Undergraduate Programs Quicklinks
Academic Planning
Students should develop an academic plan for completing their degree requirements using the resources below. Global and Community Health BS majors should see the Global and Community Health Website for Global and Community Health BS Major Checklists and Sample Plans.
Need help with creating an Academic Plan? Schedule an appointment or attend drop-in with our Peer Advisors.
1. Make a copy of a blank UCSC Academic Planning Form.
This is ideal if you are planning to graduate early, are a transfer student or are pursuing a second major or minor. For pre-filled, 4-year academic plans, scroll to #5! The blank form above includes 2024-25 checklists for each of our sponsored majors (see the tabs on the bottom of the document). If you’d like input on your plan from an MCD adviser, go into the sharing settings and choose “anyone at UCSC with the link can edit” and then email the link and your questions to mcdadvising@ucsc.edu!
2. Understand your catalog rights:
“Catalog Rights” provide you with the option of following your major’s requirements in effect the year you entered UCSC, or the option to select the requirements established in a subsequent year. Keep in mind that you must follow one catalog year in its entirety. For clarification, see the Registrar’s information on Catalog Rights.
3. Download Major Checklist (PDF):
Please note, you must be logged into your UCSC email account to access the Google Drives below:
4. Determine if you are qualified for your major and make a plan to complete the Qualification Courses:
5. Reference these sample academic plans:
MCD Biology BS:
Neuroscience BS:
Biology BS:
Human Biology BS (retired):
6. It is important to account for prerequisites and when courses are offered.
- You can find both prerequisite and course offering information for all BIOL, BIOE, CHEM, MATH, and PHYS courses in the UCSC General Catalog.
For more information about developing an academic plan, see the Undergraduate Advising page on Devising a Four Year Plan