California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

Programme overview

The Physics Minor is a structured 39-unit package of physics and supporting mathematics courses designed to provide substantial physics preparation alongside another major. Many science and engineering degree support/elective plans overlap heavily with the minor, reducing duplication for students in those programs.

What you'll study

The minor requires a minimum of 39 units in physics and related mathematics. At least 9 of those units must be upper-division (300–400 level) PHY or AST courses; however, no more than 3 of those upper-division units may come from AST 3050, AST 3420, PHY 3010, or PHY 3020.

• Mathematics prerequisites: MAT 1140 Calculus I (4), MAT 1150 Calculus II (4), MAT 2140 Calculus III (4), MAT 2250 Linear Algebra with Applications to Differential Equations (4).
• Introductory physics sequence: PHY 1510/L Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics/Laboratory (4), PHY 1520/L Introduction to Electromagnetism and Circuits (4).
• Intermediate physics: PHY 2530/A Introduction to Electromagnetic Radiation and Relativity (3), PHY 2540/A Introduction to Thermal and Quantum Physics (3).

Note: PHY 1210/L (Physics of Motion, Fluids, and Heat) and PHY 1220/L (Physics of Electromagnetism, Circuits, and Light) may be used as substitutes for the calculus-based 1000-level introductory physics courses if those courses have already been completed when enrolling in the minor.

Entry requirements

The published curriculum specifies required courses and unit minimums rather than separate admissions standards; students normally satisfy much of the minor through the support and elective course requirements for many science and engineering majors. Consult the university catalog and your academic advisor to confirm which prior courses you must complete before enrolling in upper-division physics.

Career prospects

The minor strengthens analytical, quantitative and laboratory skills useful in fields that value physics foundations—research, engineering, data-analysis roles, technical work in applied sciences and continued graduate study—when combined with a primary major.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Minor programs themselves rarely carry separate funding, but students should investigate departmental scholarships, college-level awards, and research or teaching assistant opportunities that support physics coursework or undergraduate research; meeting the minor’s course milestones can make students competitive for such funding.