Physics Major and Minor Requirements
The physics curriculum establishes a strong scientific basis and opens pathways for graduate study in physics and most engineering disciplines, technical careers in industry, the government or the military, a teaching career in secondary school physics or middle school science, and careers in any fields in which demand robust analytic aptitudes.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
Physics Major
At least 36 hours of physics courses and 20 hours of cognate courses are required for the physics major. Required courses include:
- Physics 201: University Physics I
- Physics 202: University Physics II
- Physics 303: Theoretical Physics I
- Physics 304: Theoretical Physics II
- Physics 310: Experimental Physics I
- Physics 311: Experimental Physics II
- Physics 410: Electronics
- Physics 421: Mechanics I
- Physics 451: Thermal Physics
- Physics 460: Electricity & Magnetism
- Physics 490: Quantum Mechanics I
- Physics 575: Writing the Senior Thesis
- Chemistry 201 General Chemistry I
- Chemistry 202 General Chemistry II
- Mathematics 120: Calculus I
- Mathematics 220: Calculus II
- Mathematics 320: Multivariable Calculus
Physics majors must also take at least one course chosen from:
- Physics 470: Advanced Experimental Physics – Mechanics & Light
- Physics 471: Advanced Experimental Physics – X-Ray & Nuclear Physics
- Physics 472: Advanced Experimental Physics – Electricity & Magnetism
- Physics 480: Research in Magnetism
And an at least one additional course chosen from:
- Physics 507: Nuclear & Atomic Physics
- Physics 509: Light
- Physics 511: Quantum Mechanics II
- Physics 520: Solid State Physics
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) comprehensive physics test and the ETS Physics Assessment Test are also required. An acceptable score on the GRE physics test must be received by April 15 of the senior year. The ETS Physics Assessment Test will be given by the department during the major’s senior year. Physics seniors also complete the Senior Survey.
Physics Minor
A physics minor requires 21 hours, including:
- Physics 201: University Physics I
- Physics 202: University Physics II
- Physics 303: Theoretical Physics I
- Physics 304: Theoretical Physics II
- Physics 310: Experimental Physics I
- Physics 311: Experimental Physics II
The remaining five hours will be taken from courses required for the physics major.