The department offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree for the major. This diverse, flexible major is well suited for a variety of careers, including secondary school physics teaching, industrial research, and graduate school in such fields as engineering, computer science, law, and medicine.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physics
Core Courses
- Physics 111, 112 and 211 or Physics 109 and 110
- Physics 255
- Physics 310
- One advanced lab from the following: Physics 240, 324, 350, 352, 358 or other approved course.
- Physics 420a or 420b (or 460 with approval of department)
- Math through Math 211.
Elective Courses
- Three (or four*) additional courses at the 200-level or higher which may include Chemistry 306 if not already counted as advanced lab, one of which must be: Physics 312, 319, 330, 341. *If Physics 109/110 are taken instead of 111/112/211
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics
Core Courses
- Physics 111, 112 and 211 or Physics 109 and 110
- Physics 255
- Physics 310
- One advanced lab from the following: Physics 240, 324, 350, 352, 358, or other approved course.
- Physics 420a or 420b (or 460 with approval of department)
- Math through Math 211
- Math 225
Elective Courses
- Three courses from: Physics 312, 319, 330, 341
- Two (or three*) additional courses at the 200-level or higher, which may include Chemistry 306 if not counted as advanced lab. *If Physics 109/110 are taken instead of 111/112/211
Typical 4 Year Schedule of Courses (pdf)
Requirements of the Physics Minor
A minor in Physics consists of six courses in Physics:
- Physics 109, 110 or Physics 111, 112, 211
- Three (or four*) additional Physics courses at the 200-level or above, which may include ONE of the following non-physics courses: Chemistry 305, 306, Math 325, 361, 363, 364. *If Physics 109/110 are taken instead of Physics 111/112/211.