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Physics

Bachelor of Science

As a physics student at UD, you'll gain a high-quality academic experience that includes participating in experiential learning opportunities and rigorous research mentored by physics faculty. You'll work one-on-one with faculty, along with an exceptionally strong community of physics majors.

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Fast Facts

100% of students

complete a research participation project

A Top 4-Year Private School

in the number of graduates who earn a doctoral degree

Program Overview

Why Study Physics at UD?

Small-size classes, taught by faculty, allow students to know their professors from academic and research perspectives. The resulting relationships form the foundation for each student when they identify a research mentor. Undergraduate majors make multiple presentations at local, regional and national professional conferences.

The UD chapter of the Society of Physics Students has many activities, including their yearly participation in the Dayton Region Affiliate Society Council's TechFest, which is A STEM Educational Outreach program. Because of their outstanding programming, our chapter has received multiple Marsh White Awards and has been nationally recognized as either an "Outstanding" or "Distinguished" Chapter in each of the last five years.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about physics at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
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Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

The physics program leads to the Bachelor of Science and provides a strong, versatile foundation for a scientific career or advanced study. Students gain a high-quality academic experience that includes participating in experiential learning opportunities and rigorous research mentored by physics faculty. Students will work one-on-one with faculty, along with an exceptionally strong community of physics majors.

As an undergraduate physics major, you are eligible to apply to the Bachelor's Plus Master's Degree Program through the School of Engineering in electro-optics or materials engineering.

Sample Plan of Study

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.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • PHY 206 AND PHY 210L – 206: General Physics I - Mechanics; 210L: General Physics Laboratory I
    4
  • CHM 123 AND CHM 123L – 123: General Chemistry I; 123L: General Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 168 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus I
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • PHY 207 AND PHY 211L – 207: General Physics II - Electricity & Magnetism; 211L: General Physics Laboratory II
    4
  • CHM 124 AND CHM 124L – 124: General Chemistry II; 124L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 169 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus II
    4
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • PHY 208 – General Physics III- Thermodynamics, Waves, and Fluids
    3
  • MTH 218 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus III
    4
  • CPS 150 – Algorithms & Programming I
    4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 4
  • MTH 219 – Applied Differential Equations
    3
  • PHY 321 OR 323 – 321: General Physics IV - Modern Physics; 323: Computational Physics
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • PHY 333 – Digital & Analog Electronics for Scientists
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • PHY 301 OR 303 – 301: Thermal Physics; 303: Intermediate Mechanics I
    3
  • PHY 390 OR 408 – 390: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics; 408: Intermediate Electricity & Magnetism I
    3
  • MTH 301 OR 310 – 301: Matrix Theory and Applications; 310: Linear Algebra & Matrices
    3
  • PHY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • PHY 323 OR 321 – 323: Computational Physics; 321: General Physics IV - Modern Physics
    3
  • PHY 440 OR 409 – 440: Quantum Mechanics II; 409: Intermediate Electricity & Magnetism II
    3
  • PHY 333 OR 430 – 333: Digital & Analog Electronics for Scientists; 430: Advanced Lab
    3
  • Social Science Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • PHY 390 OR 408 – 390: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics; 408: Intermediate Electricity & Magnetism I
    3
  • PHY 301 OR 303 – 301: Thermal Physics; 303: Intermediate Mechanics I
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • PHY 480 – Physics Capstone
    1
  • PHY 430 – Advanced Lab
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • General Electives
    5
  • Total Credit Hours 15

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.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

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.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

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Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

Success After Graduation

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.

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Fast Facts

$61,798 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Design Your Academic Path

Summer Research Opportunity

Each summer, the Department of Physics with the School of Engineering accepts undergraduates from other institutions to conduct a research project with UD faculty mentors. UD undergraduate physics majors are typically involved in research projects in the same labs during the summer.

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Review Leader Program

Physics majors have the opportunity to support the instruction of our non-science major physics classes. Review leaders work with faculty, attend class and conduct weekly review sessions for students enrolled in the class.

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Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

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Dean’s Summer Fellowship

The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.

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Ready to Study Physics at UD?

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.

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