UMass Boston

Degree Planning

The Student Success Center curriculum plans for all CSM majors to help you plan your path to graduation.  Whether you’re starting fresh or as a transfer student, you can see where you should start, the order in which the department wants you to take your major classes, and how to finish at a pace that's right for you. 

Degree Planning 

Below you will find 'plans to graduation' and sample course syllabi. The plans were created by academic departments to help you stay on track and complete graduation requirements. These plans should be used in conjunction with your degree audit to show you the necessary order of courses so that pre-requisites are met for higher level classes and encourage you to take classes that complement each other in the same semester. The plans also reflect general UMass Boston degree requirements, which you can read more about here.

Academic Planning:

Throughout the academic advising process, students have the opportunity to design their educational and career goals, to create an academic plan, and a timeline for graduation. Reach out to your advisor whenever you have  questions about your academic plans, when you have good news to share, and especially if you encounter academic challenges  - we’ll be there to provide care, guidance, and support.

While degree planning is a shared partnership between you and an advisor; ultimately however, it is your responsibility to understand and fulfill the University's graduation requirements.  This can be achieved through the use of advising tools, such as the degree audit, WISER pre-requisite information, CSM 'plans to graduation', and the undergraduate course catalog.

Your Degree Audit:

The degree audit helps you plan and track your progress toward your degree as it connects with the information in WISER to keep track of university, general education, and major/minor requirements.  Read your degree audit frequently and carefully, especially during these times:

  • As you prepare to register to identify unmet degree requirements
  • After you register and your future enrollment is listed as ‘in-progress’.
  • After the end of each semester when grades have been posted.

Your Responsibilities:

You need to check with either a professional Student Success Advisor or a Faculty Advisor each semester, especially in March to plan for the upcoming Summer and Fall semesters, and then in October to plan for the upcoming Spring semester.  At this meeting, your advising hold will be removed.  If you are unsure if you need to see a Student Success Advisor or a Faculty Advisor, review this webpage.  Prepare for your advising session by reading your degree audit in advance, having a list of questions for  your advisor, and being fully engaged in the academic planning process.

Final responsibility for meeting graduation requirements resides with you.

These plans listed below are a suggested framework for completing degree requirements to graduate in eight semesters. We recognize that every student is an individual who has full autonomy over the pace of their academic progress.  As such, your Student Success Advisor is pleased to work with you to develop a personalized plan for graduation, whether that be over four years, or longer if you so choose.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Department

Biochemistry Four-Year Plan

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Biology 111 Syllabus
- Sample Chemistry 115 Syllabus
- Sample Chemistry 117 Syllabus

Relevant Course Catalogs:
Biochemistry Course Catalog

Biochemistry Course Pass-Fail Policy:
No more than one course taken pass/fail in mathematics or physics may be applied toward the major.  No Biochemistry, Biology, or Chemistry course required for the major may be taken on a pass-fail basis.  General elective courses (including Biology and Chemistry courses) may be taken pass-fail.  

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Biology

Biology Department

Biology Advising Guide 2024

Biology Four-Year Plan

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Biology 111 Syllabus
- Sample Chemistry 115 Syllabus
- Sample Chemistry 117 Syllabus

Related Course Catalogs:
Biology Department Course Catalog

Biology Department Course Pass-Fail Policy
The course pass-fail option may be used only once, toward any major courses (including biology, chemistry, math, physics). 

Additional Guidance:  Students pursuing advanced professional programs in the medical, dental, or health fields are strongly encouraged to not utilize the pass-fail option for any course towards the Biology major. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Chemistry

Chemistry Department

Chemistry Four-Year Plan

Click here to learn more about the Chemistry program from Professor Michelle Foster

Sample Syllabus:
- Sample Chemistry 115 Syllabus
- Sample Chemistry 117 Syllabus

Related Course Catalogs:
Chemistry BS Course Catalog
Chemistry BA Course Catalog

Chemistry Department Course Pass-Fail Policy
- No Chemistry or Bio-Chemistry courses taken pass-fail may be applied to the major. 
- No more than one mathematics or physics courses taken pass-fail may be applied to the major. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Computer Engineering

Engineering Department

Computer Engineering Graduation Plan 2024

Click here to learn more about the Engineering program from Professor Tomas Materdey

Faculty Research

Advising Tools:
Electrical and Computer Engineering Advising Manual
Computer Engineering Advising Checklist (Matriculated Before Fall 2021)
Computer Engineering Advising Checklist (Matriculated During or After Fall 2021)
Guidance for Prospective Engineering Students
Tech Science Decision Guide (to help students decide which computer-related academic program is right for them). 

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Computer Science 110 Syllabus
- Sample Engineering 104 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 113 Syllabus
- SAMPLE_PHYSIC_181_Syllabus.pdf

Relevant Course Catalogs:
- Computer Science Course Catalog
- Engineering Course Catalog

Computer Engineering's Course Pass-Fail Policy:
All major related courses must be graded. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Computer Science

Computer Science Department  Computer Science Internal Website 

Computer Science BA Four-Year Plan

Computer Science BS Four-Year plan

Click here to learn more about the Computer Science program from Professor Nurit Haspel

Tech Science Decision Guide (A guide to help students decide which computer-related program is right for them). 

