We've created a simple worksheet you can use to map out your four year plan and share with your academic advisor.
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Use the four-year academic pathways for each UMBC major/program listed below as a resource for major exploration and development of an individualized degree plan.

Please note that these academic pathways are sample pathways. Students, in consultation with their academic advisor, will create an individualized degree plan, reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an individualized degree plan by no later than 45 credits earned and to update the plan regularly, in consultation with an academic advisor.

For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog (catalog.umbc.edu).

Select a major/program to view its pathway:

Physics - B.S.

Degree Requirements
Total Academic Credits:
118 - 119
Major Credits:
70-73
Min. Upper-Level Credits:
45
Min. Cumulative GPA:
2.0
§ indicates Benchmark requirements
‡ indicates Gateway courses
Curriculum Notes
  • This sample plan assumes no AP/IB/CLEP or transfer credit, foreign language proficiency up to the 201 level and a math placement level of MATH 151
  • All students must complete a credit-bear English and Mathematics course in the first year of study
Year One
Fall Semester Credits
MATH 151 Calc. & Analytic Geom. I (MATH GEP) 4
CHEM 101 Principles of Chemistry I 4
PHYS 121H Intro. Physics I Honors (S non-lab GEP) 4
ENGL GEP 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
MATH 152 Calculus & Analytic Geometry II 4
PHYS 122H Introductory Physics II Honors 4
CMSC 104 or 201 3-4
AH GEP 3
Total 14 - 15
Year Two
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 224 Vibrations & Waves 3
PHYS 122L Introductory Physics Laboratory (Lab GEP) 3
MATH 251 Multivariable Calculus 4
Foreign Language 201 4
Total 14
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 220 Introduction to Computational Physics § 3
PHYS 324 Modern Physics 3
MATH 225 Introduction to Differential Equations 3
AH GEP 3
C GEP 3
Total 15
Year Three
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 303 Thermal & Statistical Physics § 3
PHYS 330L Optics Laboratory (WI) § 3
MATH 221 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
AH GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 321 Intermediate Mechanics § 3
PHYS 320L Electronics for Scientists § 3
SS GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Elective 3
Total 15
Year Four
Fall Semester Credits
PHYS 424 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics § 3
PHYS 431L Modern Physics Laboratory 3
PHYS 300 or 400-level Elective 3
SS GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Spring Semester Credits
PHYS 407 Electromagnetic Theory § 3
PHYS 300 or 400-level Elective 3
SS GEP 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Upper-Level Elective 3
Total 15
Advising Coordinator:
CNMS Advising cnmsadvising@umbc.edu University Center, Room 205