Advising for Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy Majors & Minors
Dr. Monika Kress will the academic adviser in Spring 2023.
https://sites.google.com/sjsu.edu/profkress
Spring 2023 courses
What I can do for you?
I am here to help you navigate through your Physics & Astronomy curriculum from freshman/transfer till your graduation. I can help you with the choice of classes and electives, registration, graduation paperwork, and/or any other administrative issues you might have.
I am certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid. I am trained to provide initial help to those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Please feel free to talk to me.
I can also give you career advice - whether you want to pursue work after the bachelor degree or whether you want to go to graduate school.
I also handle anything related to Physics and Astronomy minor degrees.
Want help with GE classes?
For advising on General Education (GE) courses, please contact College of Science Advising Center (COSAC).
MyProgress will also give you an overview of your progress with the GE classes. Check it out! Use it only for GE coursework though. For progress in your physics major coursework please rely only on our advising paperwork.
Want to change your major?
To physics or within physics - talk to me. (Change of Major form)
From physics to anything else - contact COSAC Advising who will advise you on the change of major. Make sure to fill out the 'Intent to Change Majors Google Form' so COSAC can lift your advising hold.
Between physics B.S., B.A., and B.A.-Teacher-Prep - talk to me first, then fill out the change of major form.
Want to graduate?
Apply for graduation here about a semester before the estimated graduation date. More info about the graduation process can be found here.
Fill out the major form (BS or BA) before the start of the last semester and submit it me.
You will not be able to graduate without the major form and the application for graduation. Those are two different things that need to be completed separately.
Want to go to graduate school?
Check out the Physics Today GradSchoolShopper Magazine and the GradSchoolShopper website.
Should you do a PhD? (very well put)
Want to figure out if BA or BS degree is right for you?
Information about all degrees, including all minor degrees at SJSU is found here.
Want to declare a major? - Find information here: http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/change.of.major/
Want to declare physics or astronomy minor?
Find information about minors on the Department Website:
If you are interested in the physics/astro minor you have to first complete the Phys 50/51/52 series. Then you have declare the minor.
Fill out the 'Minor Form' only with the classes you've completed. Leave the rest blank. Send the Minor Form to me for signature via Docusign. Then fill out this Google form and submit your Minor Form signed by me.
With that, you'll be declared in the minor and be able to take the upper division physics/astro classes needed for the minor.
Once you complete the rest of the minor classes, complete 'Minor Form' and send it to me, and we'll process it and send it to COSAC who will issue you the minor.
Want information about other minors outside physics? - Find information here.
Want to socialize with other physics majors? Visit Physics & Astronomy clubroom in SCI 239 and join the SJSU Facebook Physics Club, and/or join the Physics Club at SJSU Discord Server.
Want to figure out what math classes you need? https://www.sjsu.edu/math/calculus/
Want information about transfer course agreements? http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/splash/artic.html
Want to take calculus or general physics or general chemistry course at a community college - check out the course articulation here: http://info.sjsu.eduinfo.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/artic/all-course-to-course.html/web-dbgen/artic/all-course-to-course.html
Want to know more about late drop or withdrawal from the semester? https://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/
Want to know about SJSU grading policy? Grades
Want advising for general education, undeclared students, international students and students on probation or disqualified? Check out Academic Advising & Retention Services (AARS).
Want to find personal counseling service? https://www.sjsu.edu/counseling/students/personal-counseling.php
Programming skills survey for transfer students. (Please fill out this survey if you are transferring to physics from another degree or another school and you have taken some programming course. This will help us evaluate your coursework)
Information about SJSU Physics & Astronomy program:
Information about the undergraduate and graduate degree programs (BA, BS, BA-Teacher-Prep, Minor) and 4-Year-Program roadmaps can be found on the SJSU Catalog.
Suggestion for STEM electives outside Physics & Astronomy Department