Physics, BA, Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Sample Plan for New Students
The sample shows a typical plan to complete the degree based on current degree requirements and course offerings, and is not the only possible plan. The number of credits for each course is in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites, and the order of courses in the sample plan accounts for these. Each new student, in consultation with their advisor, will complete a personal academic plan tailored to their specific goals and interests.
- Semester Degree Plan (for students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond)
- Quarter Degree Plan (for students who enroll prior to Summer 2027)
For more information about Seattle University's transition to the semester calendar, visit SU Moves to Semesters.
Degree Requirements
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits
- Credits in Major: 55 semester credits or 89 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond
Year 1
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 1000: From Quarks to the Cosmos (rec) (1) | PHYS 1210: Mechanics (3) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1026: Algebra (3) | PHYS 1211: Mechanics Lab (1) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1000: Signature Seminar (3) | MATH 1344: Calculus I (4) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage I (3) | UCOR Stage I (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (CPSC 1220 Recommended) (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 6 | General Elective (3) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Draft educational plan
Year 2
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 1220: Electricity and Magnetism (3) | PHYS 2010: Waves and Optics (2) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1221: Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1) | PHYS 2011: Waves and Optics Lab (1) |
| Course 3 | PHYS 2080: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2040: Relativity (2) |
| Course 4 | MATH 1346: Calculus II (4) | MATH 2330: Multivariable Calculus (4) |
| Course 5 | UCOR Stage II (3) | MATH 2340: Differential Equations (3) |
| Course 6 | General Elective (1) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Make plans for summer research
Year 3
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 3100: Classical Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3300 or ECEGR 3300: Electricity and Magnetism (3) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 3850: Quantum Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3XXX or 4XXX elective (3) |
| Course 3 | MATH 2320: Linear Algebra (3) | PHYS 2060 Intermediate Physics Lab (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 5 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Start applications for jobs or graduate school
Year 4
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 4870: Capstone (3) | PHYS 3XXX or 4XXX Elective (3) |
| Course 2 | UCOR Stage III (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
| Course 3 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 4 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Apply for graduation
Four-Year University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Stage I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Stage. For more information, please visit the University Core Website.
Stage I: Foundations
- UCOR 1000/2000 Signature Seminar
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1500 Philosophies of Humanity
Stage II: Inquiry
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2300 Inquiry Seminar in Creative Arts and Expression
- UCOR 2400 Inquiry Seminar in Literature, Art, or History
- UCOR 2600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 2800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
- UCOR 29XX Ethical Inquiry
Stage III: Engagement
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3200 Global Perspectives
- UCOR 3300 Responsibility and Action
Curriculum Notes
Plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements. Reach out to the College of Science & Engineering Advising Center for support via email at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.
Quarter-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll prior to Summer 2027.
Year 1
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | MATH 1334 – Calculus I (5) | PHYS 1210 – Mechanics (4) | PHYS 1220 – Electricity & Magnetism (4) |
| Course 2 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS 1211 – Mechanics Lab (1) | PHYS 1221 – Electricity & Magnetism Lab (1) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | MATH 1335 – Calculus II (5) | MATH 1336 – Calculus III (5) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Draft educational plan
Year 2
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 1230 – Waves, Optics, & Heat (4) | PHYS 2040 – Special Relativity (3) | PHYS 2080 – Introduction to Quantum Physics (4) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1231 – Waves and Optics Lab (1) | MATH 2330 – Multivariable Calculus (3) | PHYS 2060 – Modern Physics Laboratory (3) |
| Course 3 | MATH 2320 – Linear Algebra (3) | CPSC 1220 – Data-Driven Problem Solving (5) OR ECEGR 2000 – Physical Computing with Python (4) | MATH 2340 – Differential Equations (4) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Make plans for summer research
Year 3
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 2500 – Mathematical Methods for Physics (4) | †PHYS 3850 – Quantum Mechanics (5) OR PHYS 4100 – Advanced Classical Physics (5) | PHYS 3300 – Electromagnetic Field Theory (5) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 3100 – Classical Mechanics (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS Elective (3000 OR 4000 level) (4 OR 5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | General Elective (5) | General Elective (5) |
†Choose PHYS 3850 – Quantum Mechanics (5) in Y3 WQ OR PHYS 4100 – Advanced Classical Physics (5) in Y4 FQ (PHYS Elective sub for option not chosen)
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Start applications for jobs or graduate school
Year 4
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 4870 – Senior Synthesis (3) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS Elective (3000 OR 4000 level) (4 OR 5) |
| Course 2 | †PHYS 3850 – Quantum Mechanics (5) OR PHYS 4100 – Advanced Classical Physics (5) | General Elective (5) | General Elective (5) |
| Course 3 | General Elective (5) | General Elective (5) | General Elective (5) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Apply for graduation
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I:
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
Module III:
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
- UCOR 3600 Social Sciences & Global Challenges
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences & Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- The BA in Physics degree is for students planning on careers in teaching, science writing, public policy, business, or in combination with another major.
- Assumes trigonometry (MATH 1028) not needed due to placement exam or college credit
- Assumes placement into MATH 1334 by SAT/ACT/SU math placement exam or college credit; students not placing into MATH 1334 will need to take MATH 1024 OR MATH 1026 as an elective.
- PHYS electives vary from year to year. Typically, the PHYS ELECTIVES rotate through the following course possibilities: PHYS 3400 Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos; PHYS 3620 Introduction to Astrophysics; PHYS 3630 Introduction to Geophysics; PHYS 3910 Computational Physics; PHYS 4300 Modern Optics for Physicists and Engineers; PHYS 4500 Atomic Physics; PHYS 4700 Solid-State Physics; and PHYS 4860 Particle and Nuclear Physics.
- New courses may appear as well
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CSE Advising at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.