Skip to main content
Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy
Visit WVU Request Info Apply Now

Advising for Physics Majors

As a student, one of your most valuable resources will be your academic advisor. Below is some general information regarding academic advising. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact Undergraduate Advising

Declaring the Major

First, determine if you meet the admissions requirements. Then, we invite you to meet with one of our advisors to discuss your plan to complete your Physics major and how to best prepare for a career using your Physics degree. To schedule a meeting, email physicsugradadvising@mail.wvu.edu.

Planning for Success in Physics

Review information about majoring in physics, including typical plans of study. Each semester, students should:
  1. Review their Degree Works page.
  2. Review their Plan of Study or matriculation plan and the classes they will take in the next term.
  3. Explore possible minor degrees, second majors, or electives in areas that supplement their career goals and interests.
  4. Develop questions for their advisor.
  5. Meet with their academic advisor each semester before their priority registration date.

What to Expect From Advising

Building your academic success team is key to thriving as a student in university. The first person on your team is your academic advisor. Together, you and your advisor will focus on your academic success, and your advisor will provide helpful insights to help you refine your focus and pursue your goals. Others, such as professors and support staff, can also be a part of your success team. Understanding expectations of how we relate to each other fosters a healthy professional relationship, with the added benefit of helping you prepare for a professional career.

Expect Your Advisor to...

  • Be available: Advisors typically respond to email 24-48 hours. A friendly reminder that some advisor teach courses, and may be in class when you attempt to contact them. We will also meet with you at least once every semester to discuss your academic progress and career goals.
  • Reach out: Advisors will use email to communicate. Advisors send reminders about deadlines, policies, check in with you, and tell you about opportunities. 
  • Support you: We want you to succeed at the University. Advisors will give you feedback on your course selection and help you progress towards degree completion. Please reach out when you have questions or concerns.

Advisors Expect You To...

  • Actively participate: You are in charge of your academic journey. This means that you select courses that meet your degree requirements and help you achieve your career goals with feedback from us.

  • Use available resources: Please refer to your degree plan, the course catalog, and DegreeWorks to help you plan future semesters. Use the information on this website to troubleshoot registration issues. Use the Academic Support Hub and the WVU Students website to find help for academic and non-academic concerns. Checking your email is also critical to your success.

  • Ask for help: Never hesitate to reach out! Your advisor and our Academic Program Assistant, Miranda Heitz, are here to help you every step of the way.

Quick Facts About Advising

  • Advising occurs twice per year. Scheduling usually takes place in March for the Fall semester and in October for the Spring semester.
  • Your advisor will typically arrange an advising meeting with you via email. You are expected to be prepared to discuss your future degree progress at these meetings. Following the meeting, registration holds will be lifted.
  • Making and keeping advising appointments is extremely important. Most faculty are unavailable during the summer, and students who do not meet with their advisory during priority registration may have registration issues later.
  • Students planning for graduation should remain mindful of application deadlines. Be sure to discuss graduation application processes with your advisor well in advance of the semester you hope to graduate.