Earn your BA 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, student have chosen the BA along with business, medicine, law, computer science, education, other sciences and engineering.
Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.
Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in physics, visit the UI General Catalog.
Requirements and program planning
The plan of study below lists only the core courses required for a BA in Physics. This does not include required General Education CLAS Core courses and electives. Undergraduates are also strongly encouraged to be active participants in research within the department.
Degree requirements
The following is a summary of the total semester hour requirements to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Physics.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mathematics courses | 8 |
| Required physics courses | 15-19 |
| Elective physics courses | 9-10 |
| Supporting coursework | 12 |
| GE CLAS Core courses | 25-45a |
| Elective courses | 26-51 |
| Total hours | 44-49 |
a This total does not include the Natural Sciences or Quantitative Formal Reasoning requirements, both of which are met with required courses in the major.
Plan of study
| Year | Semester | Physics courses | Electives and supporting courses | Math courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | Fall | Physics I GE (PHYS:1701) - 4 semester hours | N/A | Calculus I GE a (MATH:1850) - 4 semester hours |
| Spring | Physics II GE (PHYS:1702) - 4 semester hours | N/A | Calculus II (MATH:1860) - 4 semester hours | |
| Second | Fall | Physics III (PHYS:2703) - 4 semester hours | N/A | Intro to Linear Algebra b (MATH:2700) - 4 semester hours |
| Spring | Physics IV (PHYS:2704) - 4 semester hours | N/A | Calculus III b (MATH:2850) - 4 semester hours | |
| Third | Fall | Intermediate Laboratory (PHYS:3756) - 3 semester hours | A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher c | N/A |
| Spring | Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area d | A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher c | N/A | |
| Fourth | Fall | Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area d | A physics elective course numbered 3000 or higher c | N/A |
| Spring | Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area d | Additional STEM course in chosen thematic area d | N/A |
GE This course satisfies a General Education requirement.
a Enrollment in math courses requires completion of a placement exam.
b While this course is not a major requirement, it is strongly recommended and a prerequisite for many physics and astronomy courses in the department.
c See General Catalog for a list of approved courses.
d Students should work with their academic advisor to select courses that fit with their plan of study.
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Dual programs
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 semester hours outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy in order to graduate. Students interested in earning a double major should consult with their advisors. See Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.
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 (Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, Industrial and Systems, and Mechanical Engineering). The dual degree program may be started from either the Physics major or from an Engineering major. The program can usually be completed in 5 years (or less), depending on individual circumstances.
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 BA requirements and the Pre-Med curriculum requirements. Our graduates have a good record of success in gaining admission to medical school. Please contact Professor Jane Nachtman for more information.
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 you to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s in a total of five years by awarding dual credit during your 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. See Teacher Education Program Application and Admission on the College of Education website for details on requirements and deadlines for applying to the College of Education and about TEP choices of majors leading to licensure.