How many concentration courses in an undergraduate degree

In summary, the conversation discussed the structure of undergraduate physics programs at US and Canadian universities. The speaker mentioned that most US programs require 60 credits in physics and 15-20 credits in math, while Canadian programs typically require 72-97 credits in total. They also noted that while there may be limited room for non-major electives in US programs, it is still possible to take additional courses for fun.
  • #1
gwnorth
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Hello,

I hope someone can help. I'm a high school student in Canada who is thinking about majoring in Physics in university. I've started researching different potential programs and had a question regarding the structure of undergraduate programs at US universities. How many core courses, physics & math, are required for an undergraduate degree in physics? I've been investigating honours physics programs at Canadian universities (to keep my options for grad school open) and the ones I'm considering require a range of 72-97 credits out of 120. Most also have additional mandatory courses in other sciences, primarily chemistry and computer science. Do US programs require a similar number of core concentration credits or is there more room for non-major electives?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
I think 72-97 credits sounds like a good range for a physics program in the US. Generally getting a BS in physics requires, say, 60 credits (based off my own undergrad degree) in physics, and another 15-20 in math/CS/chemistry. If you go straight to a four-year university, you will probably have to take some flavor of general education courses (English, history, art, what have you) - though you can usually make some decisions about which courses you want to take, often they are required.

So if by "non-major electives" you mean extra not-required-at-all courses, you're pretty limited time-wise.
 
  • #3
Thanks that's basically what I was wondering. While I'd like to major in physics, I still want to be able to take courses in English, history, music, and philosophy etc. Most graduate programs in Canada seem to require a 4 year honours undergraduate degree and most of those programs don't seem to leave much room for non-major electives.
 
  • #4
It's certainly doable. I went four years taking the minimum number of credits (12, which means usually 3-4 courses) whereas most people took ~15. (one more course). This meant that, if I had wanted to take an extra course for fun as opposed to doing research and working, I could have. So it can be done!
 
  • #5
Ok thanks.
 

FAQ: How many concentration courses in an undergraduate degree

1. How many concentration courses are required for an undergraduate degree?

The number of concentration courses required for an undergraduate degree varies depending on the specific degree program and university. Typically, students are required to complete anywhere from 8-12 concentration courses, which make up about one-third of their total course load.

2. Can I choose my own concentration courses for my undergraduate degree?

Yes, most universities allow students to choose their own concentration courses based on their interests and academic goals. However, there may be some required courses within the concentration that students must take.

3. Can I change my concentration during my undergraduate degree?

Yes, it is possible to change your concentration during your undergraduate degree, but it may require some additional coursework and could potentially delay your graduation. It is important to speak with an academic advisor before making any changes to your concentration.

4. Are there any prerequisites for concentration courses in an undergraduate degree?

It depends on the specific concentration and university. Some concentrations may have certain prerequisites that must be completed before enrolling in the concentration courses. It is important to check with your academic advisor or the course catalog to determine any prerequisites for your chosen concentration.

5. Can I take concentration courses outside of my major in an undergraduate degree?

It is possible to take concentration courses outside of your major, but it may require additional approval from your academic advisor and the department offering the course. Some universities have specific guidelines for taking courses outside of your major, so it is important to check with your academic advisor before enrolling in any courses outside of your major.

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