BA Physics at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, interested in the properties of matter, radiation, and energy in all forms. It provides the underlying framework for other physical sciences and engineering and for understanding physical processes in biological and environmental sciences. The major gives you: Intellectual satisfaction: physics satisfies our deep desire to understand how the universe works.

Faculty: College of Letters & Science | Department: Physics | Duration: 120 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

The degree requires 120 credits in total. Courses listed in the requirements include PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics (recommended); PHYSICS 207 General Physics; PHYSICS 201 General Physics; PHYSICS 248 A Modern Introduction to Physics (recommended); PHYSICS 208 General Physics; PHYSICS 202 General Physics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applies to College of Letters & Science, not specific to this major: Declaring a Physics Major No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit the Advising and Careers tab. Courses required to get in None GPA requirements to get in At least a 2.500 GPA on all MATH and PHYSICS courses, computed on all attempts prior to and including the first passed attempt of any course. Credits required to get in None Other None Students pursuing the Physics major are not eligible to declare the Physics certificate.

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.

First-year entry terms: Fall (Early Action and Regular Decision) and Spring. Transfer entry terms: Fall (Priority and Regular Decision) and Spring.

First-year Fall Early Action: application deadline November 1, materials deadline November 9, decision on or before January 31. Fall Regular Decision: application deadline January 15, materials deadline January 22, decision on or before March 31. Spring Regular Decision: application deadline October 1, materials deadline October 15, decision on or before December 31. First-year fall and spring applications open August 1. Early Action is non-binding.

Transfer Fall Priority: application deadline February 1, materials deadline February 16, decision on or before March 31. Fall Regular: application deadline March 1, materials deadline March 15, decision on or before April 30. Spring Regular: application deadline October 1, materials deadline October 15, decision on or before December 31. Fall transfer applications open December 1; spring transfer applications open August 1.

Apply via the Common Application or the Universities of Wisconsin Application. The application fee is $80 US and is non-refundable; fee waivers are available for applicants with financial hardship. ACT and SAT scores are optional for students applying for admission through the spring 2028 term (application deadline October 1, 2027).

Explore more study programmes

Engineering