BA/BS in Physics

In this major, almost everyone follows the same classes through the first two years and then finishes a common set of advanced core courses, with some freedom in choosing upper-level electives. By graduation students should understand mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical physics and quantum theory, and have laboratory abilities useful for graduate school and many other careers. The degree requires 126 credits, including 20 credits of calculus and linear algebra and physics courses paired with labs. Every course counted toward the major, mathematics included, needs a C-minus or better. One exception is possible for a single class taken during the year before graduating, if the undergraduate director agrees that circumstances justify it. Students should plan the sequence of physics and mathematics courses carefully from the first semester.