Undergraduates

An undergraduate degree in physics at MIT, with its emphasis on learning to solve problems, provides an excellent basis for graduate study in physics and related fields; it is also a great foundation for careers in industry, research, finance, management, law, medicine, or public policy.

The Physics Department offers two tracks to the major, Flexible and Focus, each leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physics:

  • The Flexible track is selected by most Physics majors: it provides a series of rigorous courses in fundamental physics topics, and its options enable many of our students to complete second majors in other disciplines.
  • Students who choose the Focus track take a greater number of specific required courses, including two terms of experimental physics, and write a research thesis.

Both pathways are highly suitable for any student planning to pursue graduate school, teaching or research beyond MIT. Degree requirements for each can be found on our Physics Degree Requirements webpage.

Physics subjects for First-years (GIRs)

The Department of Physics has various options for fulfilling the General Institute Requirements (GIRs) of Physics I and Physics II, all based on extensive use of calculus.

Video about the Physics General Institute Requirements

Physics I

Physics I introduces classical (Newtonian) mechanics: space and time; kinematics; Newton’s Laws; particle dynamics; collisions and conservation laws; work and potential energy; universal gravitation; rigid bodies, equilibrium, and rotational dynamics.

  • 8.01: taken by most students, this course uses the Technology Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) format, including group problem-solving and digital content;
  • 8.012: mathematically more advanced than 8.01; is intended for students with strong physics and math background;
  • 8.01L: longer version of 8.01, starts in the fall and continues into January, allowing students additional time to develop problem-solving skills.
    • Appropriate placement in 8.01, 8.01L, or 8.012 is determined by the results of the Math Self-Assessment test taken during Orientation.
  • 8.011: offered each spring, intended for students who need to retake a version of 8.01; its organization of small lecture sections and weekly quizzes benefits students who learn well in a highly-structured environment.

Physics II

Physics II introduces electromagnetism and electrostatics: electric charge, Coulomb’s law, the electric structure of matter, conductors and dielectrics. Concepts of electrostatic field and potential, electrostatic energy. Electric currents, magnetic fields, and Ampere’s law. Magnetic materials. Time-varying fields and Faraday’s law of induction. Basic electric circuits. Electromagnetic waves and Maxwell’s equations.

  • 8.02: like 8.01, presents material using the TEAL format.
  • 8.021: offered each fall; taught in small lecture sections with weekly quizzes. Enrollment is limited to students who have previously attempted 8.02 or 8.022.
  • 8.022: mathematically more advanced level than 8.02; intended for students with strong physics and math background.

Visit MIT Physics

We welcome hearing from you if you are planning a visit to the Boston area and would like to visit the MIT Physics department! Visits usually involve meeting with our Undergraduate Program Coordinator, who will describe the program and undergraduate activities, and answer questions. We can also arrange for you to meet with a current student. Visit arrangements should be made in advance in order to ensure someone is available to meet with you. To request an appointment, contact physics-undergrad@mit.edu.

While we do not arrange visits with faculty members, you may contact research labs and/or individual faculty directly to ask about a meeting during your visit.

Visitors can also take a campus tour provided by the Admissions Office and read more information about arranging a general visit to MIT.