BA in Physics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics at the University of Washington Bothell provides a strong foundation in the principles governing the physical world, supported by mathematics, scientific experimentation and analytical problem-solving. Its flexible curriculum allows students to combine physics with another major, a minor, teacher preparation or other academic interests, making it suitable for students pursuing careers in science, technology, education and interdisciplinary fields.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their foundation through Mechanics (B PHYS 121), Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion (B PHYS 122) and Waves (B PHYS 123), alongside Calculus I (STMATH 124), Calculus II (STMATH 125) and Calculus III (STMATH 126). These courses introduce the mathematical tools and physical principles needed to understand motion, forces, energy, electromagnetic phenomena and wave behaviour.

Second Year: Students advance through Classical Mechanics (B PHYS 221), Modern Physics (B PHYS 222) and Thermal Physics (B PHYS 224), while completing Differential Equations (STMATH 207) and introductory chemistry. These subjects strengthen their understanding of physical systems, modern scientific theories and mathematical modelling while preparing them for upper-level physics electives.

Third Year: Students explore more specialised topics through electives such as Introduction to Astrophysics I (B PHYS 311), Mathematical Physics (B PHYS 317), Electricity and Magnetism I (B PHYS 321) or Quantum Mechanics (B PHYS 324). They can also use the flexible degree structure to pursue a minor, additional major or coursework related to teaching preparation or another career interest.

Fourth Year: Students complete Senior Project (B PHYS 433) and Physics, Society and Industry (B PHYS 484), alongside Physics Seminar (B PHYS 494) and approved physics electives. The senior project provides an opportunity to investigate a physics-related question, apply scientific reasoning and communicate findings, while the remaining flexibility allows students to consolidate their physics knowledge and pursue their broader academic goals.

Focus Areas

Classical mechanics, modern physics, thermal physics, waves, electromagnetism, mathematical physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, experimental physics, computational modelling and interdisciplinary scientific study.

Learning Outcomes

Scientific Reasoning: Analyse conceptual and quantitative physics problems and select appropriate problem-solving approaches.
Mathematical and Computational Skills: Apply mathematics, programming and specialised software to investigate physical systems.
Experimental Competence: Design, conduct and refine experiments while evaluating results quantitatively and qualitatively.
Research and Communication: Identify scholarly resources, evaluate scientific literature and communicate findings effectively.
Professional Preparation: Develop teamwork, independent learning and analytical skills relevant to internships, research opportunities and future employment.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A. develops transferable scientific and analytical skills relevant to technical employment, education and interdisciplinary careers. The official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UW Bothell's Physics program emphasises problem-solving, data analysis, computation and scientific communication. The university identifies potential career sectors including engineering, computing, research laboratories, education, astronomy, medical science, energy, manufacturing and meteorology. A specific physics-program employability ranking or graduate employment rate is not stated in the official program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Washington Bothell combines physics coursework with research, project-based learning and practical scientific investigation. Students develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, computational modelling and scientific communication, while the B.A.'s flexible structure creates room to explore other academic disciplines or teaching preparation. The program's senior project and research options help students apply their knowledge to scientific questions and build experience relevant to future employment or further study.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Introduction to Experimental Physics (B PHYS 231): Develop practical skills in scientific measurement, experimentation and data analysis.
Senior Project (B PHYS 433): Undertake a substantial physics-related project that applies scientific reasoning, research methods and communication skills.
Independent Study (B PHYS 498): Explore a specialised physics topic under faculty guidance, subject to approval.
Undergraduate Research (B PHYS 499): Participate in faculty-supervised research and develop experience investigating scientific questions.
Experimental Physics: Analog Circuits (B PHYS 431): Explore electronic circuits and practical experimental techniques.
Experimental Physics: Digital Circuits and Instrumentation (B PHYS 432): Develop skills related to digital electronics, measurement systems and scientific instrumentation.
Computational and Theoretical Modeling in Physics (B PHYS 450): Apply computational and mathematical approaches to model physical systems and investigate scientific problems.
Physics Seminar (B PHYS 494): Engage with physics-related topics and develop familiarity with scientific communication and the professional discipline.
Research Symposium: Present research findings through departmental symposium opportunities, allowing students to communicate their work to an academic audience.
Career and Internship Preparation: Use university career resources to explore internships, research positions and employment opportunities relevant to physics and related disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Physics at the University of Washington Bothell prepares students for a range of careers by developing scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, computational skills and clear communication. Its flexible structure is particularly useful for students who want to combine physics with another discipline or pursue teaching preparation. Potential career roles include research assistant, laboratory technician, data analyst and science educator, depending on additional experience and qualifications.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following opportunities:

Career Services: UW Bothell's Career Services provides career planning, resume development, interview preparation, job-search resources and support with professional networking.
Internships and Employment: University career resources and Handshake can help students identify internships, entry-level positions and opportunities to connect with employers.
Research Experience: Faculty-supervised research, independent study and the senior project allow students to develop practical skills and demonstrate their ability to investigate scientific problems.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Students can combine physics with another major or minor, creating pathways into computing, engineering-related fields, scientific communication and other areas.
Teaching Preparation: Students interested in middle or high school science teaching can explore teacher-preparation options through UW Bothell's School of Educational Studies, subject to the relevant program requirements.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The official program information does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or salary figure for the B.A. in Physics.
Professional Accreditation: The program provides a foundation for scientific and technical careers, but a separate professional accreditation is not specified in the official degree information.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue employment across scientific, technical, educational and interdisciplinary sectors or continue to graduate and professional schools.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue postgraduate study in physics, applied mathematics, computational science, astronomy or other related disciplines, subject to the admission requirements of their chosen institution. Students interested in research-intensive careers should check whether their undergraduate mathematics and advanced physics coursework meets the prerequisites for their intended graduate program. Those considering science teaching can investigate teacher certification pathways, while students interested in medicine, law or other professional fields can pursue the appropriate prerequisite courses and admission requirements.