You are here

Advice for Current and Prospective Physics Majors

UW Physics students take many paths to their degree. These sample graduation plans illustrate several approaches reflecting different preparation, desired degree option, and post-graduation goals. Note that these sample paths only include courses directly related a physics degree; you will need to include additional classes to meet college distribution requirements. Most of these sample graduation plans assume students take Math 124 and Phys 121 at the same time. If you start with a higher level math class concurrent with Phys 121, simply substitute whatever math class you are ready for whenever there is a math option on the plan.

If you pursue a physics major, the first few quarters are independent of degree option; You must complete one year of introductory physics and one year of calculus before you can declare a physics major. (These sequences are both available at community colleges, and are offered every quarter at UW.) A strong performance in an AP, IB or A-level physics courses (or Phys 114), may serve as a substitute for Phys 121, possibly for Phys 122, and only very rarely for Phys 123. The honors introductory sequence Phys 141/142/143 is offered once each year, starting in the autumn, and assumes students are ready to learn rapidly and appreciate excursions into material not in the main textbook. The honors sequence may be a good option for students who completed a high school physics program with AP, IB or A-level credit, but who wish to reinforce that knowledge at UW.

Students who arrive on campus placing into Math 120 are encouraged to join the Freshman Interest Group that pairs Math 120 with Phys 101, which gives a conceptual introduction to physics. This could then be followed by Math 124 in winter, and Phys 121 paired with Math 125 in the spring, and then continue on one of the sample paths starting with Phys 122 or 123 the following autumn.

More information:

  • 2024 Career Panel (February 12, 2024) – Presentations from Prof. Blinov, the UW Career & Internship Center, and 4 alumni of our undergraduate program share insights and statistics on careers, networking and how a Physics degree contributed to their professional development.
  • Why apply to Physics – presentation given to prospective physics major students from Prof. Olmstead on November 30, 2023.
  • Presentation for Admitted Students Interested in Physics: 

    Overview Presentation (video, slides, transcript): Information for UW students describing the Physics major, including information about why one might want to major in physics, which introductory course(s) to take, what makes a successful physics major, and career options for physics graduates.

    Extended Presentation (video, slides, transcript): More detailed information about whom to contact for information in Physics Student Services, major requirements, capstone possibilities, departmental honors, minor requirements, admission to the major, continuation policy in the major, and some results of the Physics Senior Exit Survey for 2000-2022.

  • So You Think You Want To Take Physics?  Presentation to pre-freshmen in the July 2018 Summer Bridge program, addressing what to expect in the Phys 121/122/123 series, as well as general information about succeeding at UW.
  • Orientation for new majors [Video] - [Slides]  Overview of major and available resources, plus advice on course and career planning.
  • Is Grad School right for me? [Video Coming Soon] - [Slides][Transcript] 2021 presentation by Prof. Olmstead on factors to consider when deciding whether and when to attend graduate school in physics or astronomy, as well as advice regarding how to build a record (starting early!) that increases your chances of admission and information about how to navigate the application process.
  • MyPhys, UW Physics Department intranet with policies and information for enrolled students.
  • UW Physics Department fact sheet.
  • American Physical Society (APS) careers guide.
  • Society of Physics Students (SPS) national site, and local chapter.
  • SPS annual career panel presentations:
    1. 2021 Physics Career Panel: Video.  Includes:
          a) an Overview Presentation by Prof. Olmstead on national physics career statistics and possibilities (Transcript);
          b). UW Career Center Essentials: How to maximize use of Career Center Resources for your Long Term Success.  Presentation by Dan Poux, UW Career and Internship Center  Addresses match to potential careers, building relationships and networking, preparing your resume, finding job openings, preparing for interviews, etc.
          c)  Panel of UW graduates discussing their journey to finding a rewarding job after graduation and advice for others to do the same.

    2. High School Teaching: 2020 presentation by Alex Stevens (UW Physics/Astro BS '11).
    3. Environmental Consulting: 2020 presentation by Marie Scott (UW Physics BS '16).
    4. Finding a job: 2018 presentation by Cliff Slaughterbeck (UW Physics PhD '96) giving advice based on his experience leading to a management position at the Allen Institute for Brain Science.
  • Physics Undergraduate Mentoring Program
    • Panel on Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research (December, 2022): video
Share