Physics, B.S.

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The BS prepares students for graduate programs in Science and Engineering and for a career in technical professions. Many of our students have continued at prestigious research institutions across the country. We also offer our BS for honors and scholars students.

Minimum hours required for B.S. major: 71

Minimum hours required for B.S. Honors major: 78

Minimum hours required for B.S. Scholars major: 74

Requirements of the College of Sciences and Health Professions: A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a degree, of which 42 semester credit hours must be earned in 300- and/or 400-level courses.

Major-Field Requirements for B.S. in Physics

Required physics courses (17 courses)

PHY 243 - University Physics I (Writing)
PHY 244 - University Physics II (Writing)
PHY 320 - Introduction to Computational Physics
PHY 325 - Introduction to Theoretical Physics
PHY 330 - Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 340 - Mechanics and Vibrations I
PHY 341 - Mechanics and Vibrations II
PHY 350 - Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 351 - Electricity & Magnetism II
PHY 360 - Electronics Laboratory
PHY 440 - Quantum Physics I
PHY 450 - Optics and Electromagnetic Waves
PHY 455 - Optics Laboratory
PHY 474 - Thermal Physics
PHY 475 - Statistical Physics
Additional 300-/400- level PHY elective
Additional 300-/400-level elective in a STEM field

Required mathematics and computer science courses (4 courses)

Major-Field Requirements for B.S. Honors in Physics

Required physics courses (16 courses)

Required mathematics and computer science courses (4 courses)

Required honors contract courses (10 credits)

PHY 495 - Problem-Based Seminar
PHY 441 - Quantum Physics II
PHY 493 - Advanced Topics in Physics (variable credit, take as 2+2, minimum of 4 credits required)

Note(s):

PHY 493 Research requires a written and oral presentation at the completion of the project.

In order to graduate with the B.S. Honors in Physics, students must have a cumulative grade point average, upon graduation, of 3.20 or higher in PHY and MTH courses. A student who does not achieve this, but meets all the requirements for the B.S. degree in Physics, will receive that degree instead.

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Physics, B.S.

Major-Field Requirements for B.S. in Physics

Required physics courses (17 courses)

Required mathematics and computer science courses (4 courses)

Major-Field Requirements for B.S. Honors in Physics

Required physics courses (16 courses)

Required mathematics and computer science courses (4 courses)

Required honors contract courses (10 credits)

Note(s):

Major-Field Requirements for B.S. Scholars in Physics

Required Physics Courses (16 courses)

Required Math and Computer Science Courses (4 courses)

Additional Physics Electives (2 courses)