University Catalog 2024-2025

Physics (BS)

Physics provides the conceptual foundation for science and engineering. A physics degree is a mark of major intellectual achievement and a gateway to a thousand careers. The physics major at NC State combines the resources of a major research university with the ambience of a small college. Our ratio of physics majors to faculty of about 3 to 1 allows us to offer small classes, personal attention, and unparalleled opportunities for involvement in research.

Most physics majors are preparing for employment in a government or industrial laboratory, or with a company that provides STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) products or services. Other physics majors are preparing for graduate studies in physics or related sciences, or enrollment in professional schools (such as medicine or law). Some physics majors are preparing for a career as a high school teacher. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in physics is the appropriate choice if you’re planning for graduate study in physics.

For more information about this program, visit our website.

Department of Physics
NC State University
Campus Box 8202
Raleigh, NC 27695-8202

Dr. Dan Dougherty
Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs
NC State University
Riddick Hall 101
Raleigh, NC 27695-8202
Phone: 919.514.2610

Email: dbdoughe@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

Orientation
Science of Change (Verify Requirement)
Communication
Select one of the following Advanced Writing courses:3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research 14
Physics
PY 201University Physics I 14
PY 202University Physics II 14
PY 203University Physics III 14
PY 252Instrumental and Data Analysis for Physics 12
PY 401Quantum Physics I 13
PY 402Quantum Physics II 13
PY 411Mechanics I 13
PY 412Mechanics II 13
PY 413Thermal Physics 13
PY 414Electromagnetism I 13
PY 415Electromagnetism II 13
Math / Statistics / Computing
MA 141Calculus I 14
MA 241Calculus II 14
MA 242Calculus III 14
MA 341Applied Differential Equations I 13
MA 401Applied Differential Equations II 13
MA 405Introduction to Linear Algebra 13
Statistics Elective 13
PY 251Introduction to Scientific Computing 13
Computing / Numerical Methods Elective 13
Science/Tech Electives
CH 101Chemistry - A Molecular Science 13
CH 102General Chemistry Laboratory 11
Basic Science Elective 13
Advanced Experimental Physics 13
Technical Electives 110
Technical Electives are courses at the 300 level or above in science. mathematics, technology, engineering, and in math and science education.
GEP Courses
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives5
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
Foreign Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 26
Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required.

2

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.

Statistics Electives

BUS 350Economics and Business Statistics3
EC 351Econometrics I3
ST 3054
ST 307Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS1
ST 308Introduction to Statistical Programming - R1
ST 311Introduction to Statistics3
ST 312Introduction to Statistics II3
ST 350Economics and Business Statistics3
ST 370Probability and Statistics for Engineers3
ST 371Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory3
ST 372Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression3
ST 3803

Computing / Numerical Methods Electives

CSC 302Introduction to Numerical Methods3
CSC 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
CSC 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
MA 402Mathematics of Scientific Computing3
MA 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
MA 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
PY 525Computational Physics3

Basic Science Elective

BIO 1655
BIO 181Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity4
BIO 183Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology4
BME 2033
CE 225Mechanics of Solids3
CH 201Chemistry - A Quantitative Science3
CH 202Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 203General Chemistry II for Students in Chemical Sciences3
CH 204General Chemistry Laboratory II for Students in Chemical Sciences1
CH 220Introductory Organic Chemistry3
CH 222Organic Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 205Chemical Process Principles4
GN 301Genetics in Human Affairs3
MAE 214Solid Mechanics3
MEA 101Geology I: Physical3
MEA 110Geology I Laboratory1
MEA 200Introduction to Oceanography3
MEA 210Oceanography Lab1
MEA 215Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences4
MEA 220Marine Biology3
MSE 200Mechanical Properties of Structural Materials3
MSE 201Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials3
MSE 2033
NE 202Radiation Sources, Interaction and Detection4
TE 200Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering3

Advanced Experimental Physics 

PY 452Advanced Physics Laboratory3
PY 456Senior Design Project in Physics3

Semester Sequence

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
PY 201 University Physics I (CP) 1 4
MA 141 Calculus I (CP) 2 4
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 4
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
COS 100 Science of Change 2
 Hours15
Spring Semester
PY 202 University Physics II (CP) 1 4
MA 241 Calculus II (CP) 2 4
CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 3 3
CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory 3 1
GEP Humanities 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall Semester
PY 203 University Physics III (CP) 1,3 4
PY 251 Introduction to Scientific Computing 2 3
PY 252 Instrumental and Data Analysis for Physics 1 2
MA 242 Calculus III (CP) 2 4
GEP Social Sciences 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
PY 411 Mechanics I (CP) 1 3
PY 413 Thermal Physics 1 3
MA 341 Applied Differential Equations I 2 3
Basic Sciences 3 3
GEP Humanities 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall Semester
PY 412 Mechanics II 1 3
PY 414 Electromagnetism I 1 3
MA 401 Applied Differential Equations II 2 3
Statistics Elective 2 3
Advanced Writing Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
PY 401 Quantum Physics I 1 3
PY 415 Electromagnetism II 1 3
MA 405 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 3
Computing/Numerical Methods Elective 2 3
Technical Elective 3 1
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours14
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
PY 402 Quantum Physics II 1 3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3
Technical Elective 3 3
Technical Elective 3 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Advanced Experimental Physics 1 3
GEP Social Sciences 3
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3
Technical Elective 3 3
Free Elective 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120
1

At most one passing grade below C- is permitted in the Physics category.

2

At most one passing grade below C- is permitted in the Math/Statistics/Computing category.

3

At most one passing grade below C- is permitted in the Sciences/Technical Electives category.

Career Opportunities

Career Titles

  • Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineering Technician
  • Architect
  • Astronomer
  • Atmospheric and Space Scientist
  • Biophysicist
  • Cartographer and Photogrammetrists
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Research Analyst
  • Fuel Cell Engineers
  • Geologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
  • Hydrographer
  • Hydrologist
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Materials Engineer
  • Materials Scientist
  • Mathematician
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Meteorologist
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Nuclear Fuels Research Engineer
  • Oceanographer
  • Optometrist
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Physicist
  • Physics Professor
  • Radiation Protection Engineer
  • Seismologist
  • Soil Engineer
  • Solar Energy Systems Designer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Sustainability Specialists
  • Technical Publications Writer
  • Water Pollution Control Inspector
  • Weather Forecaster

Learn More About Careers

NCcareers.org
Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.

Career One Stop Videos
View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.

American Institute of Physics

American Physical Society