Program Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in physics requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including at least 44 semester hours of work for the major (minimum of 24 semester hours in physics plus 20 semester hours in supporting coursework). The BA program requires fewer physics courses than the BS program does, giving students a wider choice of electives across the campus. The major is designed for students who wish to build a foundation of knowledge in physics and tailor that knowledge with any number of areas that are suitable for their aspirations. For example, students have chosen the BA along with business, medicine, law, computer science, education, other sciences, and engineering.
Plan of Study
The plan of study below lists only the core courses required for a B.A. in Physics. This does not include required GE CLAS Core courses, which may be found in the UI General Catalog. Undergraduates are also strongly encouraged to be active participants in research within the department.
- FIRST YEAR
- FALL: Physics I (PHYS:1701) - 4 sh, Calculus I (MATH:1850) - 4 sh
- SPRING: Physics II (PHYS:1702) - 4 sh, Calculus II (MATH:1860) - 4 sh
- SECOND YEAR
- FALL: Physics III (PHYS:2703) - 4 sh, Intro to Linear Algebra (MATH:2700) - 4 sh
- SPRING: Physics IV (PHYS:2704) - 4 sh, Calculus III (MATH:2850) - 4 sh
- THIRD YEAR
- FALL: Intermediate Laboratory (PHYS:3756) - 3 sh, A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher
- SPRING: Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area, A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher
- FOURTH YEAR
- FALL: Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area, A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher
- SPRING: Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area, Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area
GE CLAS Core Requirements
The GE CLAS Core has 11 required areas, grouped into three categories. Students must fulfill the requirements in each GE CLAS Core area.
- Communication and Literacy
- Diversity and Inclusion: Minimum of 3 sh
- Interpretation of Literature: Minimum of 3 sh
- Rhetoric: Minimum of 4 sh
- World Languages: Requirements vary by language (0 sh - 20 sh)
- Sustainability
- Sustainability: Minimum of one course from the next two categories that integrates sustainability (0 sh)
- Natural, Quantitative and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences: Minimum of 7 sh; must include one lab
- Quantitative or Formal Reasoning: Minimum of 3 sh
- Social Sciences: Minimum of 3 sh
- Culture, Society, and the Arts
- Historical Perspectives: Minimum of 3 sh
- International and Global Issues: Minimum of 3 sh
- Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts: Minimum of 3 sh
- Values and Culture: Minimum of 3 sh
Degree Requirements
Below is a summary of the total semester hour requirements to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Physics.
- Mathematics Courses: 8
- Required Physics Courses: 15-19
- Elective Physics Courses: 9-10
- Supporting Coursework: 12
- GE CLAS Core Courses: 25-45
- Elective Courses: 26-51
- Total Hours: 44-49
Double Major in Physics and Astronomy
Students working toward a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in physics and in astronomy must complete all requirements for both majors and must earn a minimum of 56 sh outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy in order to graduate.
Dual Degrees in Physics and Engineering
Qualified students who are interested in both Physics and Engineering may wish to pursue a dual degree option leading to both a Bachelor of Arts in physics and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in one of several engineering disciplines.
Physics Pre-Medicine Curriculum
If you are interested in Physics, but intend to go to Medical or Dental School after graduation, the Physics Department can accommodate your needs. The Bachelor of Arts in physics offers enough flexibility in scheduling for a student to satisfy both the physics major B.A. requirements and the Pre-Med curriculum requirements.
BA/MAT Science Education
Undergraduates can obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and combine it with the College of Education's MAT program. This pathway is the College of Education's U2G pathway, allowing a student to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s in a total of five years by awarding dual credit during the fourth year of study.
Teacher Licensure
Students interested in teaching in elementary and/or secondary schools should seek admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the College of Education. To qualify for licensure in secondary teaching, students in the TEP complete a degree in education as well as a related College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree.