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. The Mathematics-Physics major fulfills the Natural Sciences and Mathematics PEAK.
41 credits
Major Requirements
Complete the 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.
| MAT-175 | Single Variable Calculus | 4 credits |
| MAT-275 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 credits |
| CSC-150 | Computer Science I: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming | 3 credits |
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credit |
MAT-175: Depending on placement, completion of MAT-150 Applied Calculus: A Modeling Approach may be required prior to enrolling in MAT-175.
Colloquium requirement
Complete two semesters (1 credit) of Colloquium.
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium | 0.5 credits |
Optional mathematical Proofs course for Mathematics-Physics Majors
Students planning to take upper-division mathematics courses other than MAT-352 Differential Equations must complete the following course (1 credit).
| MAT-285 | Introduction to Proof | 1 credit |
Required preparatory courses
Complete the following courses to prepare for upper-level physics (10 credits).
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credit |
| PHY-283 | Modern Physics | 3 credits |
| MAT-352 | Differential Equations | 3 credits |
Required upper-level coursework in Physics
Complete two of the following courses (6 credits).
| PHY-301 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 credits |
| PHY-313 | Thermal Physics | 3 credits |
| PHY-330 | Electricity & Magnetism | 3 credits |
| PHY-400 | Quantum Physics | 3 credits |
Elective upper-level coursework in Mathematics and/or Physics
Complete any MAT and/or PHY upper-level electives (300- or 400-level) other than MAT-352 (6 credits).
Mathematics-Physics Capstone (3 credits):
| PHY-490 | Mathematics-Physics Capstone | 3 credits |
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 Physics Courses | |
Mathematics-Physics majors may not minor in Physical Science.
Mathematics-Physics majors may not major or minor in Mathematics.