Overview

The Department of Physics offers the bachelor of science in physics and the accelerated B.S./M.S. physics program. The curriculum in physics prepares students for technical careers in physics or in an allied area; for careers in engineering, through either the double major in physics and engineering or the pre-engineering program; and for the teaching of physics in secondary schools. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate studies in physics or in a related area, and for graduate studies of a profession in fields such as business, medical science, environmental science, law, or science writing. 

Physics majors interested in teaching careers in elementary, middle, secondary or special education can enter the Extended Teacher Preparation Program that results in the simultaneous awarding of a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in teaching. For more information about this program jointly administered by the School of Education and the College of Humanities and Sciences, contact the School of Education’s Office of Academic Services.

Students interested in preparing for studies in engineering should refer to the School of Engineering.

The department also offers required and elective courses for students in other programs along with students majoring in physics.

Degree Requirements: Bachelor of science in physics

Physics Degree Requirements

The bachelor of science curriculum in physics requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 53 credits in physics and physics related courses, as detailed in the course lists.

To determine the biology course to fulfill the general education natural sciences requirement, students should consult with their adviser in the College Advising Center or their physics adviser. CHEM 101-102, 101L, 102L General Chemistry and Laboratories are highly recommended for all physics majors.

Along with the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences and the under-graduate requirements, students must take required courses and fulfill specific requirements for the degree as follows:

Suggested Course Sequence for B.Sc. in Physics

Those students intending to pursue graduate studies in physics should take PHYS 302, 420, 440, 571, 576 and/or 580. Those interested in experimental physics should also take one or more credits in PHYS 397 or 492. 

Double Major (B.S.) in Engineering and Physics

Students choosing a secondary major in physics must fulfill the requirements listed for the B.S. in physics. Double majors can also use a select number of Engineering courses as acceptable substitutes for required physics courses as shown below. With regard to general education requirements, students must fulfill the requirements of their primary major.

Minor in Physics

A minor in physics consists of 20 credits made up of PHYS 207, 208, PHYS 320, PHYS 320L and six credits of physics electives that are applicable to the physics major. Engineering courses that are listed as acceptable substitutes in the physics/engineering double major, described in the School of Engineering section of the undergraduate bulletin, are also acceptable substitutes in the minor.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Physics Program

Students enrolled in the Physics B.S. Program may elect to take graduate courses that may count toward the M.S. degree. Up to six hours of graduate credit may be earned without any special provisions: however, to offer more than six credits of pre-admission graduate credits toward the M.S. degree, the student must apply for admission to the Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program through the Department of Physics Graduate Admissions Committee in the junior year, indicating (1) a curriculum plan for completing the physics B.S. degree within two years or its part-time equivalency and (2) which graduate courses the student intends to offer toward the physics M.S. degree. Those applying for this accelerated program should have a "B" average or better. Admission to the accelerated program does not imply admission to the graduate program. Application for graduate admission must be made when a student applies for the B.S. degree.