PHYS-BA-Major - Physics, Major

The Department of Physics offers both major and minor programs. The physics major consists of only nine physics courses and their math prerequisites. This allows flexibility to adapt this core curriculum to a student's specific career goals.  In addition, we offer numerous emphases within the major which focus on specific interests and career goals. Emphases for the physics major are:

• Comprehensive 

• Astrophysics

• Environmental Physics

• Geophysics

• Chemical/Materials Science

• Computational Physics

Many students come into college with significant experience in calculus and physics and may be able to place out of some courses.  See the math department for their policies on choosing a first math course.

For Physics, here is a guide for choosing your first physics course.  As a general rule students can place out of PC241, but almost never place out of PC242.

And to help envision what a physics major looks like, here are some sample schedules.

• Sample Course Schedule for students who start physics courses in their first year.

• Sample Course Schedule for students who start physics courses in their second year.