Degrees and Tracks
Explore the Physics Major Learning Outcomes Undergrad Physics Tracks Alternative Degree Options Getting Help
Explore Your Path as a Physics Major
At Carnegie Mellon, your physics degree can be as unique as your interests. What’s especially compelling is the sheer scale of what we explore — from the tiniest subatomic particles to the vast expansion of the universe, spanning timescales from nanoseconds to billions of years.
Our optional degree tracks let you dive deeper into a specialized area — like astrophysics, quantum physics or applied physics — giving you a competitive edge for graduate school or your future career. Each track tailors your technical electives to build focused expertise, and your chosen track will be proudly noted on your transcript. While you can only complete one track, it’s a great way to personalize your academic journey and stand out in the field.
Discover Physics at Carnegie Mellon
At Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Physics, we’re all about asking big questions — what is the universe made of? How does it work? — and giving you the tools to find the answers. Whether you're in the classroom, the lab or collaborating with faculty on cutting-edge research, you’ll be part of a dynamic community driven by curiosity and innovation.
Our program is designed to do more than teach physics — it empowers you to think like a physicist. You’ll gain a strong foundation in problem-solving, data analysis and critical thinking that prepares you for careers in science, tech and beyond. With access to undergraduate research, personalized advising and a vibrant student community, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
We also offer exciting physics courses for non-majors, helping students across disciplines build a solid understanding of the physical world — because physics is for everyone.
Whether you're aiming for grad school, industry, or just want to explore the universe, we’re here to help you get there.
Philosophy
The Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University engages a diverse population of students, faculty, and researchers in searching for a deeper understanding of what our universe is made of and how it works through active learning in the classroom and the laboratory. This community of learners contributes to their scientific colleagues, employers, and world by using the power of their distinctive quantitative methodology to solve novel and complex problems.
Learning Outcomes
A complete description of the program and degree requirements can be found in the Department of Physics Catalog. Other important features of our undergraduate program include undergraduate research, a strong support system for academic help and advising, an active community of social and professional development events, and resources to help you take the next step to industry or graduate school after completing the program.
Our friendly and dedicated Director of Undergraduate Affairs is always available to answer your questions, deal with your concerns, and offer advice when needed. Help with enrollment and logistical questions is available from our Academic Program Manager.
To learn more, please visit our Program Learning Outcomes page.
Bachelor of Science degree in Physics
The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is the most-conferred undergraduate physics degree. It prepares students for any scientific or technical career path, including graduate studies in Physics. Students seeking a B.S. in Physics may choose from six different physics tracks, or may elect not to pursue a degree track. Students who pursue a track must still complete the core requirements of the B.S. degree, however each of these tracks specifies how students fulfill many of the technical electives of the B.S. in Physics.
Applied Physics Track
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Preparation for direct entry into technical careers in industrial or government research or development laboratories or for graduate studies in physics or related fields
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Flexible elective selection that includes courses in computational science, as well as applied physics and engineering, with an emphasis on laboratory skills and a research requirement
Astrophysics Track
- Preparation for graduate studies in astronomy or astrophysics or directly entering research or technical positions in these areas
- Courses in astrophysics
- Flexible elective selection that includes courses in astrophysics and cosmology, with a research requirement.
Biological Physics Track
- Preparation for graduate studies or professional degrees in biological or medical physics or careers in the health professions
- Allows for completion of common health professions requirements for students interested in medical school
- Courses in biological physics, biology, chemistry
Chemical Physics Track
- Preparation for research careers or graduate studies at the interface between physics and chemistry; or physics, chemistry, and biology as well as the health professions
- Flexible elective selection that includes courses in chemistry
Computational Physics Track
- Preparation for graduate studies or direct entry to the workforce in technical fields such as computational physics, data science, software engineering
- Courses in computer science as well as computational and numerical techniques in physics, training in parallel computation and remote computing using Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center resources
Quantum Physics Track
- Preparation for research careers or graduate studies related to quantum materials, quantum devices and quantum computing
- Courses in theoretical and applied quantum physics, with course options in nuclear and particle physics, solid-state physics, or nanoscience and nanotechnology, with a research requirement
No Track
- Preparation for graduate studies in physics or related fields
- Maximum flexibility in selection of technical electives
Alternative Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
The Bachelor of Art in Physics program has fewer mathematical and technical requirements than the Bachelor of Science degree, making it more flexible for students interested in combining Physics with studies in non-technical areas. It can be paired with a minor or double major in disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and others, allowing for a broader and more interdisciplinary academic experience.
Additional Majors / Dual Degrees
Students have the option to pursue an additional major or dual degrees combining Physics with another discipline. These options require advanced planning, but many can be accomplished in four years by energetic and dedicated students. Interested students should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Affairs to discuss their options.
Minor in Physics
Students seeking to strengthen their background in areas outside physics may also opt to pursue a minor as part of their undergraduate studies. Most Carnegie Mellon departments offer a minor in their disciplines and interested students should see the current Undergraduate Catalog for details.
Getting Help
Our physics students have access to a variety of sources where they get help when needed.
Most of our first year introductory courses have Course Centers. Several days a week, a student can walk in to get help in the course they are taking. The Course Center is staffed by graduate students and upper class undergraduates who provide one-on-one help in course topics. The Course Center also provides a setting where students can interact with one another and work in groups.
Physics Assignment Tutoring Help (PATH)
PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT TUTORING HELP (PATH) is available five evenings a week. Any student enrolled in a physics class – sophomore and above – can walk in for help from upper class physics majors. This also provides a setting for group work including study groups.
Student Academic Success Center
The Student Academic Success Center provides a wide variety of academic help ranging from one-on-one tutoring to walk-in tutoring in residence halls, to academic skill development workshops and counseling on time management.
Career & Professional Development Center
The Career & Professional Development Center is available for questions about career exploration and decision making, professional development, experiential learning and employment assistance.
Carnegie Mellon's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Carnegie Mellon's Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) in CMU's Division of Student Affairs provides help to students in a broad range of issues. In addition, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) provides academic and non-academic help to any student on campus.
Fellowships and Scholarships Office
The Fellowships and Scholarships Office provides information on competitive scholarships and fellowships.
The Hub
For help and consultation on financial matters, the student is encouraged to visit the Hub. The campus Health Service provides a wide range of services, including counseling, to all students.
The CMU Pantry
If students are worried about affording food or feeling insecure about food, there are resources on campus that can help. Visit The CMU Pantry for more information and to schedule a visit.
Advice and Assistance
The Physics Department provides one-stop, comprehensive advice and assistance on academic and non-academic matters. In addition, the department sees each student as a complete whole and makes every effort, not only in academic but also in non-academic matters, to connect the student to the right persons and offices