Physics Major Suggested Course Sequence

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Please note that Physics majors should meet with a Physics advisor as soon as possible to set a specific course schedule.

Freshman Year

First Semester

ENGL 1010 - Critical Reading and Expository Writing (3 credits)
HIST 2010 - The United States to 1877 (3 credits)
MATH 1910 - Calculus I (4 credits)
Social/Behavioral Science (3 credits)
Fine Arts (3 credits)

Semester Total: 16 Credit Hours

Second Semester

ENGL 1020 - Critical Thinking and Argumentation (3 credits)
HIST 2020 - The United States since 1877 (3 credits)
MATH 1920 - Calculus II (4 credits)
MATH 2010 - Linear Algebra (3 credit hours)
Social/Behavioral Science (3 credits)

Semester Total: 16 Credit Hours

Sophomore Year

First Semester

PHYS 2110 - Technical Physics I-Calculus Based (5 credits)
MATH 2110 - Calculus III (4 credits)
PHIL 2640 - Science and the Modern World (3 credits)
Literature (3 credits)

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Second Semester

PHYS 2120 - Technical Physics II-Calculus Based (5 credits)
SPCH 2320 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
MATH 2120 - Differential Equations (3 credits)
Free Electives (3 credits)

Semester Total: 14 Credit Hours

Junior Year

First Semester

PHYS 3010 - Mechanics (4 credits)
PHYS 3610 - Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3 credits)
Major and/or Minor Requirements ¹ (8 credits total)

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Second Semester

PHYS 3410 - Modern Physics Lab (2 credits)
PHYS 3710 - Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits)
PHYS 4617 - Quantum Physics (4 credits)
Minor Requirement (4 credits)

Semester Total: 14 Credit Hours

Senior Year

First Semester

Major and/or Minor requirements ¹ (8 credits total)
Physics electives (4 credits)
Free Electives (3 credits)

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Second Semester

Physics Elective (4 credits)
Minor requirement (4 credits)
Free Electives (7 credits)

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Total: 120 Credit Hours

¹PHYS 4117 is a required major course that is offered every other year during the first semester. As such, it should be taken in the Junior or Senior year depending on when it is offered.