Bachelor of Science
B.S. degree candidates can choose not only from a wide variety of intermediate and advanced topics in physics, but also from a range of material in other science or engineering fields. The B.S. degree provides a solid foundation for students wishing to go on to graduate work in physics or any of a large number of fields in pure or applied science or engineering, for which a sound grasp of physics and mathematics is essential. This program also provides excellent preparation for careers in teaching, for work in industrial or governmental research and development, or for other employment in business or industry with a significant scientific component.
Degree requirements are as follows:
- Carnegie Mellon University Requirements
- A minimum number of 360 units is required.
- 99-10x Computing @ Carnegie Mellon
- MCS Core Science Requirements
- 33-111 Physics I for Science Students or 33-131 Matter and Interactions I
- 33-112 Physics II for Science Students or 33-132 Matter and Interactions II
- 03-121 Modern Biology
- 09-105 Introduction to Modern Chemistry
- 15-1xx Introductory Programming
- 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus
- 21-122 Integration, Differential Equations and Approximation
- MCS core courses must be completed by end of junior year.
- MCS Humanities, Social Science, Fine Arts Requirements
- Common Course Requirement (Writing/Expression)
- 76-101 Interpretation and Argument
- Distributional Course Requirements
- 1 course from Category 1: Cognition Choice and Behavior
- 1 course from Category 2: Economic, Political and Social Institutions
- 1 course from Category 3: Cultural Analysis
- Electives
- 4 non-technical courses of at least 9 units each from any of the departments in H&SS, CFA, or BA
- Common Course Requirement (Writing/Expression)
- Additional Core Physics/Math Courses
- 33-104 Experimental Physics (by fall of sophomore year)
- 33-211 Physics III: Modern Essentials
- 33-228 Electronics
- 33-231 Physical Analysis
- 33-232 Mathematical Methods of Physics
- 33-234 Quantum Physics
- 33-331 Physical Mechanics I
- 33-338 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I
- 33-340 Modern Physics Laboratory
- 33-341 Thermal Physics I
- 21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions
- Physics Colloquium Courses
- 33-201 Physics Sophomore Colloquium I
- 33-202 Physics Sophomore Colloquium II
- 33-301 Physics Upperclass Colloquium I
- 33-302 Physics Upperclass Colloquium II
- Free Electives
- Approximately 26 units: actual number depends on track chosen and satisfying 360 total units
- A free elective is any Carnegie Mellon course; however, a maximum of 9 units of physical education and/or military science and/or StuCo courses may be taken as free electives.
- Specialized Electives
- 8 courses of at least 9 units each
- Allowed courses depend on track chosen; see below.
We offer a Physics Major with or without a track. A track is like a "menu deal" at a fast-food restaurant: when one chooses a track, one gets a package of physics and other required courses and electives. The specialized electives for each of the tracks are described below:
A student does not need to choose a track but can follow the general, non-track physics curriculum. You can also take all the courses that a track requires without being in a track. You can declare, change, or quit your track by discussing with the Assistant Head for Undergraduate Affairs. Most of the physics majors at Carnegie Mellon do not choose a track.
For further information, consult the Physics Dept Catalog.
Students planning to undertake graduate studies in physics are strongly advised to take the following courses:
- 33-332 Physical Mechanics II
- 33-339 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism II
- 33-445 Advanced Quantum Physics I
- 33-446 Advanced Quantum Physics II