B.A. Degree with a Major in Physics

Requirements for the Major

A major in Physics is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Courses

PHY 315, 316, 320, 460, 481, and 482

Required Capstone Course

PHY 492 (1/4 credit)

Required Distribution Courses

Three (3) PHY course credits selected from departmental offerings at the 200-400 level

Required Collateral Courses

MAT 135, 225, 330, and 437

Exploring the Major

First-year prospective Physics majors will be placed in the introductory Physics courses, depending on the student’s mathematics preparation. Students should follow either: 1) MAT 115 or 125 with PHY 217/218; or 2) MAT 135 with PHY 315/316, as described in Course Sequencing below.

Admission to the Major

Students should earn a grade of C or higher in PHY 315, 316, and MAT 135 (or waiver) in order to be admitted into the major.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

Students interested in Physics as a major, who have completed or waived MAT 115 or 125, should register for PHY 217 in Fall Term and PHY 218 in Spring Term of their first year. Prospective Physics majors who have completed or waived MAT 135 (or are simultaneously taking MAT 135) should register for PHY 225 and 315 in Fall Term and PHY 316 and 320 in Spring Term.

Additional Considerations or Recommendations

The Program strongly recommends that students who are interested in majoring in Physics talk with one of the Physics Program faculty as early as possible.

Students interested in gaining certification to teach in the area of physics (grades 8-12) must double major in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification and in Physics. For more information, see the requirements for majoring in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification under the Education Studies section of this publication.

Physics

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