Physics Admissions
This page contains information on applying to the Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Physics degree options
There are two undergraduate chemistry programs at UW Bothell:
- Bachelor of Arts in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
Application timeline
The Physics majors admit students for entry in autumn, winter, and spring quarters. Visit the UW Bothell Application Dates & Deadlines page for information on application deadlines.
How to apply
If you are already a student at UW Bothell, submit an “internal application”.
If you are coming from another institution, including UW Seattle or Tacoma, submit a “transfer application”.
Admission prerequisites
The prerequisites for entry into both Physics majors are the same:
- Two quarters of Calculus coursework equivalent to:
- STMATH 124: Calculus I
- STMATH 125: Calculus II
- Three quarters of Calculus-based physics coursework equivalent to:
- BPHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab
- BPHYS 122: Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion + Lab
- BPHYS 123: Waves + Lab
- Recommended but not required before entry: One introductory programming course (Python preferred):
- CSS 112: Programming for Scientific Applications
Minimum grades. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. However, reaching this minimum is not a guarantee of admission.
In-progress courses. You may submit an application while you have your final Introductory Physics course in progress, but the course must be completed before you begin the first quarter of your major.
Quarters versus semesters. The University of Washington operates on a quarter system. If you are transferring from an institution that operates on a semester system, then please note that a three-quarter series and a two-semester series are usually considered equivalent.
Transfer coursework
To determine how most courses from a 2-year institution in Washington State transfer to the University of Washington Bothell, visit the transfer equivalency guide.
Covid-19 and pass/fail grading
The University of Washington recognizes the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic. For courses taken during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters (ECQ), we will consider pass/fail grading options for the purposes of admissions and graduation requirements.
- If taken at a UW campus during an ECQ, a grade of ‘S’ (Satisfactory) will be considered. A grade of ‘NS’ (Not Satisfactory) will not be accepted.
- If taken elsewhere during an ECQ, a “Satisfactory”, “Credit”, “Pass”, or similar grade will be considered if the definition of these grades indicate they would have been at least a 2.0 if the class had been numerically graded.
Questions?
Premajor applicants
Start by visiting the premajor advising website or contacting the First Year & Premajor Programs (FYPP) team at uwbadvis@uw.edu.
Transfer applicants
Start by visiting the transfer admissions website or contacting the admissions advising team at uwbinfo@uw.edu.
Other applicants / further questions
You can contact us directly at stemadv@uw.edu.