Majors

Physics Major Requirements

For the major in physics, there are four options available. In all physics major Options, at least 15 credits of physics courses at the 300-level or higher that are applied towards the major must be completed at Rutgers New Brunswick. All of our majors, and prospective majors, are encouraged to meet at least every semester with the undergraduate program director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

• The Professional Option is a thorough introduction to the subject for all those who expect to make physics an important component of their career. It provides suitable preparation for Ph.D. study in physics. It may lead to careers in research, technical development, or higher education in physics or related fields. 
• The Applied Option is intended for students who wish to work in industry without graduate studies in physics. The required courses give a breadth of knowledge in technical fields rather than specialized preparation for Ph.D studies in physics or astrophysics.A well-balanced sequence of engineering and natural science electives should be chosen in consultation with an adviser in the department.
• The General Option is for students who have an interest in physics or astronomy but do not expect to do graduate work in physics or astronomy. It is suitable preparation for careers in education, medicine, law, industry, and business, and is particularly appropriate in an interdisciplinary course of study. A well-balanced sequence of natural science electives should be chosen in consultation with an adviser in the department.
• The Planetary Physics Option is is for students who wish to pursue a career in physics applied to the study of Earth and other planets. Students will receive a firm foundation in physics. They will receive a broad exposure to planetary physics by taking a course in each of the three fields of concentration: geophysics, atmospheric physics and ocean physics and will take three courses in their area of concentration.

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Astrophysics Major Requirements

All of our majors, and prospective majors, are encouraged to meet at least every semester with the undergraduate program director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Astrophysics Major, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, provides a thorough introduction to the subject. It is appropriate preparation for Ph.D. studies and research. It is suitable for those with an interest in astronomy who aspire to a career in astronomy research, science education, science journalism, technical development, and other professional areas. Prospective majors should This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the Department of Physics and Astronomy before choosing their courses. Synopses of our courses and links to syllabi can be found at https://physics.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/course-synopses. 

In the astrophysics major, at least 15 credits of physics or astrophysics courses at the 300-level or higher that are applied towards the major must be completed at Rutgers New Brunswick. Many of these courses require special permission (SPN) of the undergraduate program director.  Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for SPNs.

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