USC Physics
Transfer Requirements and Classes

The major preparation USC lists for Physics transfers starts with CHEM 105aLg, MATH 125g and MATH 126g; the full list is below.

82 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with USC for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Physics

Your community college

Which classes count at your community college?

Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.

Major Requirements

USC Physics Major Preparation

The courses USC lists as Physics major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are USC's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Complete all of these

CHEM 105aLg General Chemistry
MATH 125g Calculus I
MATH 126g Calculus II
MATH 225 Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations
MATH 226g Calculus III
PHYS 161Lg Advanced Principles of Physics I
PHYS 162L Advanced Principles of Physics II
PHYS 163L Advanced Principles of Physics III
PHYS 190 Physics Discovery Series

Required Upper-Division Courses

Complete all of these

MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II
PHYS 304 Mechanics
PHYS 316 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 408b Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 438a Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
PHYS 438b Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
PHYS 440 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 492L Senior Lab
PHYS 493L Advanced Experimental Techniques

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USC have a Physics major for transfer students?

Yes. USC offers Physics and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Physics?

USC's Physics major preparation includes CHEM 105aLg, MATH 125g, MATH 126g, MATH 225, MATH 226g and PHYS 161Lg, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.

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