The BA in Physics will provide the student with a solid foundation in physics. Its primary purpose is to serve students who plan to pursue a career in science teaching at the high school level, and those who plan a career in science related fields for whom a physics background would be an asset.
The curriculum has fewer required upper division courses than the BS, which allows the student to choose from an extensive list of electives in consultation with an academic adviser. In addition, the BA provides an attractive option for students in related disciplines who wish to pursue a double major.
| MajorCourses | Course Name | Units |
| PHYS 141 | General Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 132 | General Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 133 | General Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 206 | Electronics | 3 |
| PHYS 256 | Electronics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 211 | Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | Modern Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 301 | Thermal Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 302 | Analytic Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 323 | Optics (includes lab) | 5 |
| PHYS 405 | Quantum Mechanics I OR | 3-4 |
| PHYS 412 | Solid State Physics | |
| PHYS 461 or 463 | Senior Project | 2 |
| CHEM 127 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 128 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 143 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus IV | 4 |
| MATH 244 | Linear Analysis I | 4 |
| MATH/STAT Elective (>300) | (MATH 344 recommended) | 4 |
| GEOL/PHYS/ASTR electives(>300) | 15 | |
| Select two from the following | 7-8 | |
| PHIL 230 Philosphical Classics (4) meets GE C2 | ||
| PHIL 231 Philosphical Classics (4) meets GE C2 | ||
| PHIL 321 Philosophy of Science (4) meets GE C4 | ||
| SCM 451 Ethics in the Sciences(3) | ||
| Total | 95-97 | |
| GENERAL EDUCTION | 60 | |
| ELECTIVES | 23-25 | |
| Total Units | 180 |