Mathematics and Physics, B.S.
Mathematics deals with abstraction, logic, and quantitative reasoning. Because it has applications to nearly every branch of science and engineering, it’s essential for mathematicians to think about how their work infiltrates other branches of learning. Advances in physics — for example, those in electromagnetism and thermodynamics — often resonate deeply with mathematics.
At the School of Engineering, the BS in Mathematics and Physics program serves as a means to bridge these 2 disciplines. The dual major allows you to gain a foothold in separate but substantial fields. In addition to learning the fundamentals of physics and math, our students pursue a specialized course of study that a minor in either field just can’t match.
But we also want to make sure your skills transfer over to the real world. That’s why we provide internship opportunities at major financial, insurance, and technology firms in the New York area.
Students with experience in both mathematics and physics enjoy diverse and interesting careers. Our graduates have the freedom to explore such stimulating fields as chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering. They’re also qualified for positions in software design, economics, aerospace engineering, law, and business.
Curriculum
You must complete 128 credits, as defined below, to graduate from the School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Physics.*
The Department of Applied Physics also offers a Minor in Applied Physics.
The core of the program is 32 credits of required physics courses and 31 credits of required math courses. Students pursuing the dual major must also take an additional 8 credits of physics and math electives. 22 credits are reserved for STEM & free electives and independent study courses. The remaining credits are used to satisfy other school, university and state requirements. The curriculum is specified in detail below.
*If you entered the School of Engineering prior to 2020, please consult the curriculum and typical course schedule for students entering spring 2020 or earlier.
Electives
Electives in the Humanities and Social Sciences (16 Credits)
You are required to take 16 credits in the humanities and social sciences requiring EXPOS-UA 1 and EXPOS-UA 2 as prerequisites. To gain some breadth and depth of knowledge, it is required that you take courses in at least two disciplines and at least one course at an advanced level.
Math and Physics Electives (7 Credits)
Select at least 4 credits from the undergraduate math electives and at least 3 credits from the undergraduate physics electives. Graduate courses may be substituted with advisor’s approval.
STEM & Free Electives, Independent Study and Projects (22 Credits)
22 credits are allocated for STEM & free electives and independent study courses. 8 credits are reserved for a 6 credit physics project plus a 2 credit senior physics seminar course or a 4 credit math project/thesis and an extra 4 credit math elective. The remaining 14 credits are reserved for two 4 credit STEM electives and two 3 credit free electives. The program adviser must approve electives selected from other disciplines.
Sample Course Schedule
This typical course schedule provides guidance to students as to how they would normally be expected to complete the degree requirements. Students should be sure to consult their advisor before selecting courses for a particular semester as prerequisites and course offering patterns are the primary considerations affecting registration. This sequence applies to students who begin classes in the fall of 2020 and onwards. If you entered the School of Engineering prior to that date, please review the curriculum and typical course schedule for students entering prior to fall 2020.
