The Departmental offers a single major that provides a thorough grounding in the core areas of physics. It is suitable either as a preparation for careers in science and engineering, or as a spring-board for applying technical knowledge in such fields as business, medicine, law, public policy and education. All physics majors are required to complete a set of core physics courses, six hours of optional physics and/or astronomy courses, and the general education requirements for the College of Arts & Science (the CPLE, College Program in Liberal Education, requirements for juniors and seniors; the AXLE, Achieving Excellence in Liberal Education, requirements for the Class of 2009 and beyond). Suggested courses and schedules for different 'tracks' within the Physics major are listed below in detail.

Students planning to major in physics will be assigned an advisor from the list of faculty given below. Students are encouraged to seek advice and be mentored by any faculty member. The official advisors listed below are particularly knowledgeable on curricular matters and support systems at Vanderbilt University. They are also the ones who have the authority to sign official paperwork.

Charles Brau	SC 6639B	322-2559	charles.a.brau@vanderbilt.edu
James Dickerson	SC 6514	343-2957	james.h.dickerson@vanderbilt.edu
Richard Haglund	SC 6416	322-7964	richard.haglund@vanderbilt.edu
Paul Sheldon	SC 6907C	343-0484	paul.sheldon@vanderbilt.edu
David Weintraub	SC 6910	322-5034	david.a.weintraub@vanderbilt.edu

• Core Courses - Required courses for all Physics and Astronomy majors as well as a list of recommended math courses.
• Professional Physics Track - This track prepares students to undertake graduate work in physics and other technical fields. The complete program must begin in the freshman year; however, under exceptional circumstances a student who decides in the sophomore year to undertake graduate work in physics can complete sufficient work to succeed.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics Track - This track prepares students to undertake graduate work in astronomy, astrophysics or related earth and planetary sciences.
• Applied Physics Track - This track prepares students for graduate studies or careers in physics and related engineering disciplines.
• Medical Physics Track - This track prepares students for medical school and for graduate study and careers in the health sciences. Because of the additional requirements for pre-medical students in the biological and chemical sciences, this major is best started in the sophomore year.
• General Physics Track - This track prepares students for applying technical knowledge in such fields as business, law, public policy and education. It is designed to be completed in three years, thus meeting the needs of a student who discovers in the freshman year that physics is an attractive major option.
• Honors Program - Students majoring in physics may apply for admission to an Honors Program which involves a senior thesis of high merit. Directed and Independent Study - All majors are encouraged to participate in research projects under the direction of faculty and research staff. Students can undertake Directed Study, which allows a student to work together with faculty on their research projects, or Independent Study, which involves research projects conceived and undertaken by individual students.
• Interdisciplinary Program in Communication of Science and Technology.