Degree Requirements and Policies

The Physics Major 

Physics majors are required to take the following courses. In addition, students must complete all necessary GenEd requirements. Sample graudation plans for each specilaization are avaiable here. 

For more information on these courses, or question about degree requiremetns, contact an advisor.

Introductory Courses (17 credits) 

PHYS170 (1): Professional Physics Seminar 

PHYS171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics 

PHYS265 (3): Introduction to Scientific Programming 

PHYS272 (3): Introductory Physics: Fields 

PHYS275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves 

PHYS273 (3): Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves 

PHYS276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 

Supporting Mathematics Courses (16 - 19 credits) 

MATH140 (4): Calculus I 

MATH141 (4): Calculus II 

MATH241 (4): Calculus III 

And one of the following options: 

1) MATH243 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equation, or

2) MATH240 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and MATH246 (3): Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers 

Upper-Level Courses (35 credits) 

PHYS313 (4): Electricity and Magnetism I 

PHYS371 (3): Modern Physics 

PHYS375 (3): Experimental Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics

PHYS401 (4): Quantum Physics I 

PHYS402 (3): Quantum Physics II 

PHYS404 (3): Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics 

PHYS405 (3): Advanced Experiments lab 

Or PHYS407 (3): Undergraduate Experimental Research 

PHYS410 (3): Classical Mechanics 

PHYS413 (3): Electricity and Magnetism II 

PHYS4XX (3): Advanced Physics Elective 

PHYS4XY (3): Advanced Physics Elective

Students who matriculated at the university prior to Fall 2024 should click here for a list of Physics major requirements. 

Physics Major - Education Specialization

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. 

Physics Education majors are required to take the following courses. In addition, students must complete all necessary GenEd requirements. Sample graudation plans for each specilaization are avaiable here. 

For more information on these courses, or question about degree requiremetns, contact an advisor.

Introductory Courses (20 credits) 

PHYS170 (1): Professional Physics Seminar 

PHYS171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics 

PHYS265 (3): Introduction to Scientific Programming 

PHYS272 (3): Introductory Physics: Fields 

PHYS275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves 

PHYS273 (3): Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves 

PHYS276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 

TLPL101 (1): Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Elementary School 

TLPL102 (2): Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Middle School 

Supporting Mathematics Courses (16 - 19 credits) 

MATH140 (4): Calculus I 

MATH141 (4): Calculus II 

MATH241 (4): Calculus III 

And one of the following options: 

1) MATH243 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equation, or 

2) MATH240 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and MATH246 (3): Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers 

Upper-Level Requirements (28 - 29 credits) 

EDHD426 (3): Cognitive and Motivational Literacy Content 

TLPL401 (3): Student-Centered Curriculum Instruction 

TLPL414 (3): Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 

TLPL415 (3): Perspectives in Science 

PHYS371 (3): Modern Physics 

PHYS313 (4): Electrostatics 

PHYS375 (3): Experimental Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics* 

PHYS4XY (3): Advanced Physics Elective 

One of the following (3-4): 

PHYS401 (4): Quantum Physics I 

PHYS404 (3): Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics 

PHYS410 (3): Classical Mechanics 

PHYS413 (3): Electricity and Magnetism II 

*PHYS375 may be replaced by an additional, non-seminar, 400-level approved Physics course of 3-4 credits not being used to satisfy another requirement.

Physics Major - Applied Specialization

The Applied Physics specialization is designed for students who aim to enter the workforce in technical or scientific roles immediately after graduation or those who plan to pursue further studies in applied physics at the graduate level. This specialization focuses on practical applications of physics principles, equipping students with hands-on experience and problem-solving skills relevant to technology and research industries. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical training, the Applied Physics specialization prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and innovate in their chosen fields.

Applied Physics majors are required to take the following courses. In addition, students must complete all necessary GenEd requirements. Sample graudation plans for each specilaization are avaiable here. 

For more information on these courses, or question about degree requiremetns, contact an advisor.

