Physics B.A.
Degree Requirements
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 | Intro Physics I with Calculus | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 316 | Intro Physics II with Calculus | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 320 | Modern Physics | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 460 | Electromagnetic Theory | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 481 | Classical Mechanics | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 482 | Quantum Physics | 1 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Course
| PHY 492 | Physics Seminar | 1/2 Course Credit |
Required Distribution Courses
Three (3) PHY course credits selected from program offerings at the 200-300-400 level
Required Collateral Courses
| MAT 135 | Calculus I | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 225 | Calculus II | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 330 | Calculus III | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 437 | Differential Equations | 1 Course Credit |
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 with PHY 217/PHY 218; or 2) MAT 125 and MAT 135 with PHY 315/ PHY 316, as described in Course Sequencing below.
Admission to the Major — Students should earn a grade of C or higher in PHY 315, PHY 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 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 125 or MAT 135 (or are simultaneously taking MAT 135) should register for PHY 225 in Fall Term and PHY 315 in Spring Term of their first year.
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.