Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Physics - Professional Option (Major) | BS

  • Physics
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 750D
  • Degree Type: BS
  • Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: Imagine analyzing atomic collisions at the world’s largest particle accelerator with the ultimate goal of determining how matter originally formed. Rutgers students have done this and more! Physics is the study of energy and the behavior of single atoms and their component pieces. Physicists are the most fundamental of scientists for they examine the basic laws of nature. They seek to study and understand what happens when atoms and subatomic particles break down and assemble, how they react to collisions with each other and to electro-magnetic radiation.

  • No Prerequisites/No Departmental Approval

  • No Prerequisites/No Departmental Approval

  • Physics (750) majors may minor in Astronomy 100, but may not count 01:750:341, 342, 343, or 344 toward physics major requirements.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

  • All students interested in pursuing one of the Physics major options should contact the Undergraduate Advisor to discuss appropriate classes per their math placement test results and prior Physics coursework (ie AP credits). At your APA session, include the following courses in your registration, then follow up with Dr. Cizewski this summer by emailing her at .

    Students with MA:640:CLS Calculus math placement:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Analytical Physics 01:750:123 2 Physics (750)
    Introduction to Research Communities in Physics and Astronomy/Intro to Physics Research (requires departmental permission) 01:750:155 1.5 Physics (750)
    Calculus I for Math and Physical Sciences 01:640:151 4 Mathematics (640)

     

    Students with MA:640:CLG Calculus math placement:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Analytical Physics 01:750:123 2 Physics (750)
    Introduction to Research Communities in Physics and Astronomy/Intro to Physics Research (requires departmental permission) 01:750:155 1.5 Physics (750)
    Calculus I for Life and Physical Sciences 01:640:135 4 Mathematics (640)

     

    Students with MA:640:PCA Calculus math placement:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Writing per placement   3-4.5 English-Composition and Writing (355) or English as a Second Language (356)
    Extended Analytical Physics 01:750:115 2 Physics (750)
    Introduction to Research Communities in Physics and Astronomy/Intro to Physics Research (requires departmental permission) 01:750:155 1.5 Physics (750)
    Precalculus College Mathematics 01:640:115 4 Mathematics (640)

     

    Students with math placement below Precalculus College Mathematics (MA:640:CMA, MA:640:CMP, MA:640:EAL, MA:640:IMA)

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Writing per placement   3-4.5 English-Composition and Writing (355) or English as a Second Language (356)
    Math course per placement   3-4.5 credits Mathematics (640)
    Introduction to Research Communities in Physics and Astronomy/Intro to Physics Research (requires departmental permission) 01:750:155 1.5 Physics (750)
    Astronomy & Cosmology (not for Physics major/minor credit) 750:109 or 110 3 Physics (750)

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Philosophy 01:730:103 3 Philosophy (103)
    Intro to Oceanography 01:460:120 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    Planet Earth 01:460:100 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    First-Year Interest Group (FIGS): Exploring Physics 01:090:120:51 1 Arts and Sciences (090)

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Environmental Studies (381)
      • Geological Sciences (460) also known as Earth and Planetary Sciences
      • Mathematics (640)
      • Philosophy (730)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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