Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, interested in the properties of matter, radiation, and energy in all forms. It provides the underlying framework for other physical sciences and engineering and for understanding physical processes in biological and environmental sciences. The major gives you:
- Intellectual satisfaction: physics satisfies our deep desire to understand how the universe works. Physics is interesting.
- Intellectual challenge: by striving for fundamental understanding, the physicist accepts the challenge to move past a merely descriptive approach of our world and probes deeply into how and why it works.
- Physics produces new technology: today’s physics research will become tomorrow's technological advances.
- Technical expertise: physicists exploit forefront technologies in their pursuits.
- Flexibility: in a fast-paced and changing world, it is much more important to have a broad substantive education than to be trained in a specific skill. We teach people how to think, and how to apply and extend what they know to new types of problems.
- Physics is analytical and quantitative: people who can reason analytically and quantitatively are essential for the success of almost any pursuit.
The Physics major provides an overall view of both classical and modern physics with the flexibility to continue learning in fields that interest you. It helps you develop skills in analysis, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning that will aid you in whatever careers you choose.
What you learn in this major will:
- prepare you for graduate studies for master's or doctoral degrees in experimental or theoretical physics;.
- prepare you for employment in industrial or governmental laboratories;
- provide a broad background for further work in other sciences, such as materials sciences, aerospace, astronomy, computer science, geophysics, meteorology, radiology, medicine, biophysics, engineering, and environmental studies;
- provide a science-oriented education—useful training for some areas of business administration, law, and other fields; and
- provide part of the preparation you need to teach physics. To teach physics in high school, you will also take education courses to become certified. You will need a doctoral degree to become a college or university professor.
Interested in the undergraduate physics program? Check out the Physics undergraduate page.
Related Programs
L&S Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics (BS AMEP) in the Guide
L&S Astronomy–Physics major in the Guide
Education–Physics
A student working toward the Bachelor of Science–Education degree may major or minor in physics. Interested students should contact the School of Education.
Medical Physics
A suggested curriculum for students interested in graduate study in Medical Physics is available on the Department of Medical physics webpage.
How to Get in
Declaring a Physics Major
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit the Advising and Careers tab. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | At least a 2.500 GPA on all MATH and PHYSICS courses, computed on all attempts prior to and including the first passed attempt of any course. |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
Students pursuing the Physics major are not eligible to declare the Physics certificate.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | the third unit of a language other than English |
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The physics major requires 35 credits from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Physics 1 | ||
| First Introductory Course (complete one): 1 | 5 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics (recommended) | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Statics and Dynamics 2 | ||
| Second Introductory Course (complete one): | 5 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics (recommended) | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Third Introductory Course (complete one): | 3-4 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics (recommended) | ||
| Modern Physics for Engineers (See advising and careers for more information.) | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Electronics (See advising and careers for more information.) | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Intermediate Mechanics | ||
| PHYSICS 311 | Mechanics | 3 |
| Electromagnetism (complete one): | 3 | |
| Electromagnetic Fields | ||
| Electrodynamics I and Electrodynamics II and Electromagnetic Wave Transmission 3 | ||
| Quantum Mechanics (complete one): | 3 | |
| Atomic and Quantum Physics | ||
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | ||
| Laboratory | 4 | |
Full registered credit per course: | ||
| Intermediate Laboratory-Mechanics and Modern Physics | ||
| Advanced Laboratory | ||
Two credits apply from each of the following: | ||
| Electric Circuits and Electronics 4 | ||
| Optics 4 | ||
| Electronic Aids to Measurement 4 | ||
| Applied Optics 4 | ||
| Observational Astronomy and Data Analysis 5 | ||
| Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory 5 | ||
| Nuclear Reactor Laboratory 5 | ||
One credit applies from each of the following: | ||
| Semiconductor Properties Laboratory 5 | ||
| Optoelectronics Lab 5 | ||
| Advanced Physics Electives | 4-9 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
- 1
PHYSICS 247/PHYSICS 248/PHYSICS 249 is the introductory course sequence recommended for prospective physics majors, PHYSICS 201/PHYSICS 202/PHYSICS 241 is recommended for engineers, and PHYSICS 207/PHYSICS 208/PHYSICS 241 is intended for life sciences and chemistry majors. Both PHYSICS 201 General Physics/PHYSICS 202 General Physics/PHYSICS 241 Introduction to Modern Physics and PHYSICS 207 General Physics/PHYSICS 208 General Physics/PHYSICS 241 Introduction to Modern Physics are suitable alternatives for physics majors. Although the department recommends following one of these sequences, students are allowed to mix them, with the exception that transfers into the PHYSICS 247/PHYSICS 248/PHYSICS 249 sequence are not permitted.
