The Physics Major

Students who major in physics at Mount Holyoke design their own major curriculum. Some take courses necessary to prepare for graduate study in physics or closely related fields (including engineering). Some plan a program that, together with courses from other disciplines, prepares them for advanced work in medicine, environmental engineering, or other physical sciences or branches of engineering. Others design their program to prepare for secondary school teaching, technical writing, or technical positions in industry.

Students interested in geophysics, astrophysics, physical chemistry, and other similar programs can work out special majors in consultation with faculty in the appropriate department. See the Physics chapter of the course catalogue for details on requirements for the major, as well as sample programs of study.

The Physics Minor

The physics minor consists of a minimum of 16 credits (four courses). After completing Physics 115, Force, Motion, and Energy, and 216, Waves and Electromagnetism, minors normally take three or more advanced (300-level) physics courses.

See the Physics chapter of the course catalogue for more information on the minor.