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Computer Science 110 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 113 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 181 Syllabus

Computer Science Course Pass-Fail Policy
No courses applied toward the major may be taken pass-fail

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Related Course Catalogs:
Computer Science: BA
Computer Science: BS (ABET Certified) 

Important Advising Notes: 

  • The following courses in the Computer Science major have a grade requirement of "C-" or above in order to progress:
    CS 110 -> CS220
    CS 210 -> CS310
    CS 220 -> CS420
  • ALEKS Math Placement considerations
    • Academic integrity matters.  For ALEKS to be effective, you must do the exam on your own without notes, books, or help from others.  ALEKS is not a traditional exam.  Instead, it’s a tool to help you place into an appropriate course for which you have the best chance to succeed.  Learn more about academic integrity and the University's Code of Conduct.
    • The Computer Science website states that an aptitude for logical reasoning and mathematics is needed to complete the major successfully, partly because designing programs to solve problems requires good problem solving skills and partly because some of the requirements are relatively advanced theoretical Computer Science and mathematics courses.
    • In light of the above, it's critical that your math foundational knowledge is strong and that you pursue your math development in a sound educational manner.  Although it is ideal for new students to start their math requirement at the Calculus level (Math 140), if you place into College Algebra (Math 115), or Precalculus (Math 130), it's wise for you to start at that level as it is likely an accurate reflection of your mathematical aptitude and preparation.  Be sure to talk with your academic advisor for additional guidance.  Visit the CSM Math Placement webpage for more considerations on enrolling in an appropriate math course. 

Electrical Engineering

Engineering Department

Electrical Engineering Graduation Plan 2024

Click here to learn more about the Engineering program from Professor Tomas Materdey

Faculty Research

Advising Tools:
Electrical and Computer Engineering Advising Manual
Electrical Engineering Advising Checklist
Guidance for Prospective Engineering Students

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Engineering 104 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 113 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 181 Syllabus

Relevant Course Catalogs:
- Electrical Engineering Course Catalog: BS (ABET Certified)

Electrical Engineering Course Pass-Fail Policy:
Students may take one thematic elective course pass-fail.  All other major related courses must be graded. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Engineering Physics

Physics Department

Click here to learn more about the Physics program from Professor Rahul Kulkarni 

Concentration Options: 
Applied Physics - Engineering Physics Four-Year Plan
Computer Science - Engineering Physics Four-Year Plan
Digital Electronics Engineering Physics Four-Year Plan
Organic Chemistry Engineering Physics Four-Year Plan
Physical Chemistry Engineering Physics Four-Year Plan
 

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Engineering 104 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 113 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 181 Syllabus

Guidance for Prospective Engineering Students

Relevant Course Catalogs:
Engineering Physics Course Catalog

Engineering Physics Course Pass-Fail Policy:
Students may take one thematic elective course pass-fail.  All other major related courses must be graded. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Information Technology

Information Technology BS Program is a major within the CSM Computer Science Department

In addition to the BS in IT offered by the Computer Science Department, there are other opportunities for degrees or certificates in Information Technology within the University. The College of Advancing and Professional Studies CAPS, offers a Certificate in Information Technology earned from the College of Management. The College of Management also provides a Master’s program in Information Technology.

Sample Syllabus:
- Sample Information Techology 110 Syllabus

Course Pass-Fail Policy
No courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward the information technology core or the major track requirements.  Courses in the Professional Elective component can be taken on a pass-fail basis.  Check with your professional advisor for additional guidance. 

 

 

Mathematics

Math Department  

Click here to learn more about the Math program from Professor Alfred Noel

Math BA Four Year Plans
- Standard Math BA Four-Year Plan (For students who declared the math major in Fall 2019 or prior)
- Math for Teaching Concentration Four-Year Plan

Math BS Four-Year Plans
- Standard Math BS Four-year Plan (For students who declared the math major in Fall 2019 or prior)
- Applied and Pure Math Concentration Four-Year Plan
- Computational Math Concentration

- Students interested in Actuarial Sciences should select the Computational Math Concentration.  See this webpage for contact information and to learn more about the Actuarial Science courses. 

Sample Syllabi:
Review sample syllabi for most math courses here.  A course syllabus is an essential form of communication between instructors and students. In particular, a course syllabus will describe learning objectives, required assignments, course grading rubrics, attendance policies, among other information to help students fully understand all course expectations. 

Math Course Measurable Outcomes:
- Math 115 Measurable Outcomes
- Math 130 Measurable Outcomes
- Math 140 Measurable Outcomes

Related Course Catalogs:
Math: BS Course Catalog
Math: BA Course Catalog

Math Department Course Pass-Fail Policy:
No courses taken pass-fail may be used in the major. 

University's Course Withdrawal Pass-Fail policy.  
Note: Undergraduate students may take one course each semester on a pass/fail basis, up to a maximum of eight. 

Concentration Information:
All mathematics majors are required to declare a concentration

  • Applied and Pure or Computational Mathematics for BS students
  • Mathematics for Teaching for BA students.

Concentrations must be declared by the time that the core program requirements* are substantially complete and/or 60 total credits have been earned (including any test or transfer credits). Additionally, declaring a concentration is required in order to be assigned a faculty advisor.

*The core program requirements are: MATH140, MATH141, MATH242, MATH260, MATH265, MATH270, MATH291, MATH314, MATH345, PHYSIC113, and CS110.

More information on our concentrations can be found here.

Physics

Physics Department

Physics BS Four-Year Plan

Click here to learn more about the Physics program from Professor Rahul Kulkarni 

Sample Syllabi:
- Sample Physics 113 Syllabus
- Sample Physics 181 Syllabus

Relevant Course Catalogs:
- Phyics Course Catalog

Pre-Med

Pre-Med Program of Study