Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University
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    Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University

    Princeton University
    Princeton University
    United States of America
    United States of America, Princeton
    University Rank:#25
    Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University

    Study Physics at Princeton University, a Bachelor degree offered at its main campus in Princeton , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for September 5, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Physics

    Information and Departmental Plan of Study

    The physics department offers a comprehensive program with the flexibility to accommodate students with a range of interests. Those students wishing to maximize their preparation for graduate school can choose from a variety of advanced-level courses. The requirements of the core curriculum, however, are such that students with diverse interests can take a considerable course load outside the department. Thus, in addition to those students planning to enter graduate school in physics, the department encourages concentrators with career goals in such areas as engineering physics, biophysics, law, medicine, materials science, and teaching.

    Advanced Placement

    Students who have taken one or more of the advanced placement examinations in physics are usually placed in PHY 105-106, PHY 103-104, or PHY 101-102, and with these placements no advanced placement credit is awarded. In some cases, students with strong backgrounds may be awarded up to two units of advanced placement credit and/or placed in higher level physics courses.

    Prerequisites

    Prerequisites for concentration in physics are the following five courses: PHY 103-104, PHY 207, and MAT 203-204. These five courses should be completed by the end of sophomore year. PHY 103 may be replaced by ISC 231-232 (the first term of Integrated Science Sequence), or PHY 105. PHY 104 may be replaced by ISC 233-234 or PHY 106. The PHY 109/110 (spring/summer) sequence is fully equivalent to PHY 104. Students with a particular interest in formal mathematics may instead satisfy the MAT 203-204 prerequisite with either the MAT 215-217 or the MAT 216-218 sequence. Prerequisites for concentration in physics cannot be taken on a Pass/D/Fail basis.

    It is possible to concentrate in physics starting with 100-level physics courses in sophomore year. Interested students should meet with the director of undergraduate studies as early as possible.

    Program of Study

    Upon completion of the prerequisites described above, courses required for concentration in physics are as follows.

    1. One semester of quantum mechanics: PHY 208.
    2. One semester of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: PHY 301.
    3. One semester of experimental physics: PHY 312.
    4. One course on complex analysis or on differential equations chosen from the following list:  
      • APC 350
      • MAE 305
      • MAE 306
      • MAT 330
      • MAT 335
      • MAT 427
    5. One additional course in physics (not including cross-lists) at the 300-level or above.
    6. One additional course in physics at the 300-level or above, including cross-lists.
    7. One additional course in either physics or math at the 300-level or above, including cross-lists.
    8. One elective course at the 300-level or higher, as detailed below.

    All eight courses must be taken for a letter grade, not Pass/D/Fail. Note that this excludes any Pass/D/Fail-only courses from counting as one of the eight.

    The elective course can be any physics department course (including cross-lists) at 300-level or above. 400-level physics courses are particularly recommended. Courses in astrophysics, biophysics or biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geophysical science, materials science, plasma physics, and mathematics may also be appropriate depending on the interests of the student. Courses from these departments may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the director of undergraduate studies. Graduate courses may also be taken with permission from both the instructor and the director of undergraduate studies.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University

    Entry Requirements

    1. Transcript. An official transcript must be sent by a school counselor or school official.

    2. School Report (SR). The SR form is available from the Common Application website. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit the SR form. 
       
    3. Counselor Recommendation. If you are using the Common Application online, please note that the SR and the Counselor Recommendation are separate items. Be sure to “invite” your school counselor or academic adviser to complete both items.
       
    4. Two (2) Teacher Recommendations. Please ask two of your teachers who have taught you in higher level courses (e.g., AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-Levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study to complete and send the teacher recommendation forms, available on the Common Application website. The subjects should be in core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math.
       
    5. Midyear School Report. Please ask your school counselor or other school official to complete and submit this form when your midyear grades are available. 

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University

    1. A Completed Application. You must submit your application online through the Common Application. Princeton's CEEB Code: 2672

    2. Princeton's Supplement. In addition to the application provided by the Common Application, all applicants must submit the Princeton Supplement. You should submit the Princeton Supplement online through the Common Application website. 

    3. Application Fee or Fee Waiver. You may submit a fee waiver one of two ways: 1) Select the fee waiver option on the Common Application. Your school counselor must approve your fee waiver request online or submit your fee waiver form by mail or fax. 2) Select one of the following fee waiver options on the Princeton Supplement: Princeton-specific, ACT, College Board or NACAC. All low-income students are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. In addition, all applicants who are serving or have served in the U.S. military are eligible for the Princeton-specific fee waiver. If you use the Princeton-specific fee waiver, you do not need to get approval from your college counselor or academic adviser.

    4. Graded Written Paper. A graded written paper is required, preferably in the subjects of English or history.
    Bachelor of Physics at Princeton University
    Princeton University
    Princeton University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Princeton

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