The degree map is a term-by-term sample course schedule to make it easier for you to understand how to graduate in four years with a degree in Physics. The actual sequence of courses may differ for each student. Please consult with your advisor about the best path for you.

Credits to Graduate with a BA in Physics

120
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics requires 120 credits. With 5 classes a semester, this puts you on track to graduate in 4 years. A minimum gpa of 2.0 is required.

Credits for Major in Physics

53
To qualify as a major, 53 credits are required. 38 are core courses in physics and 15 credits are in mathematics. Additionally, up to 12 credits are taken in a foreign language.

General Education Credits Required for a BA in Physics

30
To satisfy the general education requirements, 30 credits are required. However, some courses may fulfill both major and general education requirements. Be sure to discuss your courses with your advisor

First Year

Course Credits
FYS 0952-110
First Year Seminar
General Education Requirement
4 credits
ENG 0122-107
Art & Craft of Writing
General Education Requirement
3 credits
MTH 0144-141¹
Calculus I
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-113
Physics for Science Majors I
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-125
Physics Orientation Seminar
BA Physics Requirement
1 credit
16 credits

¹Students must have earned a ‘C’ or higher in MTH 140 or passed dept exam to register.

Course Credits
PHY 0156-114
Physics for Science Majors II
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
4 credits
MTH 0144-142
Calculus II
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
4 credits
Social Sciences Elective
1 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
POL 0158-102
Introduction to Politics
General Education Requirements
3 credits
ECA 0203-111/112
Select 1 course from above
General Education Requirement
3 credits
17 credits

Second Year

Course Credits
PHY 0156-230
Statics
BA Physics Requirement
3 credits
PHY 0156-211
Math Methods in Physics I
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-216
Modern Physics
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
CHE 0106-111
General Chemistry
BA Physics Recommendation
3 credits
Humanities Elective
1 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
 17 credits
Course Credits
MTH 0144-243
Calculus III
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-428
Quantum Mechanics
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-260
Engineering Thermodynamic & Kinetic Theory
BA Physics Requirement
3 credits
Computer Science Course
Select 1 CSC course
BA Physics Recommendation
3 credits
14 credirs

Third Year

Course Credits
PHY 0156-264
Optics
BA Physics Requirement
3 credits
MTH 0144-244
Introduction Ordinary Differential Equations
BA Physics Requirement
3 credits
Foreign Language Course²
Level I
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
3 credits
Social Sciences Elective
2 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
12 credits

²Students may elect to sit for language competency exam.

Course Credits
PHY 0156-380
Electromagnetic Theory
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
PHY 0156-322
Advanced Physics
BA Physics Requirement
4 credits
Foreign Language Course
Level II
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
3 credits
Humanities Elective
2 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
Arts Elective
1 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
17 credits

Fourth Year

Course Credits
Foreign Language Course
Level III
BA Physics/General Education Requirement
3 credits
Arts Elective
2 of 2 courses
General Education Requirement
3 credits
General Elective 3 credits
General Elective 3 credits
12 credits
Course Credits
Foreign Language Course
Level IV
BA Physics Requirement
3 credits
Communication Elective
Select 1 course: Written
General Education Requirement
3 credits
General Elective 3 credits
General Elective 3 credits
12 credits
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