Degree Requirements and Policies

Physics majors are required to take the following courses. In addition, students must complete all necessary GenEd requirements. For more information on these courses, contact an advisor.

The Physics Major

Click here for a pdf version of the degree requirements for the Physics major.

Click here for a sample four-year plan for Physics majors.

Required Introductory Physics Sequence (16 credits)
PHYS 265 (3): Introduction to Programming for the Physical Sciences *
PHYS 171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics and Relativity
PHYS 272 (3): Fields
PHYS 275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 273 (3): Waves
PHYS 276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism

Supporting Mathematics/Mathematical Methods Courses (15 credits)
MATH 140 (4): Calculus I
MATH 141 (4): Calculus II
MATH 241 (4): Calculus III
MATH 243 (4): Linear Algebra and Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers

Physics Major ‐ Upper-Level Requirements (37 credits)
PHYS 371 (3): Modern Physics
PHYS 313 (4): Electrostatics
PHYS 375 (3): Experimental Physics I II: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics
PHYS 401 (4): Quantum Physics I
PHYS 402 (4): Quantum Physics II
PHYS 404 (3): Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
PHYS 405 (3): Advanced Experiments lab
or PHYS 407 (3): Undergraduate Experimental Research
PHYS 410 (4): Classical Mechanics
PHYS 413 (4): Electrodynmics
PHYS 4xx (3): Advanced Physics Elective I
PHYS 4xy (3): Advanced Physics Elective II

*For students with experience with computer programming this can be satisfied by a new advanced level course PHYS 474 Computational Physics that will also count as one of the Advanced Physics Electives.

Students who matriculated at the university prior to fall 2014 should click here for a list of Physics major requirements.

Physics Major - Education Specialization

Click here to view a Google Doc version of the Physics Education Specialization degree requirements.

Click here for a sample four-year plan for Physics - Education Specialization majors

The Education Physics area of concentration is designed to accommodate students obtaining a teaching certificate through the College of Education. However, completing all the courses in the Education Physics area of concentration does not in itself satisfy all requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate. Students pursuing the Education Physics area of concentration who want to also obtain a teaching certificate in secondary education must first apply and be admitted to the Secondary Education Program in the College of Education and then complete additional courses in that program.

Introductory Physics Sequence (13 credits)
PHYS 171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics and Relativity
PHYS 272 (3): Introductory Physics: Fields
PHYS 275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 273 (3): Introductory Physics: Waves
PHYS 276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism

Introductory Education Courses (3 credits)
TLPL101 (1): Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Elementary School
TLPL102 (2): Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Middle School

Upper-level Physics Requirements (16-17 credits)
PHYS371 (3): Modern Physics
PHYS313 (4): Electrostatics
PHYS375* (3): Experimental Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics
PHYS410 (4): Classical Mechanics or PHYS413 (4): Electrodynamics
PHYS4XX (3-4): Advanced Physics Elective

Upper-level Education Courses Junior/Senior Required Education Courses (12 credits)
EDHD426 (3): Cognitive and Motivational Literacy Content
TLPL401 (3): Student-Centered Curriculum and Instruction
TLPL414 (3): Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science
TLPL415 (3): Perspectives in Science

Suggested (not required) Computational Physics Course (3 credits)
PHYS265 (3): Introduction to Programming for the Physical Sciences

(students with computer programming experience may want to consider taking the more advanced PHYS474 (3): Computational Physics.)

*PHYS375 may be replaced by an additional, non-seminar 400-level approved Physics course of 3-4 credits.