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<p>True, some large physics departments do offer two-semester upper division sequences in classical mechanics and E&M, but some do not. For example Harvard offers one semester of each of those subjects (Physics 151 Mechanics and Physics 153 Electrodynamics) at the upper-undergraduate level. If you want to take more mechanics or E&M at Harvard you have to move on to graduate-level courses. The question is how many mechanics courses and E&M courses are enough for an undergraduate.</p>
<p>Despite its small size Amherst offers a rigorous physics major that can prepare students well for graduate study or for other endeavors. Rather than offering more upper-level physics courses than most students will take, it focuses on getting students involved in research with its talented faculty. A larger fraction of Amherst physics majors go on to earn PhD’s than physics majors from UMass for example. I would not steer a student away from Amherst College and toward UMass if he wants to major in physics.</p>