Program: Physics, BA - Binghamton University

Apr 02, 2025

2024-2025 Binghamton University Academic Guide

Physics is the study of matter, motion, and energy. As one of the natural sciences, physics applies mathematics and scientific reasoning to the study of our reality, from the smallest particles to the farthest corners of the universe. Students in the Physics BA receive training in most basic areas of physics and mathematics, as well as a broad liberal arts education. This program prepares students for further study at the graduate level, both in physics and as a framework for engineering, as well as other professional careers such as education or industry.

Although it is preferable for the potential physics major to start physics courses as a first-year student, the structure of the physics curriculum is such that the Harpur College student is able to satisfy the requirements for the BA degree in physics in two years of study, following the completion of general physics and a year of calculus.

Program Requirements

University General Education Requirements

All Binghamton University undergraduate students are required to fulfill this set of university-wide requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of a SUNY university undergraduate education. Please refer to the General Education page for more information.

Harpur College Requirements

All students in Harpur College must fulfill additional requirements designated by Harpur College to complement and extend the general education requirements. Please refer to the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences page for more information.

Major Requirements

Prerequisites

The Physics Department views the prerequisites listed for physics courses as essential. If a student does not have the prerequisites, or the equivalent, a course may be taken only after successful petition to the departmental undergraduate committee.

Also note that the following courses are required courses for the physics major: MATH 224 and PHYS 121. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for completion of the major. If students do not place into PHYS 121, then MATH 108 is also required for completion of the major.

Note:

Students planning to major in physics with a BA degree should take PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132) and should complete MATH 224/225, 226/227 and 323 as quickly as possible.

Typical Four-Year Plan of Study

Students may find a typical four-year curricular plan as well as other additional information about the program in the Undergraduate Physics Handbook. Please note that your course progression might vary from the example. Students are strongly recommended to consult with their advisor throughout their study at Binghamton University to ensure they can complete their degree on time.

Additional Information About the Program

No courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the major in physics may be taken with the Pass/Fail option when letter grades are available for the courses. Credit by examination is not granted for courses taught by the department apart from the Advanced Placement procedure.

Our introductory physics courses require a certain number of in-person and hands-on lab experiments in addition to the course’s discussion and lecture components. Transferred courses that are completely online do not meet this criteria.

Residency Requirements: Four of the six required 300- and 400-level PHYS courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University. These courses do not include General Education requirements.

For more information on the Physics BA program, please refer to the Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Department website. To apply to the Physics BA program, please visit the University Admissions website.

Physics, BA

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