Physics Major
All students planning to major in physics are required to take the following courses. Because of the sequential nature of the curriculum, students should pursue the following plan of study.
Students enrolled in the 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering complete the requirements for the physics degree through the junior year. They then transfer to an engineering program and complete an additional two years. They earn a double bachelor's degree in physics and engineering.
| Freshman | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 1601 & PHYS 1511 | Introduction to Physics I and Physics I Lab | 5 |
| PHYS 1602 & PHYS 1512 | Introduction to Physics II and Physics II Lab | 5 |
| MATH 1206 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1207 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| PHYS 2005 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 2201 | Classical Mechanics I | 4 |
| CHEM 1321 & CHEM 1331 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 6 |
| CHEM 1322 & CHEM 1332 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 6 |
| MATH 2004 | Multivariable Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 2005 | Multivariable Calculus II | 4 |
| Credits | 28 | |
| Junior | ||
| PHYS 2011 | Intermediate Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 3001 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
| PHYS 3013 | Experimental Techniques in Engineering and Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3101 | Math Methods in Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 3102 | Math Methods in Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 3211 | Computational Physics and Programming I | 2 |
| PHYS 3401 | Thermo and Stat Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 4005 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
| Credits | 27 | |
| Senior | ||
| Select two of the following electives (except those in the 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering): | 8 | |
| Optics | ||
| Classical Mechanics II | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism II | ||
| Quantum Mechanics II | ||
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Undergraduate Research I | ||
| Undergraduate Research II | ||
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 81 | |
The minimum acceptable grade in all courses required for a degree in physics or engineering physics is a C-. All majors must meet with their faculty adviser each semester prior to registration to have their course schedules approved.
Physics and engineering physics majors are expected to take all required major courses at Fordham. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for certain rare and compelling reasons. Under no circumstances can more than two external courses be transferred toward the major.
Availability
The major in physics is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Students in Fordham's School of Professional and Continuing Studies may major in physics only if they receive the approval of their advising dean and/or department, and their schedules are sufficiently flexible to permit them to take day courses at the Rose Hill campus.
Fordham College at Rose Hill students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the Core Curriculum.
Professional and Continuing Studies students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the PCS Core Curriculum and any additional electives that may be required to earn a minimum of 124 credits.
CIP Code
40.0801 - Physics, General.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.