UMass Boston

Physics BS

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Start your journey toward a professional or academic career in physical science.

Learn the fundamental principals of mechanics, fluids, waves, and kinetic theory. Move on to explore thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism in mathematical terms. Consider whether a career in physics is for you.

To obtain a BS in physics you must earn a minimum of 40 credits in physics courses including the following:

  • Physics 113: Fundamentals of Physics I and Physics 181: Physics Laboratory I
  • Physics 114: Fundamentals of Physics II and Physics 182: Physics Laboratory II
  • Physics 211: Introduction to Contemporary Physics and Physics 281: Physical Laboratory
  • Physics 214: Thermodynamics
  • Physics 312: Mechanics
  • Physics 321: Electricity and Magnetism I
  • Physics 322: Electricity and Magnetism II
  • Physics 382: Intermediate Laboratory
  • Physics 421: Atomic Physics and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

and two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher.

In addition majors must complete the following science classes:

  • CHEM 115: Chemical Principles Lecture I and CHEM 117: Chemical Principles Laboratory I
  • CHEM 116: Chemical Principles Lecture II  and CHEM 117: Chemical Principles Laboratory II
  • MATH 240: Multivariable Calculus (or preferably MATH 242: Multivariable and Vector Calculus) 
  • MATH 270: Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Introduction to Computing or an approved substitute. (Students with proficiency in computer programming may request from the department a waiver of the CS 110 requirement.)

Students should note that the university requires for a BS degree six mathematics or science courses outside of the student's major field. Most physics majors (especially those planning graduate work and/or professional careers in physical science) will want to take more physics and mathematics courses than the minimum required for graduation. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are recommended to take Electricity and Magnetism II and Statistical Physics and two or more semesters of mathematics courses such as Linear Algebra and Introduction to Complex Analysis. All majors are encouraged to gain a facility with one or more computer programming languages.

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

Introductory Courses (12 Credits)

  • PHYSIC 113 - Fundamentals of Physics I 4 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 114 - Fundamentals of Physics II 4 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 181 - Physics Laboratory I 2 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 182 - Physics Laboratory II 2 Credit(s)

Required 200 and 300-Level Courses (21 Credits)

  • PHYSIC 211 - Introduction to Contemporary Physics 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 214 - Thermodynamics 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 281 - Physical Laboratory I 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 312 - Mechanics 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 321 - Theory of Electricity and Magnetism I 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 322 - Theory of Electricity and Magnetism II 3 Credit(s)
  • PHYSIC 382 - Intermediate Laboratory 3 Credit(s)

Required Mathematics Courses (7 Credits)

  • MATH 242 - Multivariable and Vector Calculus 4 Credit(s)
  • MATH 270 - Applied Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Credit(s)

Required Chemistry Courses (10 Credits)

  • CHEM 115 - Chemical Principles I Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 116 - Chemical Principles II Lecture 3 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 117 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory 2 Credit(s)
  • CHEM 118 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory 2 Credit(s)

Required Computer Science Course (3 to 4 Credits)

  • CS 110 - Introduction to Computing 4 Credit(s)
    or
  • CS 109 - Computer Programming for Engineers 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Physics Courses (9 to 11 Credits)

  • PHYSIC 421 - Atomic Physics and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 3 Credit(s)
  • Two additional PHYSIC courses at the 300-level or higher.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.

University Requirements

College of Science and Mathematics Requirements for Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements

Complete at least 62 credits from 21 courses including four introductory courses, seven required 200 and 300-level courses, two math courses, four chemistry courses, one computer science course, and three upper-level electives.

GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all physics courses.
Pass/fail: No physics courses taken pass/fail beyond the introductory level may be applied toward the major. No mathematics courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major.
Residency: At least seven physics courses used for the major must be completed at UMass Boston.

Contact

Department of Physics
W04-0045
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125 -3393

Email: Physics@umb.edu

Telephone: 1-617-287-6050

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