Mathematics-Physics Major
NSM PEAK
The Mathematics-Physics major provides an excellent basis for many post-college paths, including teaching, engineering, working in industry or tech-related business fields, and graduate study in physics, astronomy, and various fields of engineering. Our majors enjoy a wide variety of after-college options because of the training they undergo to become independent problem solvers who utilize both physics and mathematics and who can effectively communicate their understanding.
Mathematics-Physics majors may not minor in Physical Science. They also may not major or minor in Mathematics.
Major Requirements
41 Credits
Mathematics-Physics Core (15 credits)
The Mathematics and Physical Sciences Core provides a strong mathematical background to all Mathematics and Mathematics-Physics majors in our department. This collection of courses incorporates mathematical methods and concepts and fundamentals of computer programming along with the foundational course in analytical physics as an introduction to problem-solving, abstract analysis, and applications.
| CSC-150 | Comp Sci I: Intro to Comp Sci and Prog | 3 credits |
| MAT-175 | Single Variable Calculus | 4 credits |
| MAT-275 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 credits |
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credit |
Depending on placement, completion of MAT-150 may be required prior to enrolling in MAT-175.
Colloquium (1 credit)
Complete two semesters of Colloquium at 0.5 credits per semester.
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium | 0.5 credits |
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium | 0.5 credits |
Preparatory Courses (10 credits)
Complete the following courses to prepare for upper-level physics.
| MAT-352 | Differential Equations | 3 credits |
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credit |
| PHY-283 | Modern Physics | 3 credits |
Mathematical Proofs Course (Optional)
Students planning to take upper-division mathematics courses other than MAT-352 must complete MAT-285.
| MAT-285 | Introduction to Proof | 1 credit |
Upper-Level Physics (6 credits)
Complete two of the following.
| PHY-301 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 credits |
| PHY-313 | Thermal Physics | 3 credits |
| PHY-330 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 credits |
| PHY-400 | Quantum Physics | 3 credits |
Upper-Level Mathematics and/or Physics Electives (6 credits)
Complete 6 credits of any additional 300- or 400-level MAT and/or PHY courses (except MAT-352). MAT-352 is a required preparatory course and does not fulfill credits in the elective area.
MAT/PHY-
| Elective MAT and/or PHY coursework, 300- or 400 level (except MAT-352) | 6 credits |
Mathematics-Physics Capstone (3 credits)
| PHY-490 | Mathematics-Physics Capstone | 3 credits |
Recommended Courses
Students interested in graduate study in physics are strongly encouraged to take the following courses.
| PHY-235 | Electronics | 3 credits |
| PHY-235L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 credit |
| MAT-285 | Introduction to Proof | 1 credit |
| MAT-361 | Linear Algebra | 3 credits |
| MAT-431 | Complex Analysis | 3 credits |
PHY-
| All 300- and 400-level PHY Courses | |