Physics BA Degree
Students planning to major in Physics with a BA degree should take the following courses in Physics and Math:
| PHYS 121/122 or 131/132 | PHYS 210* |
| PHYS 227 | PHYS 271* |
| PHYS 323 | PHYS 327 |
| PHYS 331 | PHYS 332 |
| PHYS 341 | PHYS 421 |
| MATH 224/225 | MATH 226/227 |
| MATH 323 | MATH 324 or MATH 371 |
* PHYS 210 and PHYS 271 are required beginning Fall 2024
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. These courses do not include general education requirements.
The Department Manual (for your incoming year) may be helpful.
For more detailed information about a BA in Physics, please consult the University Bulletin (arrival prior to Fall 2024) or the Academic Guide (arrival in Fall 2024 or later) or contact the Undergraduate Director.
BA/BS Starting in Sophomore Year
Prior to the junior year, the student must have taken PHYS 121/122 (or 131/132), MATH 323 and, if possible, MATH 324 or MATH 371 (or 324). Candidates for the BS degree should have also completed CHEM 111 (or CHEM 107/108, or CHEM 104/105/106).
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.
Please contact the Undergraduate Director for more information.
Undergraduate Program Director
Wei-Cheng Lee
Office: SN 2013
Phone: (607) 777-3853
E-mail: wlee@binghamton.edu
