Planning a Physics major

Physics is a demanding major with quite a few requirements. Because we typically offer our upper level courses only every other year, it’s very important to make sure that you arrange your schedule so that you can meet all of the requirements prior to your intended graduation date.

Here are a couple of sample schedules which should give you some sense of when you need to take each class. This isn’t the only path to completing a Physics major; for example, one or both of the electives could be taken during your senior year. While we only require 3 SH of PHYS 401, we recommend allowing a full year to complete the capstone, as this lets you undertake more interesting and ambitious projects.

Another important point: since the upper-level courses in Math and Physics are offered every other year, your schedule will vary somewhat depending your starting year. Therefore we provide one sample schedule for students beginning in odd years (e.g. 2013-2014) and another for students beginning in even years (e.g. 2014-2015).

In addition to the major requirements listed here, you’ll also need to complete the General Education and other requirements listed in the College Catalog.

Sample Schedule for Physics Majors Beginning in Odd Years

YearFall SemesterSpring Semester
FreshmanPHYS 201
MATH 181
CHEM 131
PHYS 202
MATH 182
SophomorePHYS 203
MATH 283
PHYS 204
MATH 273
JuniorPHYS 283
PHYS 303
PHYS elective
PHYS 307
PHYS elective
SeniorPHYS 305
PHYS 401
MATH 355
PHYS 301
PHYS 401
MATH 380

Sample Schedule for Physics Majors Beginning in Even Years

YearFall SemesterSpring Semester
FreshmanPHYS 201
MATH 181
CHEM 131
PHYS 202
MATH 182
SophomorePHYS 203
MATH 283
PHYS 204
MATH 273
JuniorPHYS 305
PHYS elective
MATH 355
PHYS 301
PHYS elective
MATH 380
SeniorPHYS 283
PHYS 303
PHYS 401
PHYS 307
PHYS 401