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Sample Minor in Physics Degree Curriculum

Total Credits: 20

This webpage provides an accessible overview of the Physics minor. For advising or official record use, consult the full catalog and department guidance.

The sequence below is a recommended pathway. Because several upper-level Physics courses have prerequisite chains, students should review course selection and timing with an advisor.

Minor Requirements

Required Courses

  • PHY 113 – Classical Physics I (4 credits)
  • PHY 114 – Classical Physics II (4 credits)
  • PHY 115 – Classical Physics III (3 credits) or PHY 213 – Modern Physics (3 credits)

Advanced Physics Courses

Choose any three 300-level or higher Physics courses from the approved list.

  • PHY 300 – Seminar
  • PHY 313 – Mechanics
  • PHY 322 – Electronic Devices
  • PHY 341 – Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHY 342 – Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHY 343 – Mathematical Physics I
  • PHY 410 – Special Topics
  • PHY 411 – Electromagnetic Fields I
  • PHY 412 – Electromagnetic Fields II
  • PHY 421 – Advanced Laboratory
  • PHY 441 – Statistical Thermodynamics
  • PHY 442 – Solid State Physics
  • PHY 521 – Computational Physics
  • PHY 531

Recommended Preparation

Although the minor totals 20 credits in Physics, the recommended sequence shown in the departmental flowchart assumes supporting coursework in mathematics that prepares students for upper-level Physics courses.

  • MTH 151 or MTH 153 – Calculus I
  • MTH 152 or MTH 154 – Calculus II
  • MTH 211 or MTH 213 – Calculus III

Students interested in upper-level theoretical or computational Physics coursework may also find the following especially useful:

  • PHY 234 – Intermediate Mathematical Physics
  • MTH 212 – Differential Equations

Recommended Sequence

Early Courses

  • PHY 113 – Classical Physics I
  • PHY 114 – Classical Physics II
  • PHY 115 – Classical Physics III or PHY 213 – Modern Physics

Possible Upper-Level Progression

  • PHY 322 – Electronic Devices
  • PHY 343 – Mathematical Physics I
  • PHY 313 – Mechanics
  • PHY 341 – Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHY 411 – Electromagnetic Fields I
  • PHY 342 – Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHY 421 – Advanced Laboratory
  • PHY 412 – Electromagnetic Fields II
  • PHY 441 – Statistical Thermodynamics
  • PHY 442 – Solid State Physics
  • PHY 521 – Computational Physics
  • PHY 300+/410 – Special Topics

Minor Notes

  • PHY 114 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2A.
  • PHY 115 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2B.
  • Courses identified as Physics electives in the flowchart should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor.
  • The recommended sequence shown in the source document includes prerequisite and co-requisite relationships; those are not reproduced here as arrows, so advising is especially important for course sequencing.