- 2
Both courses must be taken and together count 5 credits toward the 35 required for the major. These credits can be counted toward the 35 required for the major only if these courses are used to satisfy this requirement.
- 3
All three of E C E 220 and E C E 320 and E C E 420 must be taken, and together count 3 credits toward the 35 required for the major. These credits can be counted toward the 35 required for the major only if these courses are used to satisfy this requirement.
- 4
All four credits for each course count toward 35-credit total.
- 5
For non-PHYSICS courses, students will receive only the credit applied as lab toward the 35-credit requirement.
Advanced Physics Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 301 | Physics Today (recommended) 6 | 1 |
| PHYSICS 307 | Intermediate Laboratory-Mechanics and Modern Physics | 2 |
| PHYSICS 311 | Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 321 | Electric Circuits and Electronics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| PHYSICS 323 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| PHYSICS 325 | Optics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 361 | Machine Learning in Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 406 | Special Topics in Physics | 1-4 |
| PHYSICS 407 | Advanced Laboratory | 2-4 |
| PHYSICS 415 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 448 | Atomic and Quantum Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 449 | Atomic and Quantum Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 498 | Directed Study | 1-3 |
| PHYSICS 499 | Directed Study | 1-3 |
| PHYSICS/B M E/H ONCOL/MED PHYS 501 | Radiation Physics and Dosimetry | 3 |
| PHYSICS/E C E/N E 525 | Introduction to Plasmas | 3 |
| PHYSICS/E C E/N E 527 | Plasma Confinement and Heating | 3 |
| PHYSICS 531 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 535 | Introduction to Particle Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 545 | Introduction to Atomic Structure | 3 |
| PHYSICS 551 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 603 | Workshop in College Physics Teaching | 1-2 |
| PHYSICS 623 | Electronic Aids to Measurement | 4 |
| PHYSICS 625 | Applied Optics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 681 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
| PHYSICS 682 | Senior Honors Thesis | 3 |
| PHYSICS/MED PHYS 688 | Radiation Production and Detection | 4 |
| PHYSICS 691 | Senior Thesis | 2-3 |
| PHYSICS 692 | Senior Thesis | 2-3 |
- 6
It is recommended that the student's program include the seminar PHYSICS 301 Physics Today.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all PHYSICS and all major courses
- 2.000 on at least 15 credits in Upper Level work, taken in residence7
- 15 credits in PHYSICS, taken on campus
- 7
Courses that meet the Core and Laboratory requirements, and Advanced level PHYSICS courses, count as upper-level in the major.
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with their major advisor and the Honors Program.
Honors in the Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA in all PHYSICS and all major courses
- 12 credits of Honors PHYSICS courses with grades of B or better, to include:
- PHYSICS 681 - PHYSICS 682, for a total of 6 credits
- 3 additional credits of Advanced level PHYSICS for Honors, with a grade of B or better
- 3 credits at any level in PHYSICS for Honors, with a grade of B or better 8
- 8
Note that enrolling in PHYSICS 247/PHYSICS 248/PHYSICS 249 provides honors credit towards Honors in the Major (not at the Advanced level, however).
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic physical principles.
