Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Options & Requirements
We know not every physics major is the same, so we offer more than one route to a bachelor’s degree and encourage students to choose what works best for their goals.
The Physics Major
If you want to major in physics, you have options!
Want to be a teacher? Consider the VolsTeach program, where you can earn a bachelor’s degree in physics and get your teaching certification at the same time.
Interested in graduate school? The Bachelor of Science (BS) physics program offers two pathways, with each providing the physics, math, and computational background to help our alumni succeed in further study. The academic concentration is well-suited for students who want to pursue a graduate degree in physics or related fields. The astronomy concentration is a great choice for undergraduates who want to earn advanced degrees in astronomy. UT physics majors are routinely accepted into outstanding graduate programs.
Looking for more flexibility? The Bachelor of Arts (BA) physics program has the same foundation as the Bachelor of Science, but requires fewer prerequisite hours and offers more adaptability in the junior and senior years. BA majors can combine their physics studies with courses from other fields that interest them like chemistry, engineering, communications, business, geology, pre-med programs, etc. This gives them a solid foundation to work in a wide range of fields, including science journalism, data science, geological studies, medicine, nuclear engineering, or technical project management (among others).
Need help deciding? Download our printable Majors Guide (in pdf) to compare the courses required for each path and see what courses we offer.
Looking for some extra help? Our tutorial center in Nielsen 512 is open beginning at 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, during the fall and spring semesters.
Degree Requirements: The undergraduate physics major provides a thorough introduction to all core areas of physics. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must meet requirements from the College of Arts and Sciences and may choose from one of our two concentrations: academic or astronomy. We also offer minors in both physics and astronomy, as well as honors concentrations (see below). Students looking for flexibility in their course options for junior and senior year might want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science
The BS offers two different concentrations. The academic concentration is especially well-suited interested in pursuing graduate studies in physics. The astronomy concentrations prepares students for PhD programs in astronomy, as well. For those students interested in research, the honors concentration is also an option.
Bachelor of Arts
The BA degree program has the same foundational courses as the Bachelor of Science, but offers more flexibility in the junior and senior years. For more information, see BA details.
Honors Concentrations
Students can earn a physics degree with honors in either the BS or BA program by meeting the following requirements:
- Complete all requirements for the physics major (BA) or the academic or astronomy concentration with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and a GPA in 300- and 400-level math and physics courses of at least 3.5.
- Complete a minimum of 12 hours in honors courses.
- Complete a written senior thesis reporting results of research conducted under faculty supervision and defended before a committee of three physics faculty members as recorded by satisfactory completion of Physics 498 (Honors Thesis in Physics).
The Physics Minor
Maybe you’ve chosen a different major but still want to study astronomy or physics. With an astronomy minor you’ll get an introduction to the field and learn about the evolution and structure of stars, general relativity, black holes, and cosmology (or other special topics). With an on-campus planetarium and rooftop telescope program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put what you learn into practice. With a physics minor you’ll learn the fundamentals of physics (electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and quantum physics), with the option to do research or an independent study. Most non-physics majors who complete an astronomy minor also meet the qualifications for a physics minor.
Declare A Physics Major or Minor
If all of this sounds interesting to you, you may declare a major or minor! You can also request a Physics Mentor.