<p>Although physics classes cover roughly the same material it is not true that there are no differences between colleges. For example the physics classes at MIT cover significantly more material at a higher level than the ones at the University of Minnesota. The extent of this varies from class to class though. The intermediate classical mechanics mechanics class at MIT covers tons more than the similar class at the University of Minnesota. The intermediate E&M classes are more similar although the MIT class appears to cover a couple more chapters in Griffiths. MIT also offers 3 semesters of undergrad quantum compared to one at the University of Minnesota.</p>
<p>Although there won’t be a major in “theoretical physics” the OP’s son will likely have a number of physics electives and can choose to take more theoretical classes with those. Also it’s possible to do theoretical physics research which is something you should do if you want to go to grad school for theoretical physics.</p>