The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in physics is designed for students who wish to become secondary school science teachers and emphasizes knowledge and awareness of:

  • The basic subfields of physics (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics), as well as at least one specialty area of application (e.g., solid state physics or optics);
  • The major principles of physics, their historical development and the roles they play in the various subfields of physics;
  • The interrelations between theory and observation, the role of systematic and random experimental errors and methods used to analyze experimental uncertainty and compare experiment with theory;
  • Physical phenomena and experience in the use of basic experimental apparatus and measuring instruments;
  • Mathematics sufficient to facilitate the acquisition and application of physical principles; and
  • The importance of physics in other fields such as chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine and in society at large.

In addition, students completing the BA degree in physics are expected to acquire the ability and skills to:

  • Apply physical principles to new situations;
  • Construct and assemble experimental apparatus, conduct and analyze measurements of physical phenomena, analyze experimental uncertainty and make meaningful comparisons between experiment and theory; and
  • Communicate results of scientific inquiries verbally and in writing.

Note: Students may not earn a BA degree in physics from the College of Arts & Sciences and either a BS in physics from the College of Arts & Sciences  or a BS degree in engineering physics from the College of Engineering & Applied Science. Furthermore, the physics minor may not be earned with any of these baccalaureate programs.

Requirements

Learning Outcomes 

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's Degree Program(s)

The bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) degree program options offer currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. Students receive the bachelor's degree first but begin taking graduate coursework as undergraduates (typically in their senior year).

Because some courses are allowed to double count for both the bachelor's and the master's degrees, students receive a master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than if they were to enroll in a standalone master's degree program after completion of their baccalaureate degree. In addition, staying at CU Boulder to pursue a bachelor's–accelerated master's program enables students to continue working with their established faculty mentors.

BA and MS in Physics

The BAM program in physics aims to provide new opportunities for undergraduate physics majors. For students interested in graduate studies, this program in physics allows for participation in graduate coursework and research in a broad range of areas. For students interested in immediate professional employment, this program would serve as a terminal degree program that qualifies students for a higher level of employment.

Admissions Requirements

In order to gain admission to the BAM program named above, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher and a physics major GPA of 3.30 or higher.
  • Have completed a minimum of 75 credit hours of coursework.
  • Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at CU Boulder.
  • Have a letter of support from a faculty advisor to complete master's level research.

Program Requirements

Students may take up to and including 12 hours while in the undergraduate program which can later be used toward the master’s degree. However, only 6 credit hours may be double counted toward the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. Students must apply to graduate with the bachelor’s degree, and apply to continue with the master’s degree, early in the semester in which the undergraduate requirements will be completed.

If you are interested in the BAM degree program, please see the Department of Physics website.