Santa Clara University

Majors & Programs - Major in Physics

Undergraduate Admission

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Major in Physics

Learn the fundamental workings of the natural world to prepare for graduate studies or a science or high tech career.

As a physics major at Santa Clara University, you will gain a fundamental understanding of the workings of the natural world. The major will prepare you for a career in industry or government, or teaching physical science in secondary school. You will also be prepared for graduate study in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, as well as such diverse fields as biophysics, geological science and geophysics, medical physics and medicine, patent law, and oceanography. A special curriculum is available for students who are preparing for a career in medicine.

Visit the Department of Physics Web site

Major Requirements

Lower Division

  • Calculus and Analytic Geometry I–IV (Mathematics)
  • General Chemistry I & II (Chemistry)
  • Introduction to Computer Science (Mathematics)
  • Differential Equations (Mathematics)
  • Electronic Circuits for Scientists
  • Physics for Scientists and Engineers I–IV

Upper Division

  • Advanced Laboratory I–III
  • Analytical Mechanics I & II
  • Electromagnetic Theory I & II
  • Physics of Solids
  • Thermal Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics I & II
  • Methods of Mathematical Physics I & II