Pathways

A series of courses linked together by a broad topic that you choose and examine through multiple perspectives.

Through the Pathways you will develop a deep knowledge base in a chosen topic and learn how different disciplines approach a similar line of study. 

Pathways Learning Outcomes

About the Pathways

Take ownership of your education by choosing topics of interest to you and applying them to your major or using them as a platform to explore another field of study. You will take both a Global and a Thematic Pathway.  Each Pathway requires a minimum of nine credit hours.

Global Pathway: 9 credits

Choose one of the following tracks:

Global Reflections: Explore a topic focused on an international or global theme. 

Language and Culture: Learn a new language or expand your skills in a language you have previously studied. 

International Experience: Study abroad to complete your Global Pathway in total or in combination with Pathway courses taken at UB.

 

Thematic Pathway: 9 credits

You choose a topic of interest and explore a line of inquiry from three different disciplinary perspectives. 

You will select among topics such as "Environments, Technologies and Policy," "Cultures, Art and Imagination" and "Human Nature."

 

UB Areas

The Pathways are built on the broad disciplinary areas that serve as the building blocks of a liberal arts education. These “UB Areas” correspond to the knowledge areas of the State University of New York General Education Framework (SUNY GE):

UB Areas SUNY GE
Diversity in the United States
 Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
Humanities Humanities
Social Science Social Sciences
The Arts The Arts
US History and Civic Engagement US History and Civic Engagement
World History & Global Awareness World History and Global Awareness
Languages
 World Languages

You are required to complete a minimum of FOUR separate UB Areas as you fulfill your Pathways (two for each Pathway). 

Start Planning My Pathways

The Path Finder is a planning tool to assist in your selection of UB Curriculum Pathway courses. You must submit your Pathway selections via the Path Finder tool in order for courses to appear on your Academic Advising Report. 

Visit the Path Finder

The following tables complement the Path Finder tool and can be utilized in planning your Pathways. All students' Pathway selections must be formally saved through the Path Finder tool. 

Path Finder Support Documents

In consultation with your academic advisor - utilize the worksheet below to assist you in selecting appropriate and valid paths while navigating the Path Finder tool. If you have difficulties accessing these files, please contact the UB Curriculum Office at ubcurriculum@buffalo.edu.
 
UB Curriculum Pathways Worksheet

For transfer students:

Transfer students can use this worksheet to determine how transfer coursework can be applied toward completing the Pathways requirement.
Please note: To complete, Transfer Students should  
1. Have their Transfer Credit Report ready for reference (provided upon admission to UB)
2. Have reviewed Pathways of interest by reading through descriptions/topics in the Path Finder tool