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.

Plan of Study Grid
FreshmanCredits
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
 Credits18
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
 Credits28
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
 Credits27
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
 Credits8
 Total Credits81

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.