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All undergraduate and transfer applications are handled by the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 1220 Student Activities Building, phone: (734) 764-7433, email: ugadmiss@umich.edu. Contact Undergraduate Admissions* for an application form, or download one from their web site.
Application deadline for fall admission is generally February 1 (March 1 for transfer applicants), but please see the official U-M How to Apply page for authoritative information.
If you are interested in pursuing physics as a concentration, you should schedule an appointment to talk with a concentration counselor as early as possible. In a face-to-face meeting we can much better provide you with the information you need. Since much of the physics curriculum is sequential, with one course building on another, it is a good idea to do some planning of your curriculum early on.
B.S. in Physics
Prerequisites
Students who plan to concentrate in physics begin with a variety of background prerequisite courses. Mathematics is the language of physics, and all physics students need to complete math courses up through Math 216 (differential equations) or the equivalent. Physics prerequisite courses begin with a first year introductory sequence in mechanics and electricity & magnetism. These courses include both lecture and lab components, and can be taken either in the standard sequence (135/235 or 140/240 with the labs 141/241), or in a more in depth and intensive honors sequence (160/260 and the 141/241 labs). After these introductory courses, you will take Physics 340 and its lab 341. One more prerequisite remains, Physics 390, and this can be taken concurrently with Physics 401, 405, or 451.
To receive a bachelors degree students complete at least 30 credits in physics courses numbering 390 and above. Your concentration plan must include:
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Physics 451, a mathematical methods course intended to prepare you for 405, 453, and subsequent courses
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The Physics core courses: 401, 405, 406, and 453
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The Physics advanced laboratory courses: 441 and 442
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At least two electives selected from 402, 411, 413, 417, 435, 452, 455, 457, 460, or 463
Core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C- in each course, with a cumulative average of C or higher.
Honors Concentration in Physics
Students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 are encouraged to elect an honors concentration in physics. In addition to the regular departmental requirements for a physics concentration, candidates for an honors concentration must elect six credits of physics from courses numbered 401 and above which are not otherwise required. They must also complete a senior honors thesis based on research done under the supervision of a faculty member. They may register for Physics 498/499 as part of the senior thesis work.
A.B. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Physics
The Interdisciplinary Physics concentration allows students the flexibility to supplement their core study of physics with courses in complementary fields. This concentration can be effective preparation for graduate study in the sciences, for medical, law, and business schools, or for direct entry into the job market. Because students pursuing the Interdisciplinary Physics degree have a wide variety of career goals, advising from a Physics concentration advisor is especially important.
Prerequisites
Mathematics through Math 216 (or the equivalent); Physics 140/141 and 240/241 or Physics 125/127 and 126/128, or 135/141 and 235/241 or 160/141 and 260/241; and Physics 340/341.
Concentration Requirements
The Interdisciplinary Physics program requires at least 27 credits, including at least 12 in physics courses numbered 390 and above. A concentration plan must include the following:
Honors Concentration in Interdisciplinary Physics
Students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 are encouraged to elect an honors concentration in General Physics. In addition to the regular departmental requirements for a General Physics concentration, candidates for an honors concentration must elect an additional 3 credits of physics from courses numbered 401 and above which are not otherwise required and elect an additional 3 credit cognate course as part of the cognate program. They must also complete a senior honors thesis based on research (Physics 498/499) done under the supervision of a faculty member. Some students in this degree line are pursuing interdisciplinary or dual degrees. A physics faculty contact person will be arranged for students doing research under a faculty member in their cognate department.
Academic Physics Minor
Many students, while very interested in physics, decide to pursue another field as their major concentration. To help these students wet their appetite for physics; we offer an academic minor program in physics. Students interested in pursuing a minor are encouraged to discuss their plans with a physics concentration counselor. Appointments can be made by calling the Physics Student Services Office in 2464 Randall at (734) 764-5539.
Prerequisites
Mathematics through differential equations: Math 216 or its equivalent.
Academic Minor Program: 18 credits of courses as follows:
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A two-term introductory sequence: Physics 135/141 and Physics 235/241, or Physics 140/141 and 240/241, or Physics 125/127 and 126/128, or Physics 160/141 and 260/241.
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Physics 340, 341, and 390.
Advanced Placement Credit and the Physics Minor
Although course credit for PHYSICS 125/126/127/128 or PHYSICS 140/141/240/241 may be awarded for scores of 4 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) Physics exams B or C, LSA policy does not allow those AP credits to be counted toward the minimum credits required for an academic minor. To qualify for the minor, students with AP exam credit must complete additional eligible courses within the Physics department for a total of at least 15 PHYSICS course credits. Eligible courses include PHYSICS 333 and 334 (Tutoring of PHYSICS 140 and 240), and PHYSICS 401. Other 400-level PHYSICS courses may also be used, subject to approval by a concentration advisor.
Teaching Certificate in Physics
A teaching certificate with a major in physics requires 30 credits of physics; a minor requires 20. These credits must include Physics 125/127 and 126/128, or Physics 140/141 and 240/241; and Physics 340. The remainder of the program consists of courses numbered 390 or above or the equivalent.
Credit Evaluation
Updated Information coming soon. If you need credit evaluation please contact Christine Betz Bolang at cebetz@umich.edu .
Sample Undergraduate Program
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