- Solve problems proficiently using both quantitative and qualitative applications of these physical principles.
- Appreciate the excitement of physics and be acquainted with a wide range of research areas in physics.
- Know how to perform quantitative measurements of physical phenomena and understand the statistical significance of observations made in the presence of statistical and systematic uncertainties.
- Be prepared for graduate study and/or careers in STEM fields.
- Communicate effectively with scientific peers and the public, both orally and in writing.
- Understand their own learning processes and be able to continue to educate themselves after graduation.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
Departmental Expectations
Students should arrange a meeting with a departmental advisor as soon as they are even thinking about a physics major. It is important to get major advising as early as possible.
This is one of many paths through the physics major. For other possibilities and details on math preparation and sequence of courses, see the Advising and Careers page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 222 | 4 | PHYSICS 247 | 5 |
| COMP SCI 220 | 4 | MATH 234 | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Language (if needed) | 4 | Language (if needed) | 4 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 248 | 5 | PHYSICS 249 | 4 |
| MATH 319 | 3 | PHYSICS 311 | 3 |
| MATH 340 | 3 | PHYSICS 301 | 1 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | MATH 321 | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 307 | 2 | Physics Lab Course | 4 |
| PHYSICS 322 | 3 | Physics Elective | 3 |
| MATH 322 | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Communication B | 3-4 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 448 | 3 | PHYSICS 449 | 3 |
| Physics Elective | 3 | PHYSICS 415 | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel the Major
Follow the process described in the Department of Physics website.
Talk with a Physics advisor: send an email to physics-advisors@wisc.edu or schedule an appointment through Starfish.
Advising for Admitted Students
Contact the undergraduate advisor for assistance choosing first-semester courses before enrolling at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).
Undergraduate Research
If you are declared in the Physics major and are interested in pursuing a research position with a faculty member or scientist, please schedule an appointment through Starfish with the undergraduate advisor, who will discuss your interests and help you in finding a position.
Career Exploration
A good starting point for exploring careers is PHYSICS 301 Physics Today. This course, offered in Spring semesters, includes a weekly talk where a research topic is discussed by one of the Physics or Astronomy faculty.
SuccessWorks has also created the extremely helpful Physics-specific “What Can You Do with Your Major” Skills & Outcomes Sheet. Explore the major’s transferable skills, alumni job titles, frequent employers of the major, and words of advice from alumni who have found success following their passions.
The Department of Physics website has a current list of research opportunities with our faculty, and other physics-related student jobs on campus.
Tutoring in the Physics Learning Center
The Physics Learning Center has job opportunities for Physics undergraduates as peer mentor tutors, to help others learn physics and new ways to solve physics problems. Peer mentor tutors lead a learning team twice a week helping students build a conceptual framework to solve a variety of physics problems. The Physics Learning Center strives to create a supportive learning environment to help students gain skills, increase confidence, and meet potential study partners. Learn more about the PLC Peer Mentor Tutor Program.
Physics Learning Center
2337/2338 Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Ave.
Recommended Additional Courses
Mathematics
Please consult with a Physics advisor before choosing your Mathematics courses.
Specific Mathematics courses are prerequisites for the major’s Physics courses. A typical math sequence is: MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1, MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2, MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables, MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations, MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus, and MATH 322 Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations. MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations is an alternative course that Physics students may choose instead of taking both MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations and MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra.
Students also majoring in Mathematics may have a different recommended set. We do not recommend the MATH honors sequences for Physics students unless you are considering a second major in Mathematics.
- MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1: A prerequisite for PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics, PHYSICS 207 General Physics, and PHYSICS 201 General Physics.
- MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2: A prerequisite for PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics but can be taken concurrently.
- MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables: MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables is a prerequisite for PHYSICS 248 A Modern Introduction to Physics but can be taken concurrently. If you are not taking the PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics + PHYSICS 248 A Modern Introduction to Physics + PHYSICS 249 A Modern Introduction to Physics introductory sequence, you will still need this course for PHYSICS 311 Mechanics and PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields.
- MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations
and MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra: You are strongly advised to take these courses before you take PHYSICS 311 Mechanics and PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields
.
- MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations: This course combines topics from MATH 319 and MATH 340. It is adequate for the rest of our undergraduate physics curriculum but is not recommended for those planning for graduate school. There is an accelerated honors section that thoroughly covers all of the material in MATH 319 and MATH 340. It is more challenging but is a good way to fit in both topics if you are unable to take MATH 319 + MATH 340 before you take PHYSICS 311 or PHYSICS 322.
- MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus: For students interested in more abstract math, taking MATH 521 Analysis I would be equivalent. It is recommended that MATH 321 be taken before PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields but especially before you take either PHYSICS 448 Atomic and Quantum Physics
or PHYSICS 531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Students may want to check with the academic advisor before enrolling in this course to confirm they have enough time and attention in a specific term. Students pursuing a Math major may prefer to take MATH 521 Analysis I and to take MATH 623 Complex Analysis later to still be introduced to complex analysis.
- MATH 322 Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations: MATH 321 and MATH 322 are recommended for those planning for graduate school in Physics. Students pursuing a Math major may prefer to take MATH 619 Analysis of Partial Differential Equations for learning partial differential equations.
Computer and Data Science
Computers are fundamental to astronomical research. The most useful language is Python, followed by C or C++. COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I is a good starting point for learning Python.
Students interested in data science and machine learning are also recommended to take PHYSICS 361 Machine Learning in Physics.
Chemistry
A college course in chemistry is useful for all Physics students, but not required.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
Students majoring in Physics may be eligible for department scholarships.
Physics Club
The University Physics Society, the Physics Club, is a student organization for people interested in physics and related fields.
The Physics Club organizes events such as seminars, tours, trips, and socials for its members. In the the past, we have taken a field trip to Fermilab and have frequently gathered for social events such as ice skating, movie night, and bowling. Physics Club volunteers also offer free drop-in tutoring to students in introductory physics and astronomy classes. In addition, we maintain subscriptions to science-related magazines such as Scientific American, Astronomy, and Physics Today, which are kept in the club’s room located at 2328 Chamberlin Hall.
By joining the Physics Club you’ll be meeting many physics majors, who are, in general, really cool people to hang out with. If you are thinking about declaring a Physics major, this is the place to come for helpful advice about taking classes and finding an undergraduate job in the Physics Department. If you join, you can get access to the Physics Club room. Joining also adds you to the club email list, so you can be notified about club-sponsored events.
To join, email physics.society.wisc@gmail.com or drop by Room 2328 Chamberlin Hall and pick up a membership form. Turn in a completed form with your annual dues to a Physics Club officer.
Gender Minorities and Women in Physics
Gender Minorities and Women in Physics (GMaWiP) is a student organization open to undergraduates for the support and promotion of gender minorities and women in physics at UW–Madison. We provide both professional development and support for women and gender minorities in physics at every step in their careers by taking concrete actions through career development, mentorship, fellowship, and outreach.
We also advocate for other minorities in physics, including, but not limited to students of color, students with disability status, low-income students, and LGBT+ students. The group hosts social events aimed at building a sense of community among the members.
Undergraduate Mentorship Program
GMaWiP provides a mentorship program for undergraduate students. This program connects the undergraduate with a graduate student who will advise and mentor the undergraduate as they work to obtain their degree. If you are interested in this mentorship program or are interested in getting involved with GMaWiP, please contact the undergraduate advisor.
Black and Brown in Physics
Black and Brown in Physics (BBiP) is a student organization that creates a safe and welcoming community for the Black and Brown people within physics and physics-adjacent! BBIP hosts general meetings, heritage-based events, and by inviting Black and Brown physicists, educators, and historians to provide talks for both the organization and the Physics department. To get involved, please email bbipuw@gmail.com.