Major Requirements – 72 Total Credits

Prospective physics majors are strongly encouraged to begin their study of physics and mathematics in the first year. Physics courses are somewhat sequential and are developed in close association with mathematics courses. The curriculum provides an excellent basis for many post-Carleton career paths, including teaching, medicine, working in industry, and graduate study in physics, astronomy, and in various fields of engineering.

Most first-year students considering a major in physics will take either two 5-week courses (Physics 131 AND Physics 151) or one 10-week course (Physics 143 or Physics 144). Although taught from slightly different perspectives, the two 5-week courses or the 10-week course will cover fundamental topics in Newtonian mechanics and special relativity that prepare students for further work in physics and related fields. We also offer a section of Physics 142 with problem solving that is taught in the spring term. This section provides additional problem-solving instruction and is appropriate for students who could benefit from additional support in the study of college-level physics.

Required courses, 72 credits total (48 in Physics and Astronomy, 24 in Mathematics)

Introduction to Mechanics and Relativity with a Lab – Required 6 credits

  • PHYS 131: Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab
  • PHYS 142: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity with Problem Solving and Lab
  • PHYS 143: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
  • PHYS 144: Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
  • PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab

If PHYS 131: Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab and PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab, both three credit courses are required.

200-level Core Courses – Required 18 credits

  • PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab
  • PHYS 231: Analytical and Computational Mechanics
  • PHYS 235: Electricity and Magnetism and Lab

300-level Theory-Focused Course – Required 6 credits

  • PHYS 335: Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS 346: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PHYS 352: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism

300-level Laboratory-Focused Course – Required 6 credits

  • PHYS 342: Contemporary Experimental Physics and Lab
  • PHYS 343: Electronics and Lab
  • PHYS 344: Classical and Quantum Optics (not offered 2025-26)
  • PHYS 345: Advanced Optics (not offered 2025-26)

If PHYS 344: Classical and Quantum Optics (not offered 2025-26) and PHYS 345: Advanced Optics (not offered 2025-26) are used, both must be taken.

Additional Physics or Astronomy Course or Methods Course – Required 6 credits

One additional 6 credit course that exposes the student to physics or astronomy related content or methods.

Normally a physics or astronomy course at the 100-,200-, or 300-level (excluding ASTR 100 (not offered 2025-26), PHYS 100: The Technology of Keeping Time and the Humanity of Spending Time or ASTR 394: Directed Research in Astronomy or PHYS 394: Directed Research in Physics), so that student has a least 48 credits of Physics/Astronomy coursework. After consultation with their advisor and the department chair, a student may petition the department to count a related course from another department that addresses content related to the student’s physics or astronomy interest. 

Mathematics Courses – Required 24 credits

Senior Integrative Exercise – Required 6 credits

Additional Departmental Notes

Additional Courses Recommended, but not Required

  • ASTR 222: A Survey of Cosmology
  • CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science
  • MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations
  • PHYS 123: What Physicists Do
  • PHYS 222: A Survey of Cosmology
  • PHYS 336: Open Quantum Systems and Quantum Information

Students considering graduate school in Physics are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 335: Quantum Mechanics, PHYS 346: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics and PHYS 352: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism.

Major Under Combined Plan in Engineering:

In addition to completing the requirements for the physics major listed above, the student should also take the following courses required for admission to our partner institution, Washington University: MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations, CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I & Lab, and CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science. See also detailed guidance for those planning to attend Washington University.