Introductory Courses (19 credits) 

PHYS170 (1): Professional Physics Seminar 

PHYS171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics 

PHYS265 (3): Introduction to Scientific Programming 

PHYS272 (3): Introductory Physics: Fields 

PHYS275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves 

PHYS273 (3): Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves 

PHYS276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 

ENME272 (2): Introduction to Computer Aided Design 

Supporting Mathematics Courses (16 - 19 credits) 

MATH140 (4): Calculus I 

MATH141 (4): Calculus II 

MATH241 (4): Calculus III 

One of the following options (4 - 7): 

1) MATH243 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equation, or

2) MATH240 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and MATH246 (3): Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers 

Upper-Level Courses (32 credits) 

PHYS313 (4): Electricity and Magnetism I 

PHYS371 (3): Modern Physics 

PHYS375 (3): Experimental Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics

PHYS401 (4): Quantum Physics I 

PHYS404 (3): Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics 

PHYS413 (3): Electricity and Magnetism II 

PHYS456 (3): Making Physics Experiments 

PHYS474 (3): Computational Physics 

PHYS4XY (3): Advanced Physics Elective 

One of the following: 

PHYS485 (3): Electronic Circuits 

PHYS487 (3): Computerized Instrumentation

Physics Major - Bio-Physics Specialization

The Biophysics specialization is designed for students interested in exploring the intersection of physics and biology. It serves those who aim to study biophysics in graduate school and those who seek a strong physics foundation while preparing for the MCAT and medical school. This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of biological and physical systems, offering insights into the physical principles underlying biological processes. Students will gain valuable analytical and problem-solving skills, making them well-prepared for advanced studies in biophysics, medical research, or a career in the health sciences.

Bio-Physics Physics majors are required to take the following courses. In addition, students must complete all necessary GenEd requirements. Sample graudation plans for each specilaization are avaiable here. 

For more information on these courses, or question about degree requiremetns, contact an advisor.

Introductory Courses (37 credits) 

PHYS170 (1): Professional Physics Seminar 

PHYS171 (3): Introductory Physics: Mechanics 

PHYS265 (3): Introduction to Scientific Programming 

PHYS272 (3): Introductory Physics: Fields 

PHYS275 (2): Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves 

PHYS273 (3): Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves 

PHYS276 (2): Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 

BSCI170 (3): Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology 

BSCI171 (1): Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology Laboratory 

CHEM131 (3): Chemistry I - Fundamentals of General Chemistry 

CHEM132 (1): General Chemistry I Laboratory 

CHEM231 (3): Organic Chemistry I 

CHEM232 (1): Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 

CHEM241 (3): Organic Chemistry II 

CHEM242 (1): Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 

CHEM271 (2): General Chemistry and Energetics 

CHEM272 (2): General Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory 

Supporting Mathematics Courses (16 - 19 credits) 

MATH140 (4): Calculus I 

MATH141 (4): Calculus II 

MATH241 (4): Calculus III 

And one of the following options: 

1) MATH243 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equation, or

2) MATH240 (4): Introduction to Linear Algebra and MATH246 (3): Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers 

Upper-Level Courses (26 - 27 credits) 

BSCI330 (4): Cell Biology and Physiology 

BCHM461 (3): Biochemistry I 

PHYS313 (4): Electricity and Magnetism I 

PHYS371 (3): Modern Physics 

PHYS404 (3): Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics 

PHYS483 (3): Biophysics 

PHYS4XY (3): Advanced Physics Elective 

One of the following: 

PHYS375 (3): Experimental Physics III: Waves, Optics and Modern Physics 

BSCI4XY (3-4): An Approved Advanced BSCI Elective 

Note: Students interested in medical school should consult a pre-med advisor (prehealth.umd.edu) for additional course recommendations.

The Physics Minor

The Physics Minor requirements are listed on the Physics Minor Declaration Sheet

Note: Students may only use a total of 7 cr from their minor to complete major requirements. As a result, Astronomy majors can not minor in Physics. Engineering majors must be selective on which courses apply to both their minor and major, but can still easily minor in Physics.

For more information on these courses, or question about degree requirements, contact an advisor.