Students who major in physics at Mount Holyoke design their own major curriculum. Some take courses necessary to prepare for graduate study in physics or closely related fields (including engineering). Some plan a program that, together with courses from other disciplines, prepares them for advanced work in medicine, environmental engineering, or other physical sciences or branches of engineering. Others design their program to prepare for secondary school teaching, technical writing, or technical positions in industry.

Students interested in geophysics, astrophysics, physical chemistry, and other similar programs can work out special majors in consultation with faculty in the appropriate department.

Consulting with a departmental advisor, the student may design her major curriculum for various purposes. She may take the courses necessary to prepare for graduate study in physics or closely related fields (including engineering), or she may plan a program that, together with courses from other disciplines, prepares her for advanced work in medicine, environmental engineering, or other physical sciences or branches of engineering, as well as for secondary school teaching, technical writing, or technical positions in industry. Students interested in geophysics, astrophysics, materials science, biophysics, physical chemistry, and other similar programs can work out special majors in consultation with faculty in the appropriate departments.