PHYS-BS - Physics (BS)

The mission of the undergraduate program in Physics is to provide students with a strong foundation in both classical and modern physics. The goal of the program is to develop both quantitative problem-solving skills and the ability to conceive experiments and analyze and interpret data. These abilities are acquired through both coursework and opportunities to conduct independent research. The program prepares students for careers in fields that benefit from quantitative and analytical thinking, including physics, engineering, teaching, medicine, law, science writing, and science policy, in government or the private sector. In some cases, the path to this career will be through an advanced degree in physics or a professional program.

Physics is concerned with a rigorous, mathematical understanding of the fundamental laws that govern our universe and everything in it. The Physics major provides students with a foundational understanding of the pillars of modern physics: mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. The major is designed around a range of pathways that allow students the flexibility to explore a particular interest in more depth, including but not limited to astrophysics, biophysics, computational and mathematical physics, education, geophysics, and quantum information science.

Physics majors have gone on to pursue careers in basic or applied research, teaching, and policy, as well as in many parts of the private sector as engineers, consultants, and founders of startups. Others have combined the Physics major with a minor or major in the humanities and pursued careers in the arts.

Physics majors often pursue advanced degrees, including coterminal Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied & Engineering Physics, Statistics and other fields, and Ph.D. programs in physics or other fields.

All prospective physics majors should take the Physics Placement Diagnostic to get sound advice on which introductory physics sequence will be sufficiently challenging without being overwhelming, and where to begin in that sequence. During their first year at Stanford, prospective Physics majors are encouraged to take, each quarter, the highest level Math course (among Math 19, 20, 21, and the 50 series) for which they satisfy the prerequisites. Prospective majors, especially those who are beginning the major during sophomore year, can contact the undergraduate program coordinator (elva@stanford.edu) to arrange an advising appointment. Students who have had previous college-level courses should make an advising appointment for placement and possible transfer credit. For additional information on Advanced Placement, see the Registrar's Website. You can view the BS in Physics approval form here.

Physics Placement Diagnostic

All students:  You must take the Physics Placement Diagnostic if you intend to enroll in either PHYSICS40 or PHYSICS41 or PHYSICS45 or PHYSICS61 and you have never taken an entry-level Physics course at Stanford -- i.e., you have not taken at least one of PHYS 21, 23, 25, 41, 41A/E, 43, 45, 61, 63, 65.

For more information, see the department's  Physics Placement Diagnostic page.

Course plans for the Start of the Physics Major

See these sample plans for the start of the Physics and Engineering Physics majors for students matriculating in Autumn 2022 or later.  Since incoming students have a wide range of backgrounds in math and physics, six different plans are provided; each plan assumes a different starting point in math (MATH 19, 20, 21, or 51 or 61) and/or in physics (PHYSICS 41, 43, or 61). You will receive advice on the best starting point for you when you take the Placement Diagnostics for Math and for Physics.

Course plans for pursuing different Physics pathways are provided below the sample plans for the start of the major.

How to Declare the Major in Physics

To declare a major in Physics, see the Physics Department website on How to Declare. 

For Physics Majors who entered Stanford in Autumn 2022 or later:

Students who have already learned the material in Physics 41 and/or 43 and taken the Physics Placement Diagnostic may waive those courses.  Note that if such a student was not advised by the Diagnostic that they are ready to start in Physics 61, then they should speak to the Physics 61 instructor before deciding whether to skip Physics 41 and/or 43.  Students do not need to file a course waiver/substitution form to waive either Physics 41 or 43 and they do not need to have officially approved units to substitute for these courses on their Stanford transcript.

Students who have already taken the equivalent of any of Math 51, 52, and/or 53 before coming to Stanford and have received approval from the Stanford Math Department to count external units for those courses may waive those required courses.  In order to do this, they should fill out the Physics Department Course Waiver/Substitution form before the end of their sophomore year.

Students who have already taken the equivalent of any of Physics 61, 71, or 81 may petition the Physics Department to count these external courses in place of these requirements.  This must be done using the Physics Dept Course Waiver/Substitution form.  Before filling out the form, students should contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (elva@stanford.edu) to arrange an advising meeting.

For Physics Majors who entered Stanford prior to Autumn 2022:

Students who have already learned the material in some of the required introductory physics and math courses may petition to substitute more advanced courses (generally Physics and Math Electives) instead for the major.  This petition must be approved by the Physics Major Advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.  Interested students should contact elva@stanford.edu in the Physics Department.  In no case will this reduce the total number of courses required for the major.

Students develop an understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the universe, and a strong foundation of mathematical, analytical, laboratory, and written communication skills. They will also be presented with opportunities for learning through research. Upon completion of the Physics degree, students should have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

1. A thorough quantitative and conceptual understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, at a level compatible with admission to graduate programs in physics at peer institutions.

2. The ability to analyze and interpret quantitative results, both in the core areas of physics and in complex problems that cross multiple core areas.

3. The ability to apply the principles of physics to solve new and unfamiliar problems. This ability is often described as "thinking like a physicist."

4. The ability to use contemporary experimental apparatus and analysis tools to acquire, analyze, and interpret scientific data.

5. The ability to communicate scientific results effectively in written papers and presentations or posters.