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Sample Plan of Study

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Each semester, students can expect to take a mixture of courses that fulfill different categories of degree requirements:

  • The major
  • Common Academic Program (CAP)
  • Breadth for Bachelor of Science programs (varies by program)

Some courses are designed to fulfill requirements in more than one category (e.g., the major and breadth requirements, CAP and the major; in addition many courses may fulfill more than one CAP component), which facilitates students’ ability to complete their degree requirements in a timely manner and also provides flexibility to explore interests outside of the major. This flexibility will often result in students’ ability to earn additional credentials, such as a double major or one or more minors.

This 2025-26 sample plan of study applies to the following B.S. programs:

  • Applied Mathematical Economics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Environmental Geosciences
  • Environmental Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Science
  • Physics
  • Predentistry
  • Premedicine
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability

First Year

Fall SemesteR 

  • ASI 150 or ASI 160 (Breadth Requirement for all majors in the College of Arts and Sciences) (1 hour)
  • HUM 101: CAP Humanities Commons (3 hours)
  • CAP Mathematics Course (3 hours)
  • CAP Arts Course (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Spring Semester

  • HUM 102: CAP Humanities Commons (3 hours)
  • CAP Natural Science Course with Lab (4 hours)
  • CMM 100: CAP Oral Communication (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Second Year

Fall Semester

  • CAP Social Science Course (3 hours)
  • ENG 200: CAP Second-Year Writing (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Spring Semester 

  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies + CAP Faith Traditions Course (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Third Year

Fall SemesteR 

  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies + CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations Course (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Spring Semester

  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies + CAP Practical Ethical Action Course (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

  • CAP Major Capstone Course (hours vary by major)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Spring Semester 

  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice Course (3 hours)
  • Additional courses (major, breadth requirements, or electives) to produce a full-time course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.