Whether you're wishing to enter the teaching profession, seeking high-quality training in physics and mathematics or considering a career in health care, the legal profession or other science areas, the physical science major will prepare you to pursue your interests and career goals. This program offers a flexible curriculum that includes teaching-related experiential learning opportunities.
The physical science major provides great flexibility in the curriculum. In addition to traditional physics, students can select courses from any of the physical and life sciences to provide curricular breadth, based upon their career interests and preferences.
Physical science majors can choose to work with a physics research mentor to complete a rigorous undergraduate research experience, or complete an educational capstone experience in cooperation with the School of Education and Health Sciences.
Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about physical science at UD.
The physical science program provides broad training in the physical sciences that is desirable for one who plans to pursue a goal built on a composite science background. The physical science major combines adequate physics, chemistry, geology and mathematics to provide a sound working knowledge of physical science. Since the program is less specialized than one in a single science, it has provision for adequate course selections and sufficient electives to provide the opportunity for concentrated study in a discipline chosen to meet the career objectives of the individual student.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.
At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.
Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.
Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.
To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.
Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.
Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.
Our faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your physical science journey at UD.