Requirements and Recommendations
The Major

Students interested in physics should seek individual advice and guidance from the Physics Department at their earliest opportunity.

Whenever possible, physics majors should begin their work in both physics and mathematics in the freshman year by enrolling in Physics 113, 114, 181, 182, and Calculus. Students who are interested in physical science or engineering, but who are not ready to move into Physics 113-114, should seek advice from the department about an alternative course sequence before starting introductory physics.
Note: Students may not receive credit for both Physics 107-108 and 113-114.

Requirements for Graduation with BA in Physics

Majors must earn a minimum of 34 credits in physics courses including Physics 113, 114, 181, 182, 211, 214, 281, 312, 321, either 391 (or Engin 291) or 382 and two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher. Physics majors also must complete Mathematics 240 and 310. A physics major may complete up to two courses in mathematics or cognate sciences at the advanced level in lieu of advanced physics electives, but prior approval of the department at least one semester before his or her expected graduation is required.

Completion of the BA in physics fulfills the field of knowledge requirement for eligibility to apply for certification from the Massachusetts State Department of Education. For further information, see the section of this publication on the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program.

Requirements for Graduation with BS in Physics

Majors must earn a minimum of 40 credits in physics courses including:
Physics 113, 114, 181, 182, 211, 214, 281, 312, 321,
either 382 or 391 (or Engin 291),
either 322 or 392 (or Engin 292), 421,
and two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher.

In addition, majors must complete:
Chemistry 103-104,
Mathematics 240 and 310, and
CS 110 or an approved substitute. (Students with proficiency in computer programming may request from the department a waiver of the CS 110 requirement.)

Students should note that the University requires for a BS degree six mathematics or science courses outside of the student's major field. Most physics majors (especially those planning graduate work and/or professional careers in physical science) will want to take more physics and mathematics courses than the minimum required for graduation.

Additional courses recommended for students planning to pursue graduate studies are Physics 322, 350 and 422, and two or more semesters of mathematics courses such as Mathematics 311 and 320. All majors are encouraged to gain facility in computer programming.

Requirements for Graduation with BS in Engineering Physics

This major combines the first two years of a standard engineering curriculum, the requirements for the BS in physics, and advanced work in engineering and applied science. For a detailed description, see the "Engineering Physics" section.

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