The Department of Physics
Welcome to the Undergraduate Program 

Here you will find the course requirements for the BS in Physics, the BA in Physics, and the BS in Engineering Physics, as well as information about what you might do once you graduate.  The strength of a physics degree is not just that it prepares you for a career in science, but that it provides the knowledge base and quantitative skills for many other careers as well. 
BS in Physics
To obtain a BS in physics you must earn a minimum of 40 credits in physics courses including PHYSIC 113, 114, 181, 182, 211, 214, 281, 312, 321, 421, either 382 or ENGIN 291, either 322 or ENGIN 241, and two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher. In addition majors must complete CHEM 115, 116, 117, and 118, MATH 240 and 310, and CS 110 or an approved substitute. (Students with proficiency in computer programming may request from the department a waiver of the CS 110 requirement.) Students should note that the university requires for a BS degree six mathematics or science courses outside of the student's major field. Most physics majors (especially those planning graduate work and/or professional careers in physical science) will want to take more physics and mathematics courses that the minimum required for graduation. Additional courses recommended for students planning to pursue graduate studies are PHYSIC 322, 350, and 430,  two or more semesters of mathematics courses such as MATH 354 and 358. All majors are encouraged to gain a facility with one or more computer programming languages.  
BA in Physics

To obtain the BA in physics you must earn a minimum of 34 credits in physics courses including PHYSIC 113, 114, 181, 182, 211, 214, 281, 312, 321, either 382 or ENGIN 291, and two physics electives at the level of 300 or higher. Physics majors must also take MATH 240 and 310. A physics major may complete up to two courses in mathematics or cognate sciences at the advanced level in lieu of advanced physics electives, but prior approval of the department at least one semester before his or her expected graduation is required. Completion of the BA in physics fulfills the field of knoweldge requirement for eligibility to apply for certification from the Massachusetts State Department of Education.
BS in Engineering Physics

Engineering physics is a branch of applied science that emphasizes both engineering and physics. It is a challenging general alternative to the traditionally more specialized undergraduate engineering curricula, offering flexible options for professional growth. The engineering physics curriculum is designed to provide a firm foundation of basic scientific principles, as well as the theoretical knowledge and skills required for specific engineering applications. The curriculum is equally suitable for students intending to pursue careers in industrialresearch and development, and for those preparing for graduate studies in a variety of scientific and technical areas.

The basic engineering physics curriculum consists of the first two years of a standard engineering program, followed by upperdivision courses equivalent to those required for a bachelor of science degree in physics. Students select a concentration of technical electives in one of a number of currently marketable areas: applied physics, properties of materials, computer science, or digital electronics. (Concentrations in other areas may be tailored to fit individual interests.) Students receive realistic, practical, problem oriented training in an advanced projects laboratory and seminar, designed with the cooperation of representatives from some of Massachusetts' outstanding high-tech industrial firms.
So you have a physics degree... what next?

Many diverse companies hire physics graduates. These include companies that design new devices and develop new technologies, organizations that use high-tech instrumentation such as hospitals, consulting companies, and finance companies. A list of those in Massachusetts who have hired physics graduates in the last three years is given here. Lists for many other states may be found here. 

A physics degree provides a good background for a variety of careers outside science. Below we describe a few of them (some of which require an additional postgraduate degree once you complete your physics degree). Many more may be found found here. The American Physical Society also has a great deal of information about carers for physics graduates on their careers page and their careers guidance page.

Science Journalism
In order to communicate effectively the latest breakthroughs in science to the public, you must understand the science behind the discoveries. With a major in physics you are well-placed for a career in science journalism. For further information see the National Association of Science Writers.

Patent Law
Patent Attorneys require a background in one or more physical sciences, and a thus a degree in physics is excellent preparation for a graduate program in patent law. 

Software Engineering for Science Applications
Examples of this are companies that develop software tools for scientists, such as Mathworks, and government agencies who use mathematical modeling to analyze real-world problems, such as the EPA.

Teaching
Science teachers, especially those with physics backgrounds, are in high demand both here and in US schools abroad. For further information, see the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Quantitative Finance
Wall Street banks and other financial institutions require sophisticated mathematical modeling to price financial derivatives and assess credit risk. For further information see, for example, the graduate program in Mathematical Finance at BU, or contact a financial institution such as State Street.