Oct 10, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2022-2023 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2022-2023 Previous Edition

Physics, B.A.


The Bachelor of Art degree is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics within the context of a broader education.  This curriculum allows the greatest freedom in choosing electives offered by other departments, and is ideal for students wishing to pursue double majors, matching physics with another discipline. 

Admission Requirements


Freshmen

  • Minimum GPA:  n/a
  • Declaration of Major:  Students should declare a Physics major in their Freshman or Sophomore year.

Transfers

  • Minimum GPA:  2.0
  • Transferable Credit Hours:  24

Degree Requirements


A Major in Physics leading to the B.A. degree consists of at least 39 credit hours of physics courses (PHYS). 

General Education Courses (37-41 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program .

Foreign Language Requirement (0-8 credit hours)


For details, refer to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Foreign Language Requirement 

Notes:


* Under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, PHYS 1101 , PHYS 1101L , PHYS 1102 , and PHYS 1102L  may be substituted for the PHYS 2101-2102 sequence. 

** Freshmen should complete MATH 1241  before the beginning of their second year. 

Note:


*** PHYS 3000 , PHYS 3900 , PHYS 4000 , or PHYS 4800  may be used to fulfill the PHYS course requirements only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee.

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Cooperative Education Program


In the Cooperative Education Program, students complete their lower-division coursework and, after being formally accepted as a co-op student, alternates periods of academic coursework with periods of full-time paid employment in an area mutually agreed upon by the student, an employer, and the University.  Students who are in good standing with the University, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 30 credit hours are eligible to apply.  Transfer students are required to complete 12 credit hours at the University prior to application. Further information regarding the application procedure for admission into this program can be obtained from the University Career Center.

Grade Requirements


Major courses must be completed with grades of C or above.

Honors Program


For details about the Honors Program in Physics, visit the program page .

Teacher Licensure


Students interested in teaching physics in high school should take both PHYS 3282  and PHYS 3283 . In addition to meeting the requirements for the physics degree, students who plan to become licensed teachers must have a Minor in Secondary Education. These students should contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the College of Education regarding teacher licensure.