Physics BS Degree Map
The degree map is a term-by-term sample course schedule to make it easier for you to understand how to graduate in four years with a degree in Physics. The actual sequence of courses may differ for each student. Please consult with your advisor about the best path for you.
Credits to Graduate with a BS in Physics
120
A Bachelor of Science degree in Physics requires 120 credits. With 5 classes a semester, this puts you on track to graduate in 4 years. A minimum gpa of 2.0 is required.
Credits for Major in Physics
62
To qualify as a major, 62 credits are required. 48 credits are core courses in physics and 15 credits are electives taken in mathematics.
General Education Credits Required for a BS in Physics
30
To satisfy the general education requirements, 30 credits are required. However, some courses may fulfill both major and general education requirements. Be sure to discuss your courses with your advisor
First Year
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHY 0156-113 Physics for Science Majors I BS Physics/General Education Requirement |
4 credits |
| MTH 0144-141¹ Calculus I BS Physics/General Education Requirement |
4 credits |
| PHY 0156-125 Physics Orientation Seminar BS Physics Requirement |
1 credit |
| ENG 0122-107 Art & Craft of Writing General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| FYS 0952-110 First Year Seminar General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| 16 credits |
¹Students must have earned a grade of ‘C’ or higher in MTH 140 or passed dept exam to register for course.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHY 0156-114 Physics for Science Majors II BS Physics/General Education Requirement |
4 credits |
| MTH 0144-142 Calculus II BS Physics/General Education Requirement |
4 credits |
| Arts Elective Select 1 course General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| POL 0158-102 Introduction to Politics General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| ECA 0203-111/112 Select 1 course from above General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| 17 credits |
- If you live on campus, join your Residential Hall Council
- Explore MyAULife! Discover all the student organizations that Adelphi has and find one you want to attend an event, or meeting for to meet their members.
- Join the Physics Club! Learn more about them here and how to join.
- Engage in campus events and programs. Log on to Handshake and start developing your profile. Visit your professors during office hours to ask for help if struggling.
Second Year
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHY 0156-230 Statics BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| PHY 0156-211 Math Methods in Physics I BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| PHY 0156-216 Modern Physics BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| CHE 0106-111 General Chemistry BS Physics Recommendation |
4 credits |
| 15 credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| MTH 0144-243 Calculus III BS Physics/General Education Requirement |
4 credits |
| PHY 0156-301 Math Methods in Physics II BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| PHY 0156-260 Engineering Thermodynamic & Kinetic Theory BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| PHY 0156-231 Dynamics BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| Computer Science Course Select 1 CSC course BA Physics Recommendation |
3 credits |
| 16 credits |
- If you live on campus, run for the Executive Board of the Residential Student Association
- Join the AU Math Organization! Learn more about them here and the opportunities they hold.
- Join a Greek Life or Social Fellowship organization! Learn how you can find your home here.
- Search Handshake for a job on campus to start building relevant experience. Join the Physics Club.
Third Year
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHY 0156-264 Optics BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| MTH 0144-244 Introduction Ordinary Differential Equations BS Physics Requirement |
3 credits |
| PHY 0156-243 Introduction Electrical Engineering BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| Humanities Elective 1 of 2 courses General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| ARH 0111-196 Art and The World I General Education Requirements |
3 credits |
| 16 credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHY 0156-380 Electromagnetic Theory BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| PHY 0156-322 Advanced Physics BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| PHY 0156-428 Quantum Mechanics BS Physics Requirement |
4 credits |
| Communication Elective Select 1 course: Written General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| 15 credits |
- If you live on campus, apply to be an Resident Assistant
- Participate in at least 3 volunteer opportunities, such as Adelphi Gives Back Month!
- Time to take a bigger role! Run for an executive board position in an organization you are apart of.
- Prepare your resume and your LinkedIn profile, and have them reviewed by a counselor at the Center for Career and Professional Development. Discover Alumnifire to connect with alumni.
Fourth Year
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Humanities Elective 2 of 2 courses General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| Global Awareness/Civic Engagement Elective Select 1 course General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| Communication Elective Select 1 course: Oral General Education Requirement |
3 credits |
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| 15 credits |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| General Elective | 3 credits |
| 12 credits |
- If you have lived on campus, apply for the National Residence Hall Honorary
- You made it! Time to celebrate by attending Senior Week Events.
- Volunteer in the Panther Pantry! Give back to the Adelphi community and address food insecurity needs, learn more here!
- Sign up for the Leadership Certificate Program. Build your Linkedin profile and meet with the Center for Career and Professional Development to get ideas on conducting a job search.
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