Acquire a list of all the courses needed for your particular program of study. You can obtain the full list from your academic adviser, your college's registrar or perhaps from your college's website. Having a full list of courses will allow you to map everything out for the next two or more years.
Plan how many courses you will take each semester. Write them down on a piece of paper by grouping them together by semester and year. Use a calculator, if necessary, to determine how many classes you need per year or semester. If you are a part-time student, you might plan to take only one or two courses at a time. If you are a full-time student, you may plan to take anywhere from about three to six classes per semester. Allow time for summer courses, which can shorten the time from now until your graduation date. The last set of classes next to the remaining year on your paper should estimate your graduation date.
Move classes around if you want to graduate earlier than the expected graduation date. For example, if you are enrolled in a four-year program but want to finish in three years, expect to enroll in additional classes each semester or during summer sessions. Also, talk with your academic adviser to discuss if your program allows flexibility in coursework. Some programs may offer courses only at specified times, which may affect the way you plan your schedule.
Adjust your graduation date as needed if you plan on transferring to another college where you may need to take additional coursework or repeat classes that are not transferable. Allow extra time if you intend to enroll in a graduate program.
Research information that reveals the job outlook for the various careers you may pursue following graduation. This growth rate or decline may affect when or even which courses you take or if you will continue with a higher degree program following your two- to four-year program.