Bachelor of Science in Physics

The Bachelor of Science degree offers an in-depth and rigourous treatment of physics for students intending to pursue careers in basic science.

Degree listings here reflect current requirements. Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their faculty advisor to determine course selection.

Look at Sample Program
Look at Requirement List

Sample Program

Bachelor of Science Physics
Year 1
Fall Units
Math 125 4
Chem 115aL 4
Phys 190 1
GE - Social Issues 4
WRIT 140 4

Total 17
Spring Units
Math 126 4
Chem 115bL 4
Phys 151L 4
GE requirement 4


Total 16
Year 2
Fall Units
Math 226 4
Phys 152L 4
Foreign Language 4
GE Requirement 4

Total 16
Spring Units
Math 245 4
Phys 153L 4
Foreign Language 4
GE Requirement 4

Total 16
Year 3
Fall Units
Math 445 4
Phys 304 4
Foreign Language 4
GE Requirement 4

Total 16
Spring Units
Phys 316 4
Phys 438a 4
Writ 340 4
Elective 4

Total 16
Year 4
Fall Units
Phys 408a 4
Phys 438b 4
Phys 492L 4
Elective 4

Total 16
Spring Units
Phys 408b 4
Phys 440 4
Phys 493L 4
Elective 4

Total 16


Required Lower Division Courses Units Semester Offered
PHYS 151L Fundamentals of Physics I 4 FaSpSu
PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II 4 FaSpSu
PHYS 153L Fundamentals of Physics III 4 FaSpSu
PHYS 190 Freshman Colloquium 1 Fa
CHEM 115abL* Advanced General Chemistry 4-4 a-Fa, b-Sp
MATH 125 Calculus I 4 FaSpSu
MATH 126 Calculus II 4 FaSpSu
MATH 226 Calculus III 4 FaSp
MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and
Engineering I
4 FaSp
Required Upper Division Courses Units  
PHYS 304 Mechanics 4 Fa
PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics
and Statistical Physics
4 Sp Odd Years
PHYS 408ab Electricity and Magnetism 4-4 a-Fa, b-Sp
PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum
Mechanics and its Applications
4-4 a-Sp, b-Fa
PHYS 440 Introduction to Solid
State Physics
4 Sp Even Years
PHYS 492L Senior Laboratory 4 Fa
PHYS 493L Advanced Experimental Techniques 4 Sp
MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and
Engineering II
4 FaSp
Total Units 77  

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*CHEM 105abL may be substituted for CHEM 115abL

Undergraduate Program / USC Physics and Astronomy / University of Southern California