Physics, BS, Two-Year Plan
Transfer plan for the Bachelor of Science 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: 61 semester credits or 102 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Two-Year Sample Plan for Students with Junior Standing
For students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond
FIRST TRANSFER YEAR
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 3100: Classical Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3300: Electromagnetic Field Theory or ECEGR 3300: Electricity and Magnetism (3) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 2080: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3XXX or 4XXX elective (3) |
| Course 3 | PHYS 4870: Capstone (3) | PHYS 2060: Intermediate Physics Lab (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2000: Signature Seminar (2) | PHYS 2040: Relativity (2) |
| Course 5 | UCOR 1500: Philosophies of Humanity (3) | UCOR 2100: Theological Explorations (3) |
| Course 6 | General Elective (1) | General Elective (1) |
First Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval.
SECOND TRANSFER YEAR
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 3850: Quantum Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3XXX or 4XXX Elective (3) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 4200: Statistical Mechanics (3) | PHYS 3700: Advanced Physics Lab (3) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 29XX: Ethical Inquiry (3) | UCOR 3300: Responsibility and Action (3) |
| Course 4 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
Second Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval.
Two-Year University Core Requirements for Physics, BS
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Stage I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles that correspond to the two-year sample academic plan for this program. For more information, please visit the University Core Website.
Stage 1: Foundations
- UCOR 1500 Philosophies of Humanity
- UCOR 2000 Signature Seminar
Stage 2: Inquiry
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 29XX Ethical Reasoning
Stage 3: Engagement
- UCOR 3300 Responsibility and Action
Curriculum Notes
- This plan assumes students have completed the equivalent of PHYS 1210, PHYS 1220, and PHYS 2010 with labs, and all MATH requirements through MATH 2340.
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
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
Two-Year Sample Plan for Students with Junior Standing
For students who enroll prior to Summer 2027
FIRST TRANSFER YEAR
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 2500 – Math Methods for Physics (4) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS 2060 – Modern Physics Lab (3) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 3100 – Classical Mechanics (5) | PHYS 2040 – Special Relativity (3) | PHYS 2080 – Quantum Physics (5) |
| Course 3 | CPSC 1220 – Data-Driven Programming (5) OR ECEGR 2000 – Physical Computing with Python (4) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS 3300 – Electromagnetic Field Theory (5) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
First Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
SECOND TRANSFER YEAR
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PHYS 4100 – Advanced Classical Physics (5) | PHYS 3850 – Quantum Mechanics (5) | PHYS Elective (4 OR 5) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 4870 – Senior Synthesis (3) | PHYS 4200 – Statistical & Thermal Physics (4) | PHYS Elective (4 OR 5) |
| Course 3 | Science Elective (5) | PHYS 3700 – Advanced Physics Laboratory (4) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
Second Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
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:
Module I is waived for students with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree
- 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 and UCOR 3400 are waived for students with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
- UCOR 3600 Social Science and Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- 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.