Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Physics

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Rice University combines a strong foundation in fundamental physics with the flexibility of a broader liberal arts education. Students study mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and advanced physics topics while developing mathematical, analytical and computational skills suited to careers in science, technology, education and other fields, as well as further academic study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their mathematical and scientific foundations through Single Variable Calculus I and II (MATH 101 and MATH 102) and Mechanics (PHYS 101), including laboratory work. These courses introduce calculus-based problem-solving, motion, forces and energy, preparing students for more advanced physics study.

Second Year: Students progress through Waves, Light, and Heat (PHYS 201), Modern Physics (PHYS 202) and Elementary Physics Lab (PHYS 231). Alongside Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (MATH 211) and Multivariable Calculus (MATH 212), they develop the mathematical and experimental skills needed to understand physical systems.

Third Year: Students deepen their theoretical knowledge through Introduction to Quantum Physics I (PHYS 311) and select intermediate courses such as Intermediate Mechanics (PHYS 301) or Intermediate Electrodynamics (PHYS 302). They can also explore topics such as Introduction to Biological Physics (PHYS 355) or Computational Physics (PHYS 416), building a stronger understanding of specialised applications of physics.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced physics electives, including at least six additional credit hours of departmental physics or astronomy courses at the 300 level or above, along with an approved advanced mathematics, computational mathematics or engineering computation course. Options such as Statistical & Thermal Physics (PHYS 425), Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (PHYS 411) and Introduction to Plasma Physics (PHYS 480) allow students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Focus Areas

Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, waves and optics, thermal physics, biological physics, nuclear and particle physics, solid-state physics, computational physics, plasma physics and mathematical methods.

Learning Outcomes

• Fundamental Physics: Demonstrate understanding of core concepts in mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

• Advanced Topics: Explain principles from areas such as statistical and thermal physics, biological physics, nuclear and particle physics, solid-state physics, computational physics and plasma physics.

• Mathematical Reasoning: Apply calculus, differential equations and linear algebra to analyse physical systems.

• Experimental Skills: Interpret experimental results and connect scientific evidence with physical theory.

• Analytical Problem-Solving: Use quantitative reasoning to investigate scientific questions and solve complex problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A. in Physics develops transferable skills in scientific reasoning, mathematical analysis and problem-solving that are useful in research, technology and other quantitative fields. Rice's official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Rice University's Department of Physics and Astronomy supports undergraduate research in areas including biophysics, condensed matter physics, atomic and optical physics, astronomy, and nuclear and particle physics. The university does not state a specific employability ranking, graduate employment rate or salary figure for the B.A. in Physics.