| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Six sample plans for the start of the Physics or Engineering Physics major for students matriculating in AY 2025/2026 or later (updated August 2025). Matriculated before 2023/2024? See other tabs in this spreadsheet. | |||
2 | Each plan assumes a different starting point in math (MATH 19, 20, 21, or 51 or 61) and/or in physics (PHYSICS 41 or 41E, 43, or 61). Take the Math and Physics Placement Diagnostics to receive advice on appropriate starting point, based on preparation. | |||
3 | See plan at bottom of this page for when to take the remainder of the courses required for all pathways in the Physics major. See the Pathways and Important Notes tabs for the additional courses required for each pathway in Physics. | |||
4 | For complete set of requirements for the Engineering Physics major, see the School of Engineering UG Handbook and the Bulletin. | |||
5 | ||||
6 | Plan 1: Students beginning with MATH 19 in Autumn quarter and PHYSICS 41 or 41E Winter quarter | |||
7 | If advised to begin with MATH 18 or MATH 19 and interested in pursuing a Physics or Engineering Physics major, then seek pre-major advising asap by sending an email to choosingphysics@stanford.edu! | |||
8 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
9 | Frosh / Year 1 | MATH 19 PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 41 or 41E if advised MATH 20 | MATH 21 |
10 | Sophomore / Year 2 | PHYS 61 & 61L MATH 51 or 61CM | PHYS 43 PHYS 71 & 79L MATH 52 or 62CM | PHYS 81 & 81L MATH 53 or 63CM |
11 | ||||
12 | Plan 2: Students starting MATH 20 Autumn quarter and PHYSICS 41 or 41E Winter quarter | |||
13 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
14 | Frosh / Year 1 | MATH 20 PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 41 or 41E if advised MATH 21 | PHYS 43 MATH 51 (if not pursuing the MATH 60 series) |
15 | Sophomore / Year 2 | PHYS 61 & 61L MATH 52 or 61CM | PHYS 71 & 79L MATH 53 or 62CM | PHYS 81 & 81L (MATH 63CM if pursuing the MATH 60 series) |
16 | ||||
17 | Plan 3: Students starting MATH 21 Autumn quarter and PHYSICS 41 or 41E Autumn, or 41 or 41E Winter quarter | |||
18 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
19 | Frosh / Year 1 | PHYS 41 or 41E if advised (41E offered in Autumn starting AY 24/25) MATH 21 PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 43 (or 41 if not completed in Autumn, or 41E if advised) MATH 51 | (PHYS 43 if not completed in Winter quarter) MATH 52 |
20 | Sophomore / Year 2 | PHYS 61 & 61L MATH 53 | PHYS 71 & 79L Consider taking MATH 131P | PHYS 81 & 81L |
21 | ||||
22 | Plan 4: Students starting MATH 51 or 61 Autumn Quarter and PHYSICS 41 or 41E Autumn, or 41 or 41E Winter quarter | |||
23 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
24 | Frosh / Year 1 | PHYS 41 or 41E if advised (41E offered in Autumn starting AY 24/25) MATH 51 or 61CM PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 43 (or 41 if not completed in Autumn, or 41E if advised) MATH 52 or 62CM | (PHYS 43 if not completed in Winter quarter) MATH 53 or 63CM |
25 | Sophomore / Year 2 | PHYS 61 & 61L Consider taking PHYS 111 | PHYS 71 & 79L Consider taking MATH 131P if PHYS 111 not taken | PHYS 81 & 81L |
26 | ||||
27 | Plan 5: Students starting MATH 51 or 61 Autumn Quarter, PHYSICS 61 Autumn quarter, and PHYSICS 43 Winter quarter | |||
28 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
29 | Frosh / Year 1 | PHYS 61 & 61L MATH 51 or 61CM PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 43 (Ready to take PHYS 71 & 79L) MATH 52 or 62CM | PHYS 81 & 81L MATH 53 or 63CM |
30 | Sophomore / Year 2 | Take PHYS 111 | PHYS 71 & 79L if not taken already (Ready to take PHYS 120 here) MUST Take MATH 131P if PHYS 111 not taken | (Ready to take PHYS 130 here) |
31 | ||||
32 | Plan 6: Students who are ready to start with MATH 51 or 61 and PHYSICS 61 Autumn quarter | |||
33 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
34 | Frosh / Year 1 | PHYS 61 & 61L MATH 51 or 61CM PHYS 59 (recommended) | PHYS 71 & 79L MATH 52 or 62CM | PHYS 81 & 81L MATH 53 or 63CM |
35 | ||||
36 | Plan for courses to take immediately after completing the MATH 50 or 60 series and PHYS 61, 71, 81 if majoring in Physics. | |||
37 | Courses in black font are required for all pathways; courses in blue font are required for at least one pathway. Not all pathway electives are listed. | |||
38 | Autumn | Winter | Spring | |
39 | Sophomore if prereqs satisfied; otherwise Junior year. | PHYS 111 (if not taking MATH 131P or MATH 173 in Winter) *Consider practicum option PHYS 104 | PHYS 120 If PHYS 111 not completed in Autumn, then MATH 131P or MATH 173. | PHYS 130 PHYS 121** (see pathways 1, 2, 5, 7, 8) |
40 | Junior and/or Senior | PHYS 131 (see pathways 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8) PHYS 110 (see all pathways) ***Physics or Math electives | PHYS 170 PHYS 191 (Writing in the Major) PHYS 134 (required for pathway 8) PHYS 160 (required for pathway 2) *Practicum options: PHYS 106 ***Physics or Math electives. | PHYS 171 (see pathways 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8) *Practicum options: PHYS 100 (required for pathway 2), PHYS 113 (required for pathway 4), PHYS 108 ***Physics or Math electives |
41 | See the 2025/26 Pathways tab for list of requirements for each pathway. | |||
42 | * Pathways 1,3,5,6,7,8 require a practicum course. | |||
43 | ** PHYS 121 required after PHYS 120 in SPR 2023; recommended but not required for all pathways for students matriculating in AUT 2023 or later. | |||
44 | *** See Important Notes tab for lists of Physics and Math electives, as well as Practicum options. | |||