UMass Boston

Physics BA

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Learn the fundamentals of physics with an eye toward teaching.

UMass Boston's Physics BA is intended for those who hope to be instructors to future physics students. To obtain the BA in physics you must earn a minimum of 34 credits in physics courses including the following:

  • Fundamentals of Physics I and Physics Laboratory I
  • Fundamentals of Physics II and Physics Laboratory II
  • Introduction to Contemporary Physics and Physical Laboratory
  • Thermodynamics
  • Mechanics
  • Electricity and Magnetism I
  • Intermediate Laboratory

as well as two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher.

Physics majors must also take Multivariable Calculus (or Multivariable and Vector Calculus) and Applied Ordinary Differential Equations. A physics major may complete up to two courses in mathematics or cognate sciences at the advanced level in lieu of advanced physics electives, but prior approval of the department at least one semester before his or her expected graduation is required. Completion of the BA in physics fulfills the field of knowledge requirement for eligibility to apply for certification from the Massachusetts State Department of Education.

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

Complete at least 42 credits from 14 courses including four introductory courses, six required 200 and 300-level courses, two required mathematics courses, and two upper-level physics electives.

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

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 (18 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 382 - Intermediate Laboratory 3 Credit(s)

Required Mathematics Courses (6 to 7 Credits)

Take two courses from the list below.

  • MATH 240 - Multivariable Calculus 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • MATH 242 - Multivariable and Vector Calculus 4 Credit(s)
  • MATH 270 - Applied Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Credit(s)

Upper-Level Electives (6 to 8 Credits) 

Take two additional PHYSIC courses at the 300-level or higher.

Students may complete up to two mathematics or cognate science courses in place of upper-level electives with prior approval from the department.

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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