Professors Bloom, Cheyne, McDermott; Associate Professors Keohane, Thurman
Chair: Walter C. McDermott III
The requirements for a major in Physics are 34 hours within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including Physics 131, 132, 151, 152, 233, 244, 331, 332, either Physics 106 or 243, and at least one of Physics 351, 352, or 461. Of the remaining 9 hours, 3 hours must be at the 200-level or above and 3 hours must be at the 300-level or above. Students majoring in Physics must complete Mathematics 141, 142, and 242.
The requirements for a major in Engineering Physics are 16 hours in Engineering Physics, including Engineering Physics 101, 215, 243, 331, 451, and 452; 14 hours in Physics, including Physics 106, 131, 132, 151, 152, and 244. Students majoring in Engineering Physics must complete Mathematics 141, 142, 242, 231, and 243. Students must choose one of the two tracks: (a) Students must complete 6 elective hours at the 200- level or higher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Students must choose to complete either Physics 220 or Computer Science 261, or (b) Students must complete 9 elective hours in Engineering Physics or Physics with at least 3 at the 300- level or above; Computer Science 261, 262; Economics and Business 101; Philosophy 215; and either Chemistry 110/151 or Biology 110/151.
Physics majors seeking Distinction in Physics must complete Physics 461-462 and may not use these courses to fulfill elective hours in the major. Engineering Physics majors seeking Distinction in Engineering Physics must complete Engineering Physics 451- 452 and meet all requirements as defined by the department.
The requirements for a minor in Astronomy are 18 hours, including Astronomy 115, 210, and 310; and Physics 131, 132, 151, and 152. Of these classes, only Physics 131, 132, 151, and 152 may count for both this minor and another major or minor that lists these courses among its requirements.
The requirements for a minor in Physics are 19 hours within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including: Physics 131, 132, 151, 152, 233, and one semester of Physics 351 or 352. Of the remaining 6 hours, at least 3 hours must be at the 300-level or above. Students minoring in Physics must complete Mathematics 141 and 142, with Mathematics 242 being highly recommended. No student may both minor in Physics and complete a major within the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
updated 7/10/2026