University Catalog 2026-2027

Physics (Minor)

The Physics Department offers a minor in physics to majors in any field except physics. This minor gives students a broad exposure to the basic disciplines of physics and provides an opportunity for learning how these disciplines are applied in some of the frontier fields of physics research.

To be admitted to the program, a student must have a GPA of at least 2.0. Application for admission to any University minor program is now available via MyPack Portal. Admission will be based upon the student’s academic record, and in most cases no longer requires departmental review. Add a Minor via MyPack Portal.

For more information about this program, visit our website.

Department of Physics and Astronomy
NC State University
Campus Box 8202
Raleigh, NC 27695-8202

Rhonda Bennett
Graduate and Undergraduate Program Coordinator
NC State University
204 Riddick Hall
Phone: 919.513.2182
Email: rbennet@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

  • Completion of at least 16 hours of coursework in Physics, selected from the Required and Elective categories listed below.
  • A grade of ‘C-’ or better in all courses used for the minor.
Required Courses
PY 205Physics for Engineers and Scientists I4
or PY 201 University Physics I
PY 208Physics for Engineers and Scientists II4
or PY 202 University Physics II
PY 407Introduction to Modern Physics3-4
or PY 203 University Physics III
Elective Courses
Follow the instructions below to choose electives that complete the minimum of 16 credit hours for the Physics Minor
Select at most one of the following:0-3
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Instrumental and Data Analysis for Physics
Select at most one of the following:0-3
Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics
Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology
Select from below as needed to complete 16 total hours 10-6
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Thermal Physics
1

Some upper level physics courses (PY 401 Quantum Physics I , PY 402 Quantum Physics II, PY 411 Mechanics I , PY 412 Mechanics II, PY 414 Electromagnetism I , PY 415 Electromagnetism II, and the PY 500 level courses (when taught by physics faculty)) may be substituted for the courses in this group. Students must have prior written approval from the minor advisor in order to exercise this option.