College of Science

Department of Physics

Bachelor of Science in Physics

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1st year

Fall Semester

ENGL 1301

POLS 2311

PHYS 1443

MATH 1426

UNIV 1131 OR 1101

Spring Semester

ENGL 1302

POLS 2312

PHYS 1444

MATH 2425

Summer (Optional)

HOURS 31

2nd year

Fall Semester

MATH 2326

PHYS 2311

PHYS 3313

CHEM 1441

FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA

Spring Semester

PHYS 3183

CHEM 1442

CREATIVE ARTS

GENERAL ELECTIVE

MATH 3318 OR MATH 3319

Summer (Optional)

HOURS 30

3rd year

Fall Semester

PHYS 3321

PHYS 4315 GENERAL ELECTIVE

SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Spring Semester

PHYS 4324

PHYS 4319

PHYSICS ADVANCED

LANGUAGE/PHILOSOPHY/CULTURE

COMPUTER SCIENCE: CSE 1310,

PHYS 2321 OR MATH 3345

Summer (Optional)

HOURS 32

4th year

Fall Semester

HIST1301

PHYSICS ADVANCED PHYSICS ADVANCED

MATH 4000-LEVEL ELECTIVE BIOL OR GEOL COURSE FOR MAJORS BIOL 1441/GEOL 1301

Spring Semester

PHYS4117

HIST 1302

GENERAL ELECTIVE

PHYSICS ADVANCED

BIOL OR GEOL COURSE FOR

MAJORS BIOL 1442/GEOL 1302

HOURS 28

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS 121

Beginning the Journey 

EDUCATE 

Review University requirements for physics majors.

Investigate different flavors of physics majors.

Take Univ-SC1131 and Physics 1443 in first semester.

Make first draft of your four-year plan (collaborate with a professor/advisor).

ENGAGE 

Join SPS and/or Olympic Mons.

Explore undergraduate research possibilities.

Discover the library's resources.

Attend Planetarium shows.

Attend colloquia of interest.

EXCEL 

Join the Honors College, if appropriate.

Trailblazing the Path 

EDUCATE 

Meet physics advisor and map out your four-year schedule; revise as needed.

Mix in core courses to maintain healthy schedule.

 

Consider taking a required science class(es) in summer to maintain schedule flexibility.

ENGAGE

Consider working in physics clinic.

Consider becoming an SI leader.

 

Consider becoming a tutor.

 

Participate in undergraduate research; get a

 

faculty supervisor.

 

Attend a Texas APS meeting.

 

Consider joining UTEACH program.

 

Join a club or service fraternity/sorority.

EXCEL 

Present a poster on your undergraduate research at ACES and/or Texas APS meetings.

Apply for Physics Department scholarships, REUs, or

other summer programs.

Study abroad.

Take a leadership position in a club.

Represent the department in variety of activities.

*You can ask your freshman advisor about what these requirements are

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is primarily intended for students pursuing a career in physics or closely related fields. This career path often includes graduate studies, for which this degree is particularly well suited.

Destination Graduation

EDUCATE 

Complete degree requirements.

If you are planning to go to graduate school, consider taking graduate classes at UTA.

Apply for graduation.

Take GREs, if appropriate.

ENGAGE

Investigate career options.

Visit Career Development Center.

EXCEL 

Do an undergraduate or honors thesis.

Give an oral presentation at Texas APS meeting.

Get recommendation letters from your faculty mentor.

Explore potential careers online.

Apply for LSAMP or other programs.

Write a resume and do mock interviews

Visit and apply for graduate schools.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Internships

Fellowships

Assistantships

Job fairs

Scholarships

Peer Academic Leadership

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Global Grounds

Global Mavericks Program

International Week

Language Exchange Program

Study Abroad

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Mentorships

Student organizations

Peer education

Volunteering

Tutoring and coaching

Student Governance

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Service learning

UTA Volunteers

Camps for high school students

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Undergraduate Research Assistantship

Contact your professors for opportunities

Find your career

What career options do I have with this major?

Accelerator Operator

Laser Engineer

Applications Engineer

Optical Engineer

Data Analyst

Research Associate

Design Engineer

Software Developer

High School Physics Teacher

Systems Analyst

IT Consultant

Technical Specialist

Lab Technician

Web Developer

Workforce Skills

Communication: Develop and articulate ideas clearly and effectively across all mediums, including but not limited to written, oral, and digital communication.

Creativity/Ingenuity: Synthesizes existing ideas and concepts in innovative and creative ways to develop new ways of thinking or working; engages in divergent thinking and risk-taking.

Professionalism: Display effective work habits, high integrity, and ethical behavior. Possess the ability to demonstrate skills confidently and apply talents to achieve professional success.

Career Readiness

Analyzing Data and Performing Calculations

Communication Skills

Collaborating with a Team

Computer Programming

Designing Specialized Equipment

Developing Computer Simulations

Developing Theories and Testing Hypotheses

Integrating Theoretical and Experimental Understanding

Preparing and Presenting Research Proposals

Organizing Ideas

Problem-Solving Skills

Project Development Skills

Reviewing Literature

Take Action

Explore workforce skill development through on and off-campus activities.

Engage with the UTA Career Development Center at uta.edu/careers

Meet with a career consultant

Network with employers

Discover internships and co-ops

Apply for on-campus employment

Join Handshake, our career services platform

Participate in career development programs

Visit uta.edu/student-success/major_maps for the latest version of this major map.