BA Degree Requirements

Physics BA Degree

Students planning to major in physics with a BA degree should take PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132) and should complete MATH 221 (or Math 224, Math 225), MATH 222 (or Math 226, Math 227), 323, 324 or 371, and 471.

Mathematics should be continued at least through Mathematical Methods in Science I and II (MATH 371-471). In addition, a major in physics normally requires PHYS 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341 and 421 (a total of nine full courses in physics). If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years.

The Watson School has several offerings that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete the projects assigned in upper-level physics courses. Prospective physics majors should discuss their programs with a member of the department at their earliest convenience.

Four of the six required 300- and 400-level PHYS courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.


BA/BS Starting in Sophomore Year

Prior to the junior year, the student must have taken PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132), MATH 323 and, if possible, MATH 371. Candidates for the BS degree should have also completed CHEM 111 (or CHEM 107 and 108).

The programs for the junior and senior years are identical to those prescribed in the next section for transfer students from two-year colleges.

BA/BS After the Two Year Degree

The Department has secured its curriculum so that the graduate of a two-year college may complete a BA or BS degree program in two additional years. It is assumed that such students have completed the equivalent of two semesters of general physics and three semesters of calculus by the time of enrollment. If they have not, an additional semester or two may be necessary. A general physics course with a weekly three-hour laboratory normally satisfies the equivalent of PHYS 121, PHYS 122 and PHYS 227; although the student must still complete the total required number of physics courses for the degree. If the student is working for the BS degree, it is also important that as many general education requirements as possible be fulfilled at the two-year school.


Undergraduate Program Director

Masatsugu Suzuki
Office: SN 2048
Phone: (607) 777-4320
E-mail: suzuki@binghamton.edu