Paths through the Physics Major

There are many ways to complete the 12 course requirements for the Physics major. Here are some possibilities. We encourage you to discuss your own path with your advisor or any other member of the department. 

* Optional coursework.

  Math placement 105/111 

Year 

Fall 

Spring 

First 

MATH 105 

Survey class (ASTR-111, PHYS-113, etc.)*

MATH 106/111 

Sophomore 

Mechanics 123 

MATH 121 

Electromagnetism 124 

MATH 211 

Junior 

Waves 125 

Modern 225 

Stat Mech 230 

SNL 226 

Senior 

Elective 

Elective 

Thesis*

Society 255 

Thesis*

Thesis*
  • MATH 111 may be taken either semester
  • Occasionally, MATH 111 students may be approved to take PHYS 123 concurrently. 

 
  Math placement 121

Year 

Fall 

Spring 

First 

Mechanics 123 MATH 121 

Electromagnetism 124 MATH 211 

Sophomore 

Waves 125 

Stat Mech 230 

Junior 

Modern 225 Elective 

SNL 226 

Society 255

Senior 

Elective

Thesis* 

Thesis*

Thesis* 
  • Waves/Modern can be flipped 
  Spring start Spring start (alternative)
Year Fall Spring Fall Spring
First MATH 111
Survey class (ASTR-111, PHYS-113, etc.)*		 Mechanics 116
MATH 121		 MATH 111
Survey class (ASTR-111, PHYS-113, etc.)*		 Mechanics 116
MATH 121
Sophomore Electromagnetism 117
MATH 211		 Stat Mech 230
Society 255		 Waves 125
MATH 211
Electromagnetism 124
Junior Waves 125
Modern 225		 SNL 226
Elective		 Modern 225
Elective		 Stat Mech 230
SNL 226
Senior Elective
Thesis*		 Thesis*
Thesis*		 Elective
Thesis*		 Society 255
Thesis*
Thesis*
3-year major with thesis 

Year 

Fall 

Spring 

First 

Mechanics 123

MATH 121 

Electromagnetism 124

MATH 211 

Sophomore 

Waves 125 

Modern 225 

Stat Mech 230 

SNL 226 

Junior 

Elective 

Elective 

Society 255 

Senior 

Thesis 

Thesis 

Thesis 
  • Assumes placement out of MATH 111
  • If you place out of 123, take Waves in fall of your first year 
                                                                   Late start
Year Fall Spring
First    
Sophomore MATH 111 Mechanics 116
MATH 121
Junior Electromagnetism 117
MATH 211		 Stat Mech 230
Modern in 5C
Senior Waves 125
Elective		 SNL 226
Society 255
Elective

* Optional coursework