Physics and Astronomy

All students interested in pursuing one of the Physics major options should contact the Undergraduate Advisor to discuss appropriate classes per their math placement test results and prior Physics coursework (ie AP credits). At your APA session, include the following courses in your registration, then follow up with Dr. Cizewski this summer by emailing her at upd@physics.rutgers.edu.

Students with MA:640:CLS Calculus math placement:

Students with MA:640:CLG Calculus math placement:

Students with MA:640:PCA Calculus math placement:

Students with math placement below Precalculus College Mathematics (MA:640:CMA, MA:640:CMP, MA:640:EAL, MA:640:IMA)

Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. 

To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.

2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:

Environmental Studies (381)

Geological Sciences (460) also known as Earth and Planetary Sciences

Mathematics (640)

Philosophy (730)

3. In Section Status, deselect Closed

4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. 

Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.

Many students do work on in faculty research labs/programs.

No, but about a dozen students per year do an honors thesis. 

Many students to go graduate school, and we have excellent placement in to graduate schools.  Other common placement are in high schools, local industry, or the military.