Requirements for Physics Majors

Specific requirements for the majors offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy are found in the Catalogue under which you enter the university. This page summarizes the requirements for physics majors.

All courses have prerequisites and many are offered only once per year; so plan ahead. Consult the current  University Catalogue and sample schedules for sequencing and semester of offering.  

Be sure to consult with your advisor.

Courses For Majors in Physics and Astronomy

	Physics, LA: Liberal Arts Emphasis	Physics, LA: Applied Emphasis	Physics, LA:  Dual Degree Emphasis	Physics, Teaching	Physics-Math   (Teaching)	Physical Science  (Teaching)
Physics Courses   (36 cr required for Liberal Arts majors)	Physics 231, 232, 332, 333, 350; 340 or 360;  365, 485.   Remaining credits chosen from 226 or 229, or Physics courses above 325	Physics 231, 232, 332, 340, 350, 360; 365 or 375; 430, 485 . Plus at least 4 credits from 226 or 229, or Physics courses above 325	Physics 231, 232, 332; 340, 350,  365 (or Math 255 & 256), 485. Remaining credits chosen from 226 or 229, or Physics courses above 325 or approved upper level Engineering courses	Physics 231, 232, 332, 340, 350. Plus at least 15 credits from 226, 229, or Physics courses above 325	Physics 231, 232, 332, 333, 340, 350.   Plus for a Physics emphasis, at least 10 credits from Phys 226, 229 or any Physics courses above 325	Physics 226, 231, 232, 332, 340, 350.   Plus at least 4 credits from Physics, Chemistry or Math 112
Other Required Courses	CS 163 or 170, Math 312	CS 163, Chem 101 & 104; or 115, Engl 305, Math 312, 345	CS 163, Chem 101 or 115, Math 312	Chem 101 & 104, Math 114, 215, 216	Math 114, 215, 216, 324, 330, 345, 425	Chem 115 & 218 (or 101 & 104), 213, 321, 322, 323, Math 114, 215
Other Recommended Courses	Chem 103 & 104 or  115	CJ 202, Math 443			Chem 103 & 104; or 115 must be included as part of the GE Program for certification

Senior Seminar and Research (for Liberal Arts majors):
You will be required to complete a research project through Advanced Laboratory, Directed or Independent Study, a summer internship, or by another means approved by your advisor. The seminar will focus on presenting research results and preparing for graduate school or work.

Be sure to take courses in the right order and on time: Courses do not always have to be taken in numerical order. All courses have prerequisites and most are offered only once per year:  plan ahead.  Consult the University catalog and sample schedules for sequencing and semester of offering.  There are some other special circumstances. For example, those planning on graduate school should take Phys 365 and 375 in the Junior year so that you are ready for the Graduate Record Exam.  Be sure to consult with your advisor.

Click here for some sample schedules for the Liberal Arts emphasis.

Click here for more information on the Dual Degree program.