Mathematics and Physics majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Math 121) (depending on placement; see below)
- A foreign language (see below)
- CSC 113, 123, 124, 212, or 223
Math placement
Your major requires you to take the math placement exam to determine what math course is at the right level for you.
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.
If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
Please make sure that you enroll in Calculus 1 (MATH 121) since knowledge of calculus at this level will be assumed in PHYS 215, the first physics course you will take in the spring. Before you can register for calculus, you will need to submit AP scores or take the calculus placement exam.
We suggest that you begin or continue study of a foreign language as soon as possible. If you’ve taken a foreign language in high school, you may want to consider testing out of the requirement.
For your last course,you have an option of which computer science course you would like to take. We particularly recommend CSC 123 (Introduction to Computer Programming).
To learn more about the Mathematics and Physics major, consult the Mathematics Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.