BS Physics at University of Alabama

Programme overview

Physics majors are interested in understanding the nature of the physical universe. This interest may focus on more specific sub-areas, such as the physics of elementary particles; the properties of solid matter; or the evolution of stars, galaxies, and black holes. A successful physics major will develop analytical and problem-solving skills which will be useful in a wide range of possible applications and careers.

Faculty: J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Physics Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tuscaloosa, AL, United States

What you will study

Courses in the listed curriculum include PH 302 Intermediate Mechanics, PH 331 Elect & Magnetism I, PH 332 Elect & Magnetism II, PH 441 Quantum Structure of Matter I, PH 442 Quantum Structure of Matter II, PH 471 Thermal Physics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by meeting with an academic advisor and requesting the major be added to their academic record. In addition to stated prerequisites, physics courses numbered 253-354 have as prerequisites PH 101 General Physics I, PH 105 General Physics W/Calc I or PH 125 Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus, AND PH 102 General Physics II, PH 106 General Physics W/Calc II or PH 126 Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus II. Physics courses numbered 400-499 have as prerequisites 14 hours of physics or 11 hours of physics and senior standing in addition to stated prerequisites. University-level freshman admission (not programme-specific): 4 units English, 3 units mathematics, 3 units natural sciences (two with labs) and 10 other academic units; ACT or SAT is required if the cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0 for 2027 entry (all applicants for 2028 entry).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer (the admissions page lists Spring, and Summer/Fall priority deadlines).

First-year priority deadlines: November 2 for Spring entry and December 4 for Summer/Fall entry. Applications are accepted through the UA Undergraduate App, and first-time freshmen may also apply through the Common App.

Transfer priority deadlines: October 1 for Spring entry and March 1 for Summer/Fall entry. The application fee is $50 (nonrefundable); Alabama residents applying via the UA Undergraduate App pay no fee.

First-year applicants for a 2027 entry term must submit an ACT or SAT score if their cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0; all students applying to enroll in 2028 must submit test scores.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.ua.edu/apply/

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