Undergraduate Physics Curriculum

Degree Requirements for Physics Major

Starting Fall 2023, we have added four concentrations, i.e., areas of mini-specializations (see the link for a description of each concentration). Depending on your choice of concentration, credit requirements for the major range from 69-81 credits. You may find the description of Physics courses helpful in your course decisions.

Required core courses: (minimum 49 credits)

• Introductory physics sequence: A PHY 140 or T PHY 141 or A PHY 142; A PHY 150 or T PHY 151 or A PHY 152; and A PHY 240
• Lab sequence for introductory courses: A PHY 145 or 106, 155 or 109, and 245
• Higher level physics courses: A PHY 235 or A MAT 314 and 315, 250, 320 or 410, 335Z, 340 or 470, 440, 460
• Chemistry: A CHM 115 or 120/124 (or T CHM 130/124)
• Calculus sequence: A MAT 112 and 113 (or the honors courses 118 and 119, or A MAT 101 and 111 and 113) and A MAT 214

The schedule for electives can be used to plan your coursework.

The suggested sequence of courses for all Physics majors can be found further down the page.

Students who declared Physics as their major before Fall 2023:

1. If you don’t make a choice, your transcript (and degree audit) will simply say “Physics major”
2. You can choose one of the new concentrations. Please talk to your departmental advisors if you are not sure. After that you will need to send an e-mail, declaring your concentration, to [email protected], and they will make the change within 24 hours of receiving the email. Your transcript (and degree audit) will then say “Physics major with a concentration in XYZ”.          

Students who have not declared a major as yet:

1. When you decide to do so, you will be prompted to choose a concentration. Please talk to your departmental advisors if you are not sure. After that you will need to send an e-mail, declaring their concentration, to [email protected].

Your transcript (and degree audit) will then say “Physics major with a concentration in XYZ”.

Once your degree audit reflects your choice of a concentration it will keep track of what courses need to be taken. We will offer the relevant courses for the new concentrations on a rotating basis to ensure that you can complete the coursework in time. This means that the sooner you declare a Concentration, the greater the flexibility you will have.

Suggested Sequence for Physics Majors (Courses In Boldface Are Required).

Honors Program

The Honors program in Physics is designed for outstanding students. Students should apply for admission to the Honors program before November 15 of their Junior year, by writing to Prof. Jesse Ernst in the Physics Department.

Combined B.S./M.S. Program

The combined B.S./M.S. program in Physics provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill integrated requirements of undergraduate and master’s degree programs at the beginning of the junior year. A carefully designed program can permit a student to earn the B.S. and M.S. degrees within ten semesters.

Minor in Physics

A minimum of 18 graduation credits as follows: APHY 140 or 141, 150 or 151, 240 or 241, and 250; and at least two courses with an APHY prefix at the 300-level or above.