerequisites are needed for the classes that you plan to take. Your student admin account has a tab for viewing the course catalog:
Many biology classes are offered in alternate years or semesters so plan accordingly.
Elective credits can help you reach the 120 total credits needed to graduate. Elective courses can be any course that you wish to take.
Check your online Academic Requirements reportevery semester to ensure you are satisfying graduation requirements. Remember that you have ten days from the start of classes to make changes to your schedule and add/drop classes if there is a graduation requirement that you need to satisfy.
Related courses for your major need to be approved by your advisor. Related courses are 2000 level or higher and must relate to science, health, the environment, or career goals. Contact your advisor to discuss potential related courses.