Physics, BA, Four-Year Plan

Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Sample Plan for New Students

This is a sample plan. *some courses have prerequisites.

Important Major Information

  • Total Credits Minimum: 180
  • Credits in Major: 89
  • Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
  • Minimum Major GPA: 2.0 (some scholarships may require higher)

Resources for Success

  • Plan your courses on MySeattleU.
  • Meet with a Career Coach from the Career Engagement Center.
  • Access academic support through Learning Assistance Programs.
  • Visit the Advising Services page for additional support.

Four-Year Plan For New Students

Year 1

Fall Winter Spring
PHYS 1000 - From Quarks to the Cosmos (2) PHYS 1210 - Mechanics* (4) PHYS 1220 - Electricity & Magnetism* (4)
MATH 1334 - Calculus I* (5) PHYS 1211 - Mechanics Lab* (1) PHYS 1221 - Electricity & Magnetism Lab* (1)
UCOR Module I (5) MATH 1335 - Calculus II* (5) MATH 1336 - Calculus III* (5)
UCOR Module I (5) UCOR Module I (5) UCOR Module I (5)

Year 2

Fall Winter Spring
PHYS 1230 - Waves and Optics* (4) PHYS 2030 - Thermodynamics* (2) PHYS 2050 - Modern Physics* (5)
PHYS 1231 - Waves and Optics Lab* (1) MATH 2330 - Multivariable Calculus* (3) PHYS 2060 - Modern Physics Lab* (3)
MATH 2320 - Linear Algebra* (3) UCOR Module II* (5) MATH 2340 - Differential Equations* (4)
CPSC 1220 or ECEGR 2000 (Programming)* (5) General Elective (5) UCOR Module II* (5)

Year 3

Fall Winter Spring
PHYS 2500 - Mathematical Methods for Physics* (4) PHYS 3300 - Electromagnetic Field Theory* (5) PHYS 3850 - Quantum Mechanics* (5)
PHYS 3100 - Classical Mechanics* (5) UCOR Module III* (5) PHYS Elective (3000 or 4000 level) (5)
UCOR Module III* (5) General Elective (5) General Elective (5)

Year 4

Fall Winter Spring
PHYS 4870 - Senior Synthesis* (3) UCOR Module III* (5) PHYS Elective (3000 or 4000 level) (5)
General Elective (5) General Elective (5) General Elective (5)
General Elective (5) General Elective (5) General Elective (5)

University Core Requirements

  • Module I: Academic Writing Seminar, Quantitative Thinking (satisfied in major), Creative Expression, Inquiry in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences (satisfied in major)
  • Module II: Theological Explorations, Philosophy of the Human Person, Ethical Reasoning
  • Module III: Religion in a Global Context, Humanities & Global Challenges, Social Sciences & Global Challenges

Additional Notes

  • The BA in Physics is for students interested in teaching, science writing, public policy, business, or combining with another major.
  • Assumes placement into MATH 1334 by SAT/ACT/SU math placement or equivalent credit.
  • Physics electives vary, including options like Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, Introduction to Astrophysics, Modern Optics, and Particle and Nuclear Physics.
  • PHYS 1000 - From Quarks to the Cosmos is strongly recommended in the first year but not required.

Curriculum Notes

Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.

Contact your Advising Center for support:

Science & Engineering Advising: se-adv@seattleu.edu
Seattle U Advising Services: seattleu.edu/advising

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